This guide to East County San Diego homes for sale is intended to help those who are considering a move to the area.
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East County San Diego begins approximately 8 miles east of Downtown San Diego and 13 miles east of the Pacific Ocean.
It extends as far north as the San Vicente Reservoir, as far east as Alpine, as far south as Jamul and as far west as Lemon Grove.
Alpine Bostonia Casa De Oro Crest El Cajon Granite Hills La Mesa La Presa Lakeside Lemon Grove Mount Helix Rancho San Diego Santee Spring Valley
There used to be a distinct difference between the city of San Diego compared to the East County.
It was fairly obvious on your drive when things transitioned to East County’s rural roots.
However, with years of growth, that has changed. Now it’s a much longer drive east into the county before its rural nature becomes as obvious, as it once did.
The neighborhoods and communities of East County still retain their inherent quaint, country (country for San Diego) charm. It’s just that in many ways, they’ve grown up.
Mount Helix is nestled on a hill in La Mesa. It is often grouped with Casa de Oro, by the city government for planning purposes, but there is a distinct difference in the price and exclusivity between the two.
Because its elevation reaches more than 1,300 feet, Mount Helix hillside homes can offer views in every direction, some extending all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Singing Hills is located in El Cajon, off of Dehesa Road. It is situated in and around three golf courses.
Properties are typically on large lots and the views seem to go on forever across the valley.
Alpine is located in the east of East County San Diego. Interstate 8 bisects the town.
It is mostly surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest as well as the Sycuan and Viejas Reservations and the rural parts of El Cajon.
Alpine is a mountian town with an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet.
With lakefront homes, homes with endless views and homes with direct access to horse and hiking trails, it’s easy to understand why Alpine’s residents don’t tend to leave the community.
Granite Hills is located adjacent to Singing Hills. Homes can be found starting at $500,000, but many reach into the $800,000’s.
Fletcher Hills is located in parts of both La Mesa and El Cajon.
Not far from Interstate 8, homes in Fletcher Hills offer some excellent views. The homes, built between the 1950’s and 1970’s, range in price from approximately $500,000 to $700,000.
Rancho San Diego is located immediately north of Jamacha and south of Mount Helix.
Homes in the southwestern part of the community offer a good, mid-range price. Home prices range from approximately $450,000 to $650,000.
Lemon Grove is located just south of Route 94 and just west of Route 125, with Spring Valley to its east. It is particularly known for the giant lemon sculpture that is located in its downtown area.
The San Diego Trolley makes a stop in town, allowing for easy transportation into San Diego.
This charming little town even offers some views of the Pacific Ocean from its hillside areas. Homes prices range from approximately $300,000 to $600,000.
Located in the “triangle”, between Routes 94, 125 and 54, the neighborhoods of Spring Valley and La Presa offer a good value to home buyers who need their purchase price to be on the lower side.
Because there are hillsides in the area, there are opportunites for excellent views out to Sweetwater Reservoir and beyond.
The vast majority of home prices range from approximately $250,000 to $600,000.
Search Spring Valley Homes For Sale Search La Presa Homes For Sale
To get to most towns in East County San Diego, typically Interstate 8 plays a part in the drive. But Santee has something particularly special going for it in that it can be easily accessed by Route 52.
This means that residents of Santee get to live among the country/rural charm of the East County, yet be able to hit the surf in La Jolla in about 25 minutes. This is a big thing.
Santee used to seem a bit isolated, but not any longer.
There’s even a Trolley stop in the town now, easily allowing residents the opportunity to reach San Diego without even havng to turn on their ignition.
Beyond the accessibility improvements, Santee continues to grow and improve and companies and developers are taking note.
Home prices in Santee range from approximately $300,000 to $950,000.
Lakeside is located east of Santee and west of Alpine and occupies the area between Interstate 8 and Route 67.
It is considered a country and rodeo town.
Because of its rural setting, the number of ranches and horse ownership, as well as its large rodeo venue, the description is apt.
Lakeside is home to 3 reservoirs (Lake Jennings, San Vicente and El Capitan) so there are ample fishing, boating and waterskiing opportunities.
There also are a number of parks, trails and horseback riding there for the taking. And for those who like casino resorts, Lakeside is in close proximity.
Home prices in Lakeside range from approximately $300,000 to $1 million dollars
Ok, so the sun is out (as usual) and the sky is clear (almost always), what is there to do outside in the East County of San Diego?
Plenty.
East County is full of lakes, mountians and canyons. This means that the opportunties for boating, fishing, waterskiing and tubing are practically at your doorstep.
It also means that you better find a new pair of athletic shoes and boots, as well as check the tires of your mountain bike, since there are so many miles (and miles and miles) of trails to discover and enjoy.
And when you want to slow it down a bit, there’s always a nice, lush, green golf course in proximity just waiting to challenge you.
El Capitan is located within the El Capitan Open Space Preserve, which provides 2,619 acres. The trailhead is located within the Lakeside neighborhood.
The summit of “El Cap” is 3,650 feet and it offers adventures for those of varying hiking ability.
More than 10 miles of trails with viewpoints, rest areas and picnic tables are offered.
A staging area is located in Lakeside.
The Louis Stelzer County Park is comprised of 420 acres of open space. Amenities include picnic facilities, BBQ’s, multi-use trails and restrooms. The park is located in Lakeside.
Also accessible to those in Central San Diego, Mission Trails, at 7,220 acres, is one of the largest urban parks in the United States!
In adition to its 60 miles of trails, the park also includes the uber popular Cowles Mountain and Lake Murray.
It is 1,370 feet to the peak. There also is a 1/2 mile trail loop. And visitors are rewarded with 360 degree views all the way to the ocean. The park is located in, yes, you guessed it, Mt. Helix.
400 acres of space includes a 2.5 mile trail. Add the beauty of stargazing and sweeping views. Located in Lakeside.
A 190 acre park with 7 recycled water lakes.
The park is stocked with sport fish year-round.
In addition to fishing, amenities include camping, cabin rentals, boating, playgrounds, walking trails and approximately 230 bird species. All of this is located in Santee.
Access granted by reservation only.
Boats, fishing, kayaks and float tubes are allowed. Located in Jamul (15 mi from Rancho San Diego).
The second largest water capacity in San Diego County. Fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, etc. Located in Lakeside.
The fun includes fishing, boats, canoes, kayaks and float tubes. Located in La Mesa.
The largest reservoir in San Diego County.
Bring your boats, canoes, rowboats, 3-seater personal watercraft, waterskis, wakeboards float tubes and fishing gear. Located in Lakeside.
This is a 960 acre artificial lake located near Spring Valley and La Presa.
An 18-hole, 7,092 yard, championship course designed by Gary Roger Baird. It is located in Lakeside. It’s open to the public.
A 18-hole, 7,410 yard, championship course designed by Pete Dye. Phil Mickelson trained here before going out on the tour! It is located in Santee and open to the public.
A 18-hole, 6,736 yard, championship course that has been by the PGA Tour. It is located in Rancho San Diego and is open to the public.
Three nine-hole, Gary Player designed courses are offered. Located in Jamul (2 mi from Rancho San Diego). Membership required.
Two 18-hole (6,651 yards and 6,594 yards), championship courses designed by Ted Robinson and one 18-hole executive course can be found here. Located in El Cajon. Must be a member.
The GreatSchools ranking system is used to determine rankings.
The schools comprising this list are public schools within the East County San Diego area only.
Includes 26 schools.
13 are ranked average to above average.
Includes 12 schools.
10 are ranked average to above average.
Includes 21 schools.
12 are ranked average to above average.
Includes 1 school that is ranked below average.
Includes 6 schools.
3 are ranked average to above average.
Includes 9 schools.
All 9 are ranked average to above average.
The following guide to private schools in East County San Diego, is only of those with populations of 100 or more.
Also, even if a school is one mile outside of the area, if it isn’t within the boundaries of East County San Diego, then it isn’t included.
Grades K-6.
Grades K-6.
Grades K-6.
Grades 7-12.
Grades 9-12.
Grades 6-8.
Grades K-5.
Grades K-8.
Grades K-8.
Grades K-8.
Grades PK-8.
Grades PK-8.
Grades K-8.
Grades K-8.
Grades K-5.
Grades K-8.
Grades K-8.
Grades K-8.
The following list includes only those colleges that are actually within the East County San Diego area.
Public, 2 yr.
Private, 4 yr.
Public, 2 yr.
Neighborhood Information Median
Price
YTD
April
2019Alpine • Population 14k.
• Historic town.
• Mountain biking.
• 91901 zip code.
• Alpine schools.
• Grossmont school
• 3 mi from casino.
• 25 mi Downtown
• 28 mi to beach.$635,000 Bostonia • Population 15k.
• 92021 zip code.
• Cajon schools.
• Grossmont school
• 7 mi to SDSU.
• 4 mi Sharp Hosp.
• 14 mi Downtown.
• 17 mi to beach.$482,000 Casa De Oro • Population 12k.
• 91941 zip code.
• La Mesa schools.
• Grossmont school
• 10 mi Downtown.
• 15 mi to beach.$480,000 Crest • Population 2.6k.
• Rural mtn town.
• Elevation 1,600 ft.
• 92021 zip code.
• Cajon schools.
• Grossmont school
• 17 mi Downtown.
• 21 mi to beach.$500,000 El Cajon • Population 105k.
• Taylor Guitars.
• 170 store mall.
• 92019 zip code.
• 92020 zip code.
• 92021 zip code.
• Cajon schools.
• Grossmont school
• 7 mi from casino.
• 13 mi Downtown.
• 17 mi to beach.$475,000 Granite Hills • Population 4k.
• 92019 zip code.
• Cajon schools.
• Grossmont school
• 16 mi Downtown.
• 20 mi to beach.$620,000 La Mesa • Population 62k.
• 100 years old.
• Quaint village.
• Tree lined streets.
• Small town feel.
• Farmer's Markets.
• 91941 zip code.
• 91942 zip code.
• La Mesa schools.
• Grossmont school
• 1 mi Sharp Hosp
• 1 mi Mission Trls.
• 2.5 mi to SDSU.
• 8 mi Downtown.
• 12 mi to beach.$527,500 La Presa • Population 36k.
• Developed 1946.
• 91977 zip code.
• La Mesa schools.
• Grossmont school
• 9 mi Downtown.
• 10 mi to beach.$450,000 Lakeside • Population 22k.
• Rural setting.
• 92040 zip code.
• Lakeside schools.
• Grossmont school
• Lakeside Rodeo.
• 1 mi Lakeside Pk
• Lake Jennings.
• 17 mi Downtown.
• 20 mi to beach.$507,000 Lemon Grove • Population 28k.
• On Trolley line.
• 91945 zip code.
• Lem Grove school
• Grossmont school
• 3 mi from SDSU.
• 7 mi Downtown.
• 10 mi to beach.$474,000 Mount Helix • Population 6k.
• 360 degree views.
• Ocean views.
• East County jewel.
• 91941 zip code.
• La Mesa schools.
• Grossmont school
• 1 mi Sharp Hosp.
• 11 mi Downtown.
• 14 mi to beach.$747,500 Rancho San Diego • Population 21k.
• Rolling Hills.
• Damon Lane Park.
• 2 miles of trails.
• Year round creek.
• Champ golf.
• 92019 zip code.
• Cajon school
• Grossmont school
• 6 mi to casinos.
• 12 mi Downtown.
• 15 mi to beach.$549,500 Santee • Population 55k.
• Sports complex
• Carlton Oaks Golf.
• Santee Reg Park.
• Microbreweries,
• Large town center.
• Trolley station.
• 92071 zip code.
• Santee schools.
• Grossmont school
• 2 mi Mission Trail.
• 6 mi to SDSU.
• 13 mi Downtown.
• 16 mi to beach.$487,500 Spring Valley • Population 30k.
• 91978 zip code.
• 91977 zip code.
• La Mesa schools.
• Grossmont school
• 9 mi Downtown.
• 12 mi to beach.$463,000
As a native San Diegan REALTOR® and East County San Diego market expert, I bring a local’s perspective to help you find the exact neighborhood and home that you are looking for.
If I can answer any questions, help you in any way or if you’d like to schedule an appointment to see a home or look around the area, feel free to contact me.
I am here to serve you.
If you have any questions (big or small) or if you’d like to schedule a no obligation appointment to see a home, call or text us at 1-619-807-3167
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