Just 40 miles north of downtown San Diego lies the city of Vista. Home to 95,000 people, Vista’s logo is Climatic Wonderland, based on records of temperate climate year round. Its rolling hills and areas of rural surroundings offer something for everyone. It is also just 7 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.
Vista’s Mediterranean climate contributed to Vista being named the 7th best placed to live in the United States. Residents are able to enjoy year round activities because of this climate. There are 2 theaters for live performances, The Avo Playhouse, and The Moonlight Amphitheatre.
Main state highway 78 links to the Interstate of 5 and 15 freeways. Interstate 5 and 15 offer access south to downtown San Diego and north to Los Angeles.
Since the climate is so mild, Vista is known to many farms and nurseries. Avocado trees are abundant here as well as the range of citrus fruit trees. Suppliers of cactus and succulents make Vista its’ home.
The 2 largest and best known parks in Vista are Guajome County Park and Brengle Terrace Park. Guajome County Park has horse trails and the Rancho Guajome Adobe which is a National Historic Landmark. Brengle Terrace Park has a senior center, community center, baseball field, and basketball courts.
Vista schools are served by the Vista Unified School District which is the areas largest employer of residents. Vista is home to 7 high schools, 17 elementary schools and 4 middle schools. Several of the high schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. These provide college credit classes in high school. In 2002, the City of Vista passes a $140 million construction bond to build more award winning schools. There are magnet schools with commitments to both the arts and sciences. There is easy access in nearby cities to universities and colleges. These include: Cal State University San Marcos, Palomar College, Mira Costa College, National University, and University of Phoenix.
Shopping is easily accessible also. Large “box stores” such as Lowe’s, Target and Walmart are located in Vista. The large mall is just the next city over.
Vista is a seat for San Diego County Superior Court. The Superior Court is Vista’s second largest employer. There are other numerous large businesses in Vista. Vista’s Business Park is home to 800 local, national and international companies. Some of the types of businesses located in Vista are manufacturers of portable hot tubs and spas, public and military radio equipment, healthcare products and foodservice distributers.
On the border of Vista is Tri City Medical Center providing full service comprehensive medical care. They are community owned and operated. Tri City Medical Center is a nationally recognized hospital using state of the art technology with a world renowned medical staff.
Vista housing is made up of nearly 52% owner occupied and 48 % renters. Its people are made up of a diverse ethnic background. The population is 63% White, 48 % Hispanic or Latino, 6% Asian or Pacific Islander, 1 % Native American, 21% other races and 5% from 2 of more races. The median household income was $63,162 in 2006.
