SE/SW Escondido (Carson, Fortuna, Mesa: renters, crime, houses)

[esmith143]

I'm interested in hearing from people who live in rural parts of SE/SW Escondido: SW south of Gamble Lane, or SE south of 78 & east of Bear Valley. What is it like? What kinds of people choose to live on half-acre lots in the boondocks of Escondido instead of smaller houses close to everything? Are there any demographic peculiarities (like a bias towards baby boomers & their parents)? Am I right to assume that it's a white Repubican area? Is it generally safe? Anything non-obvious that I should worry about before moving there?

[esmith143]

Bump

No one lives there and no one knows anyone who lives there?

[j760]

I live in SouthWest Escondido in a very rural area, and I've never been happier. I have found people in this area to be very friendly for the most part, everyone minds their own business and there are all types of people here. Crime is very low for the most part, I've never had any problems in 5 years.

Basically to answer your question about what types of people choose to live on the half acre lots in the boondocks, well it's much more peaceful out here, yet your only 5 minutes from the city and everything you need. There is a great sense of nature out here, and a lot of people own horses, etc.

As for being white and republican I don't know about that, I'm white but definitely not republican. There are a lot of hispanics that live in houses here to, so it's not all white.

[esmith143]

Thanks for the response.

Do you feel that things have changed for the worse in any way in 5 years you lived there? Do you see an influx of Hispanics in your area? I looked at student demographics in SE schools and it looks as if there is a demographic shift. Green Elementary went from 6% english learners, 9% reduced-price meals (2000) to 18% english-learners, 21% reduced-price meals (2006) I'm wondering if that's because of changing school boundaries, because wealthy whites have fewer children, or because poor hispanics are moving into the area.

Do people know each other and talk to each other? Are you more or less likely to know your neighbors when you live on an acre lot, vs. a tract house in Rancho Bernardo or Carmel Valley?

[j760]

Originally Posted by esmith143

Thanks for the response.

Do you feel that things have changed for the worse in any way in 5 years you lived there? Do you see an influx of Hispanics in your area? I looked at student demographics in SE schools and it looks as if there is a demographic shift. Green Elementary went from 6% english learners, 9% reduced-price meals (2000) to 18% english-learners, 21% reduced-price meals (2006) I'm wondering if that's because of changing school boundaries, because wealthy whites have fewer children, or because poor hispanics are moving into the area.

Do people know each other and talk to each other? Are you more or less likely to know your neighbors when you live on an acre lot, vs. a tract house in Rancho Bernardo or Carmel Valley?

To answer your first question it's hard to say because it's a rather large area out here, there are a lot of streets with housing so I can really only speak for my main area. And I would say it's been very much the same, there are a lot of renters here but the homeowners have been here ever since I arrived and have stayed. The nice thing is the houses are very spread out, your not so close to eachother, you have breathing home and it gives you more privacy.

And that goes towards your second question, I'd say it depends a lot upon the people themselves. I know one of my neighbors very well and we talk sometimes, but for the most part I mind my own business but that's just me. What I can tell you is I remember when I first moved in there was a neighborhood Oktoberfest, I didn't go but I thought it was neat that some people in the area arranged that. I would say people for the most part tend to keep to themselves and you won't find as much of a tight knit community as you would in Rancho Bernardo, but people here are more than willing to lend a helping hand if necessary.

People do take a lot of pride in living in these unincorporated areas though, and they do what they can to keep things rural and not allow it to become like big city living. There is even an e-mail newsletter I subscribe to, and it discusses things like any announcements in the area, or people will post their lost pet in there, or it even talks about meetings involving the possible new High School in the area, etc. So there are trade off's when it comes to the tract housing areas, it all comes down to what you are comfortable with most though, rural living isn't for everyone but we are close enough to the city here that you get the best of both worlds.

[Charlie#1]

I know this is a little late but here goes...On the changes at L.R.Green. In 2000 it was a elementary and middle school combined. They built a new middle school next door (Bear Valley Middle School), which opened I think in 2004. They then expanded the boundarys served by both schools and started bringing in a lot of kids from central Escondido. Thus the changes. The area around the schools, as well as San Pasqual High School and Kit Carson Park are still very nice areas. Homes range from 40 years old to new. Many are on 1/2 acre to 2+ acres. If you live east of Bear Valley Rd. be prepaired to deal with many different kinds of wild life; rabbits,rats,squerrles,coyotes,skunks, possiums and the ones I hate most, gophers, (hell on the lawn). For a while after the fire last fall we had mountain lions prowling around. We see eagles, hawks, vultures, egerets, humming birds, road runners and a host of other winged creatures. Feels like the country but a max of 10 min to highway 15. Usually quiet (except when the dogs bark at the coyotes or other critters), and we can see the stars at night. Few street lights here. Kit Carson park has many athletic fields, tennis courts, tables for picknics, a skate park and 2 covered roller hocky rinks as well as an area with tile statues by that famous lady who's name escapes me now. What can I say, I've lived here 10 years and I think it's a great area.

[esmith143]

It's not too late. I made an offer on a house east of Bear Valley Parkway, still waiting for the response. Fortunately, there's no lawn (just trees and bushes), so I don't have to worry about gophers!

[Mira-Mesa-Resident]

Originally Posted by esmith143

It's not too late. I made an offer on a house east of Bear Valley Parkway, still waiting for the response. Fortunately, there's no lawn (just trees and bushes), so I don't have to worry about gophers!

I have a relative that lives close to that area near the Washington Park. There are a lot of Hispanics where they live. Rural is great if you don't want to live close to neighbors.

[esmith143]

Originally Posted by Mira-Mesa-Resident

I have a relative that lives close to that area near the Washington Park. There are a lot of Hispanics where they live. Rural is great if you don't want to live close to neighbors.

Washington Park is a very different part of Escondido, the house I'm considering is more than 3 miles away. Washington Park area must be 90% hispanic by now.

[Mira-Mesa-Resident]

Originally Posted by esmith143

Washington Park is a very different part of Escondido, the house I'm considering is more than 3 miles away.

It's very old and rundown. I would not live in that area of Washington Park. Escondido, in general is too hot for me. But that's just me.