On the northwest side of San Diego County lies the city of Vista. Vista is only seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and offers mild, Mediterranean weather, providing endless options for outdoor recreation and activity. The city features gentle rolling hills and a rural landscape as well as plenty of local attractions, museums, and cultural events. With reasonably priced homes throughout Vista’s distinct neighborhoods, Vista provides homebuyers with plenty of dream home options. 

Here are seven reasons why you should place your “Welcome” mat in Vista, California

Main Street in Vista,California photo courtesy of Paulvta

Public Art Program

An extensive public art program is offered by the city to encourage and showcase local artists. In addition to murals downtown and the exhibits in the Civic Gallery, there are unique programs for the arts, such as the Vista in Bloom Utility Box mural program, the Vista Visions call to artists, or Kites Over Vista. Currently, the Sculptors of Southern California are hosting their First Inaugural Exhibit.

Downtown - Historic Main Street

A renaissance has been in full bloom for Vista’s downtown area over the last few years. In addition to new residential units, there has also been the addition of commercial space, allowing both residents and visitors to enjoy more stores and restaurants. The city’s Paseo Santa Fe Streetscape Improvement Project, which has been a work in progress since 2016, has transformed the downtown city streets, making them more pedestrian-friendly and attractive.

There’s also been the addition of breweries, such as Wavelength Brewing Company that combines quality craft brews with science and technology. And thanks to the Vista Village Business Association, First Fridays are celebrated each month in the community, which allows downtown businesses to promote special events, as well as offer pop up vendors, extended shopping hours, and display works of art for locals to enjoy.

Vista Business Park

Noted as a Vista landmark, the Vista Business Park is a massive 15-million-square-foot park that’s driving economic growth in the city. Accessible due to its southern proximity off of Route 78, there are 800 companies and firms such as Datron World Communications, Aqua Lung, and DJO Global. These companies and firms employ over 20,000 people.

Vista Farmers Market

The Vista Farmers Market is touted as “the oldest farmers market in San Diego County,” and it’s open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The market features 53 farmers who are organic, certified, local growers. From apples to cheeses to grass-fed meats, this farmers market has got you covered. Then, there are the 34 food artisans, who sell not only breakfast and lunch each week, but take home goods such as pies, sauces, and pickles. If buying and eating fresh produce as well as supporting your community is important to you, then you won’t have to venture far for this amenity when living in Vista.

Parks

The two major parks in the city are Guajome County Park and Brengle Terrace Park. Guajome County Park shares its 557 acres with Oceanside. It’s rustic and friendly, featuring horse trails, campsites, lakes, and a natural park on the south side—Buena Vista Park. The national historic landmark Rancho Guajome Adobe is also located here.

Brengle Terrace Park has much to offer, including the botanical Alta Vista Gardens, the Moonlight Amphitheatre, the city community center, a senior center, two softball fields, and a playground. Fun Fact: Vista’s Japanese-American Cultural Center and Buddhist Temple is one of two in the state. 

Recreation

There are many recreational options and activities for Vista residents. Vista has skate parks, walking trails, golf courses, and even a water park. But the city also offers no shortage of programs and classes.

Youth sports include basketball, flag football, tennis, and girls’ volleyball. Not to be left out, there’s also softball, Zumba, tennis, golf, and open play for adults. For seniors, there’s the Culture Caravan Travel Program and the adult activity and resource center. 

There are also special events and programs, such as Parents’ Night Out, Movies in the Park, or the educational (and maybe spooky) Spirits of the Adobe Paranormal Experience. The San Diego Paranormal Research Society is offering evening walking tours throughout the summer while giving the history as well as the paranormal experiences at the site. 

Transportation

Vista is accessible thanks to its public transit options and easy access to State Route 78, and main drags such as Satan Fe Avenue and Vista Village Drive. Mass transit, such as the light rail SPRINTER and a bus system, provides residents with easy commutes to Oceanside, San Marcos, and Escondido, where they can connect to AMTRAK trains, Metrolink, and Coasters.