Escondido Real Estate: Affordable Housing in San Diego's Expensive Housing Market

The San Diego real estate market is not only highly desirable, but homes are also priced well above the national average. However, to the north of the county is a real estate area that makes owning a home in San Diego an affordable proposition - Escondido.

Located 100 miles south of Los Angeles, 30 miles north of San Diego city, and west of the more affluent San Marcos city, Escondido offers one of the most affordable real estate markets in San Diego County. Escondido is near major amenities, yet offers homes for sale at prices that fall within the price range of average homebuyer.

Escondido real estate displays a Spanish flair and influence, reflecting the fact that more than 40% of her residents are Latino. The ethnic Latino flair is also in evidence in the numerous local restaurants, and is showcased in the historic homes of Old Escondido, as well as its downtown commercial and antique district.

The median prices in San Diego County are in the millions. In Escondido's real estate market, it is possible to find single-family homes listed in the high $200,000s. This is very rare in San Diego's housing market. The city's median home prices are within the $450,000 to $500,000 range. Compared to many housing markets outside of Southern California, this is may seem incredibly high. However, for those shopping San Diego's much-sought-after real estate, this is surprisingly affordable.

What Keeps the Home Prices Low?

Escondido's real estate population is significantly less educated and less affluent than others in areas like La Jolla and neighboring San Marcos. In 2006, the median incomes for Escondido homeowners were about $60,000 - roughly $4,000 lower than that of San Diego County in general.

Roughly 20% of the residents have a college degree, while only about half are considered white collar. Her crime rate is also slightly above the national average. Another aspect of this real estate market is that wrestling with the illegal immigrant problem; with over 40% of the population being Latino, issues such as banning landlords from renting to illegal aliens is raging on.