Why Escondido, California, Is a Great Place to Retire

The city of Escondido in Southern California has become one of the top retirement communities in San Diego because of its convenient location and array of attractions. Escondido is around 30 minutes away from both the Pacific Ocean coastline and the city of San Diego. Within a couple hours, you can drive from Escondido to Mexico or Los Angeles, or get to Las Vegas within about 5 hours.

Escondido resides in a valley in the coastal mountains, surrounded by citrus and avocado groves. With nearly 145,000 residents, the Escondido community provides a smaller California city option compared to San Diego or Los Angeles, but residents are still close to relaxing beaches and are surrounded by the vibrant nature and attractions the state offers.

If you or a loved one are thinking about where to live in retirement, here’s why you should consider Escondido retirement communities in San Diego.

Beautiful Outdoors

If you’re looking for great weather, many residents love Escondido because of its temperate weather. It rarely snows in the area and has comfortable temperatures most of the year. During summer, temperatures reach around 80 degrees with a low of 65 degrees, while winter temperatures bring mild daytime highs of around 65 and lows of around 45.

The gorgeous weather means there’s plenty of opportunity to spend time outdoors. Escondido has lots of nature to explore, including:

• Dixon Lake, located in the northern Escondido hills and open for boating, day and night fishing, hiking, camping and picnicking
• Lake Wohlford, located in northeastern Escondido and open for boating and fishing
• Daley Ranch, a 3,200-acre conservation area open for walkers and hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers
• Del Dios Highlands County Preserve, a nature preserve on 774 acres that includes coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral habitats, wildlife and birds of prey, an exercise trail, campgrounds and 1.5 miles of multi-use trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking
• Bates Nut Farm, which includes picnic areas and a farm zoo with miniature donkeys, sheep, alpacas, emus, goats, peacocks and other animals
• Felicita Park, with 53 acres of dense oak groves, plus horseshoe pits, barbecues and picnic tables, a nature tail, hiking trails and playgrounds
• Grape Day Park, Escondido’s oldest park that includes a blacksmith shop, historic buildings and monuments, a working barn, a heritage walk, picnic tables and other features
• Kit Carson Park, which includes a five-acre arboretum, hiking and walking trails, three ponds, picnic areas, open turf areas, lighted tennis courts, a sculpture garden, an outdoor amphitheater, a disc golf course and more
• San Dieguito River Park, which includes more than 65 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians

In addition to nature preserves and parks like these, Escondido is home to more than 20 wine tasting experiences, including wine picnic experiences and hilltop terraces. There are also several golf courses throughout the area.

The San Diego Zoo, regarded as one of the best zoos in the country, is also just a short drive away in San Diego. Whatever type of outdoor attraction you’re interested in, you can find it in Escondido.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Escondido also ranks as a top retirement community in San Diego for its diverse offering of arts, culture and entertainment options. From museums to live performances, the following are some of the top attractions in Escondido.

• California Center for the Arts, Escondido: The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, has a variety of museum exhibits, events and education programs for art lovers. The museum hosts up to six exhibitions a year, featuring work by contemporary artists. Events include live concerts, symphony performances and theater productions.
• Distinction Gallery: Distinction Gallery features a unique collection of pop surrealism and figurative artwork by emerging and established artists. The gallery features new exhibitions nearly every month.
• Escondido Arts Partnership Municipal Gallery: The Escondido Arts Partnership Municipal Gallery features rotating exhibits of visual artwork, and hosts events like weekend farmers’ markets and maker workshops.
• Escondido History Center: The Escondido History Center has permanent and featured exhibits that educate guests about the history of the area. Exhibits focus on topics such as World War I, the Railroad Depot, model trains, historical photography and artifacts, and more. The space also hosts events such as the historic Escondido Adobe Home Tour, American Heritage Car Shows and movies in the park.
• Stone & Glass: Stone & Glass has a gallery and gift shop full of handmade stone and glass items. You can also sign up for a class to learn how to make your own glass blowing creations.
• The Photographer’s Eye: A Creative Collective: The Photographer’s Eye: A Creative Collective is a photography gallery featuring national and local photographers’ works.
• San Diego Archaeological Center: Escondido is also home to the San Diego Archaeological Center, featuring artifacts from the San Diego County area that date back more than 12,000 years.

In downtown Escondido, you can also take a self-guided tour to view more than a dozen public art displays.

Senior Activities

There’s so much more for seniors living in Escondido San Diego retirement communities to experience. Escondido makes it easy to enjoy activities like the following.

• Road trips: You can spend a day at the beach in San Diego, Los Angeles or Mexico, or book a weekend trip to nearby Las Vegas or Laughlin, Nevada. Living in Escondido, you’re close to lots of destinations that provide an escape whenever you want.
• Dining and restaurants: Escondido has dozens of chef-driven restaurants with diverse cuisines, from Mexican and Italian food, to Irish, Salvadorian and French cuisine. Downtown Escondido alone has more than 20 restaurants, including lots of patio dining options.
• Libraries: The Escondido Public Library system has several branches that offer free reading and multimedia materials to check out, plus adult services and events.

Escondido also has lots of shopping options, including the Westfield North County Mall. Plus, when you live at Felicita Vida, you’ll have access to a monthly calendar of programming activities right on-site, including paint and sip parties, movie showings and much more.

Learn About Options for Escondido Retirement Homes in San Diego

Still wondering if San Diego is a good place to retire? We encourage you to check out the assisted living and memory care accommodations offered at Felicita Vida for you or your loved one. We provide all the services seniors need, including transportation, meals and on-site activities to build friendships and community right at the residence.

Find out more about Senior Lifestyle, or schedule a tour today.