The largest Grizzly Bear captured in California was nabbed in Valley Center. Weighing over a ton, it was famously killed in 1866. These days, the only California Grizzly you'll see is on a state flag -- the subspecies was hunted to extinction less than 75 years after the Gold Rush drew people to California.
Located inland in north San Diego county, Valley Center is a community in transition
The largest Grizzly Bear captured in California was nabbed in Valley Center. Weighing over a ton, it was famously killed in 1866. These days, the only California Grizzly you'll see is on a state flag -- the subspecies was hunted to extinction less than 75 years after the Gold Rush drew people to California.
Located inland in north San Diego county, Valley Center is a community in transition. First known as Bear Valley thanks to it's famous 2,200-pound dead Grizzly, the area was first settled by Europeans in 1845 and was homesteaded in 1862 shortly after President Lincoln signed the Homestead Act. They dropped the Bear part in 1874 and tried a few spellings of "centre" before settling on Valley Center in 1887. These days, it remains an agricultural community with some modern amenities. With the installation of the Palomar observatory, once the world's largest telescope, in 1947 Valley Center Road earned the nickname "Highway to the Stars."
If you decide to live here, you'll join an impressive list of current and former residents. Actors Gary Cooper, June Allyson, Fred Astaire, and Bill Murray, along with Taco Bell founder Glen Bell, have all called Valley Center home. If you're still not sure about this southern California communities western bona fides, the Duke himself, John Wayne, lived here, too. Giddy-up, indeed.
Besides avoiding traffic during events like Western Days, there's not necessarily a bad time of year to move here. However, summer temperatures push the mid-90s, so obviously carrying a couch at high noon in August probably isn't the best plan. Winters here will make your Midwestern and East Coast friends jealous as the temperature never dips much below the mid-60s. No wonder the oranges and avocados love this region so much. You might need to watch for very rare nighttime frost in January, but it's nothing some plastic sheeting can't combat.
Plan to bring your car to Valley Center. You're going to need it to drive for most errands and to most services.
Take some time to gather all of the usual renters documents before you start your search. You'll want to have on hand your proof of income, credit history and contact information for references who can vouch for your reliability and stellar reputation as a good neighbor. You'll also need to be prepared to cut a check for the first and last months' rent and a security deposit as well.
This area is characterized by a predominance of real estate residential developments and agricultural land that gives neighbors ample breathing room. Don't come here to find a studio for rent -- studio apartments aren't a thing here. Likewise, finding a condo for rent won't happen here. Rental houses are usually pretty expansive -- in the four-bedroom range. Here are two areas in addition to Valley Center that you might want to check out.
Lake Wohlford: Lake Wohlford is at the southern end of Valley Center. Lake Wohlford Cafe is here, offering some fun with a pool table and tasty food. There's a mobile home park here as well as rental housing, if you're lucky enough to catch a vacancy.
Ridge Creek Rd/Circle R Dr: While this area is mainly owner occupied, but don't let that discourage you since you may run into some private rentals instead. Highway 15 is right to the west of this neighborhood, making the commute easy as pie.
Pauma Valley: This unincorporated area lies between Valley Center and Palomar Mountain. It's an agricultural region providing citrus and avocados to the nation. Several Indian casinos and Woods Valley Country Club is here. Expect rental housing to be of the rural variety, for the most part.
Mark your calendars for the annual Valley Center Western Days, traditionally held over the Memorial Day weekend, marking the official start of summer for residents and tourists alike. The weekend kicks off with the Honorary Mayor's Race and a Friday night rodeo and continues with a weekend pancake breakfast and community parade. Expect to attend a lot of Western-themed fundraisers in the months leading up to Western Days -- you'll want to do your part to support your new community's continued traditions, right? The weekend highlight is the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo with roping and barrel racing events and the election of the Rodeo Queen. There's also a Boot Scramble which, well, you'll just need to see to believe.
Learn all about your new home at the Valley Center History Museum. Started in 1972 by citizens interested in cataloging historic documents, photos and town memorabilia, the museum features diaries, newspapers, oral histories, burial records and even that famous giant Grizzly bear, still on display. Don't miss the Valley Center Room's 1,000 books, managed in partnership with the Valley Center Branch of the San Diego County Library.
There's not too much in the way of retail within Valley Center. Small boutique shops dot the middle of the area. Major shopping and big errand trips will take you into Escondido where you'll find everything you need. Don't worry, it's just a few minutes away. There are a handful of local dining options including Sorrentino's Italian fare and Fat Ivor's Rib Rack (ask for extra napkins). Other options in Valley Center include Country Junction Deli, Casa Reveles Restaurant and Lake Wohlford Cafe. The Indian Casinos just to the east of Pauma Valley offer plenty of entertainment and dining options as well.
When it comes to parks and recreation, there's Valley Center Parks and the Valley Center Parks & Rec, which has a public swimming pool for everyone to enjoy.
Of course, when you need to see more people than plants, you've got the whole of the greater San Diego area at your disposal. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly known as the Wild Animal Park) is nearby in Escondido. Head out to the north county communities of Oceanside, Encinitas or Solana Beach for a relaxing rest on the shore. Enjoy the races at world famous Del Mar or a round of golf at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. And, of course, San Diego has more museums than you can shake a stick at, world class dining, stunning environs and the internationally acclaimed San Diego Zoo.
