About Rancho Penasquitos

Helping You:

Gina Marie Johnson

About Rancho Peñasquitos

Rancho Peñasquitos is a master-planned community located in North San Diego County that plays host to more than 52,000 residents. It is located just south of Rancho Bernardo, west of Interstate 15, and north of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Rancho Peñasquitos is a quiet suburban community built on high hills and mesas. Most homes were built and occupied in the 1960’s to the 1970's. Although there are some beautiful custom homes, the majority of homes in Rancho Peñasquitos are comprised of middle-class suburban modern homes. Many of these homes have views. Many families that are just starting out are attracted to this community. Rancho Peñasquitos is one of the best places for families with kids to live. The community lays claim to an area of approximately 10,000 acres including Black Mountain Regional Park, with just over half of the land being used for housing. Reaching to over 1,500 feet above the surrounding area, the most distinctive landmark in the community is Black Mountain. The rolling landscape and mesas provide privacy and a sense of peace for the residents of each neighborhood. Rancho Peñasquitos locals enjoy ample areas of parkland and open space, providing opportunities to bask in the beautiful San Diego weather. In addition to the residential development, the community includes several town centers for commerce.

The History of Rancho Peñasquitos

In 1823, San Diego County's first Mexican land grant was awarded to the Commandante of the San Diego Presidio Captain Francisco Maria Ruiz. Ruiz built a small adobe house on the land known as Rancho de Los Peñasquitos. A few years later, Rancho de Los Peñasquitos was the first place of respite for General Stephan Watts Kearny and his Army of the West after the Battle of San Pasqual. Over the decades, the land transferred ownership several times until Peñasquitos, Inc. purchased it in 1962 with plans to develop the canyon adjacent to the original adobe house. The County of San Diego ultimately acquired the adobe house and surrounding land to preserve Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The adobe house is the oldest known residence in San Diego. The community of Peñasquitos, however, was developed to the north of the Canyon Preserve and continues to flourish in the rolling landscape of the area. The community's full name “Rancho de los Peñasquitos”, is Spanish for land of the little hills or cliffs. Because of these little hills, each neighborhood is pretty well separated from the others, providing a feeling of privacy and peace. Even though they may be somewhat close, the hills provide a feeling of being far removed from the hustle and bustle of San Diego.

Type of Housing

Development of housing tracts began in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The decade following, larger stucco homes expanded the number of neighborhoods in Rancho Peñasquitos. Development continues spreading today, with a variety of housing options available. Neighborhoods vary from middle-class to upscale with choices from condos and townhomes to custom homes. Home prices range from anywhere in the $300,000s to over $1,000,000.

Transportation

Rancho Peñasquitos is conveniently located next to I-15 and Ted Williams Parkway, also known as State Route 56. Residents enjoy easy access to anywhere in the County, from Downtown San Diego to the beautiful coastline. Bus routes and park-and-ride systems provide public transportation opportunities for those wanting to travel to other parts of San Diego without having to drive themselves.

Schools

One major attraction to Rancho Peñasquitos for families is the excellent school system, considered among the best in San Diego County. The local schools are part of the acclaimed Poway Unified School District. Many of these schools continue to be recognized for high test scores and also receive numerous awards for excellence in education. In addition to education for children and teens, Palomar College offers courses at an extended location in Rancho Peñasquitos.

Recreation

Athough located within San Diego city limits, Rancho Peñasquitos realizes the benefits of feeling far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of one of the nation's largest cities. The community offers an abundance of sports and recreation programs for children and adults alike. The Rancho Peñasquitos Little League was said to have been the largest in the nation at one time. Kids can participate in sports leagues, skate at the local skate park, or participate in events at the local YMCA. Several parks and recreation centers are spread throughout the community offering adult sports leagues and recreation, as well. The Rancho Peñasquitos Branch of the San Diego Public Library sponsors cultural events. There is something for everyone when it comes to recreation in Rancho Peñasquitos.

Land Area: 9993.71 acres in San Diego County

Population: 52,257

General Characteristics: In Rancho Peñasquitos most of the houses are comprised of middle-class suburban modern homes.

Nearby Access Routes: Highway I-15 and State Route 56.

Education: Poway Unified School District

Board of Education; Poway Unified School District 13626 Twin Peaks Road, Poway, CA 92064 Phone Number 858-748-0010

Recreation: Rancho Peñasquitos is in-between Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, a designated park land. There is a YMCA for younger children and teens. Kids activities are well supported and abundant. There's also an annual Spring Fiesta. Neighborhood Parks can be found throughout the city.

Public Library: Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library 13330 Salmon River Rd., San Diego, CA 92129-2641 (858) 538-8159