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Nestled in northern San Diego County among rolling hills and lush valleys, San Marcos brings old-fashioned values and tradition to modern-day convenience. With a strong regional and local economy, San Marcos possesses low unemployment rates, low crime rates, some of the lowest taxes in the county, and has the fastest economic growth in the northern region. The city has an excellent transportation network, including the Santa Fe Railroad, the North County Transit District Commuter Rail, a convenient bus service, and easy access to highways 5 and 15. Only 70% of the city is built-out, so there is much availability of land for development. In addition, San Marcos is centrally-located in North County , with excellent urban (rural) interface setting with small town informality.

San Marcos has a number of excellent educational opportunities. The San Marcos School District is ranked among the top 7 California Distinguished Schools, making it a perfect location for growing families. The city is also home to Palomar Community College and California State University, San Marcos . In its second decade, California State University San Marcos has become a distinctive public university, known for academic excellence and service to the community. CSUSM combines the academic strengths of a large university with the close personal interactions characteristic of smaller institutions, creating a unique learning environment for its students.

San Marcos has a diversified housing market, which includes award-winning master planned communities alongside older, historic homes. A great amount of affordable housing is available, with a wide range of options to choose from. There are a number of community recreation programs, city parks, hiking trails, and quick access to lakes, beaches, and regional recreation.

Fondly called “The Ranch” by locals, Rancho Santa Fe encompasses two of the hottest zip codes in the state of California. Known for its large lots, rural ambiance, and celebrity residents, Rancho Santa Fe is a jewel of San Diego County.

The ranch is known for its horses, as there are bridle paths located throughout the ranch. Some of the finest horse trainers in the country live here and the area was the site for the equestrian events during the 1984 Olympics. With the famous Del Mar Racetrack only minutes away, Rancho Santa Fe has become a haven for breeders and horse enthusiasts. The minimum lot size established by the covenant–two and half acres–ensures that the homes in Rancho Santa Fe are private and highly desirable.

Its golf courses and tennis courts are excellent, most notably The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe. The stunning retreat resembles the beauties of Northern Tuscany, complete with dramatic terrain, lakes, and boasts five sets of tees. The clubhouse offers elegant dining, tennis, and a luxurious day spa. The historic Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is a favorite stop for locals and celebrities alike.

The town itself is quaint yet luxurious, home to small boutiques and fine restaurants. It is also the location of many philanthropic organizations, including the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Although considered part of greater San Diego, Rancho Bernardo excludes itself from the busy day-to-day activities of its parent city. Its distinctive ambiance and secluded location in North County set Rancho Bernardo apart from other cities in the region. Still, residents have easy access to Downtown, Lindberg Field Airport , the beach, and neighboring Palomar Mountain. RB, as it is often called, is made up of quiet residential communities and small commercial districts that cater to families and businesses.

The Rancho Bernardo business park is home to a number of well-known corporate offices, including Sony Electronics, SAIC, Siemens, BAE, Hewlett-Packard, Cymer and many more. Over 50,000 workers are employed in this park of low slung, well-landscaped office buildings. There is convenient access to the business district by the freeway, an area well-known for its high tech and financial tenants.

Residents enjoy excellent shopping, classy restaurants, and access to a number of service businesses within a conveniently laid-out commercial core. Owing to its privileged position on the Pacific Ocean and its warm Mediterranean-style climate, the region enjoys an abundance of quality produce and dining. With a myriad ethnic and cultural mix, San Diego County and Rancho Bernardo itself is well known for its wide selection of cuisines. One can enjoy delicious wines locally-grown, or taste a number of delicacies from the plethora of international and domestic restaurants. The Rancho Bernardo Inn offers excellent dining options at El Bizcocho’s and the Veranda Bar & Grille. The Inn is famous for four-star cuisine, excellent service, and a luxurious golf course.

The beautiful valley of Poway is conveniently located in the center of San Diego County, minutes to Downtown, beaches, mountains, and deserts. Poway has something for everyone, including miles of beautiful hiking trails, a downtown farmer’s market, and a variety of performances and events at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. At Old Poway Park one can catch weekend train rides, visit specialty shops, or spend some time in the museum. Lake Poway is a favorite location for picnics, fishing, or even watching concerts in the summer.

The breathtaking Bernardo Winery is a worthy visit for all who love good wine and excellent food. This rustic facility is one of the oldest continuously-operating wineries in Southern California, established in 1889 on an old Spanish land grant. The locally-grown zinfandel, merlot, cabernet, syrah, and Muscat grapes that are harvested each autumn, supplemented by others purchased from other California growers, the Bernardo Winery produces over 4,000 gallons of wine each year.

For the golfer in the family, there are three beautiful courses to choose from: Maderas Golf Club, The Doubletree Resort, and breathtaking Stoneridge Country Club. Dinners at the Stoneridge include tender steaks and fresh sea scallops. Members can also hit a round of tennis following golf and a decadent lunch.

Named “Spring Water” in the local Native American language, Pauma Valley lies along the lush San Luis Rey River Valley in Northeast San Diego County. One can easily fall in love with the majestic rolling hills and quiet atmosphere that distinguish the area from other communities. Rustic elegance combines with modern convenience make Pauma Valley a haven for working professionals and retirees alike.

The community of Pauma Valley offers country-style living only minutes from San Diego. With a year-round temperate climate and small-town atmosphere, it is a haven for those seeking the peace and quiet of the country with all the amenities of a larger town. From the gently sloping citrus groves to the miles of horse ranches, it is truly a page out of early Californian history.

Don’t think this sleepy town is boring—in moments one can visit one of the many casinos in the region: Casino Pauma, Pala, and Harrah’s, just to name a few. Named “Best Buffet” by San Diego magazine, Harrah’s International Buffet is a must. All casinos serve as first-class entertainment venues, presenting concerts, special events, and performances by local and international talent. Other local points of interest include the lush Lavender Fields, Palomar Mountain Observatory, and the historic village of Julian.

Whether interested in a small, historic farmhouse or a grandiose ranch house complete with dazzling acreage, Pauma Valley meets those needs with rural style.