Rancho Penasquitos & Torrey Highlands

Mesas and canyons set Rancho Penasquitos apart from the rest of the City of San Diego. Rancho Penasquitos homes, mostly built in the 1960s and 1970s, were created from a master plan that included park space and very little commercial space. These Rancho Penasquitos homes were built for the affluent middle class and have many comforts that encourage young middle class families. Landscaping is lush, roofs are tiled, power lines are underground, and indoor light is of plenty. Many residents have contributed creatively by elaborating their yards and recreation spaces. Many homes have great views of the hills and canyons and neighborhoods are quiet, with a country ambience.

Local residents commuting out for work have a tough time in rush our to Downtown San Diego, which is up to 25 miles away. The construction of Highway 56 will offer, in 2005, easier access to the coast and Interstate 5, making commutes much easier to other areas of San Diego such as Carlsbad and Oceanside.

The Poway school district, representing Rancho Penasquitos schools, gets praised for its schience and technology programs, Mt. Carmel High’s music programs, and the ability for most of the schools in the district to receive merit awards for good programming. Because children under 18 make up close to 30% of the population, enthusiasm and interest in youth activities and education is high. A high concentration of children is appealing to young couples starting a family and seeking out the right community. The Ranacho Penasquitos Little League was gauged at one point to be the largest Little League in the country!

Because of a master plan, only 2% of Rancho Penasquitos real estate has been designated for commercial use. Small shopping centers provide foods and services for local residents. Heavier shopping can be done in nearby Mira Mesa and Carmel Mountain. On the south side of Rancho Penasquitos rests a large canyon, Black Mountain Regional Park, that houses several ‘pocket parks’ and encourages hiking and other outdoor activities. Black Mountain rises 1,500 in elevation and is the areas most prominent landmark. Every year the Spring Fiesta is celebrated.

Rancho Penasquitos is a quiet, well-maintained suburban community encompassing nearly 10,000 acres of mesas and rolling hills within the city of San Diego. Home to approximately 44,000 people, this planned community is primarily residential, though many new mini-malls are scattered among the neighborhoods. The community’s full name, Rancho de los Penasquitos, is Spanish for “land of the little hills” or “cliffs” and refers to the rugged palisades that line the rim of Los Penasquitos Canyon. Thanks to the hilly terrain, each neighborhood is distinct from the next, providing a feeling of privacy and peace. Though located within San Diego city limits, the community feels far removed from the excitement and chaos of the nation’s sixth largest city. Many young families choose to move to this community, as it is considered one of the best places for families with kids to live. The local schools are part of the Poway Unified School District — one of the highest scoring districts in San Diego County — and offer plenty of sports and activities programs for kids. Children’s activities are well supported in Rancho Penasquitos. The community boasts a sizeable Little League (once the largest in the United States) and there is always something going on for the kids at the YMCA. The public library sponsors cultural events and several neighborhood parks provide recreational opportunities. The community also hosts many special events each year, from cultural festivals to golf tournaments.

Rancho Penasquitos is located north inland in San Diego County. It is south of Rancho Bernardo, north of the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve and west of Carmel Mountain Ranch. It’s an easy 25 minute access from downtown San Diego off Interstate 15.

Rancho Penasquitos, a master planned community that is approximately 10,000 acres with about 52% designated for residential real estate development. The majority is middle class suburban homes but there are a few custom homes in the area. There are also a few townhomes, apartments and condominiums as well. Penasquitos neighborhoods are well maintained and quiet. With its country like appearance due to the hills and canyons, Rancho Penasquitos is actually more urban than it appears.

Many families make their homes here partly because of the acclaimed Poway school district. The neighborhoods are quiet, well-maintained with many families with kids. There are quite a few sports leagues and activities that are well-attended.

There are several small shopping areas in Penasquitos that provide services to its residents. Residents are also within a 5 minute distance of Mira Mesa and Carmel Mountain shopping areas. With great views from some of the homes that are built on the mesas and hills, there is also a 6 mile long creekside park that offers many recreational activities such as horseback riding, hiking, biking and a serene escape from noise and crowds of the city.

SR-56 goes through the area and provides residents with an easy driving access to the coast reducing congestion on surface streets.

Rancho Penasquitos is one of San Diego’s best places to raise a family. Combining open spaces with a great environment for kids to play in both natural and through organized activities, the community has emerged in recent years as a safe haven for new families.

The entire area of Rancho Penasquitos is made up of about 10,000 acres; however, only about 51% of that is dedicated to residential development. 34% is reserved for natural space, which means that residents of the community can be assured that the open spaces of Black Mountain Regional Park will be preserved for decades to come, giving them room to breathe.

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