$771,633Average Value$502Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
Diving into nature is easy at Lakeside Linkage County Preserve
At first glance, Winter Gardens is pleasant, if a bit nondescript. Tucked in the scrubby hills of San Diego’s East County region, it lacks the tourist attractions and buzz of the coast. And that’s just fine with locals – a mix of military families, professionals and retirees – who appreciate the area’s quiet beauty and its unsung treasures. The Lakeside Linkage County Preserve, for example, protects a patch of coastal sage scrub, a type of native habitat that has almost disappeared from Southern California thanks to overdevelopment. The preserve is excellent for birdwatching. “You can see hawks and sparrows,” says David Collins, a ranger with San Diego County Parks, "and it's also possible to see a cactus wren and other more threatened birds.” Schools offer special opportunities too. Kindergarteners, for example, get a head start on languages at Winter Gardens Elementary, which offers Mandarin and Spanish immersion learning tracks.
Locals appreciate the quiet beauty of Winter Gardens.
An elevated view of the Lakeside Linkage County Preserve n Winter Gardens.
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Big skies, mountains views and rugged local parks keep the vibe slightly wild
Tidy mobile communities, single-family ranchers and Mission-style homes climb into the scrubby foothills that overlook Winter Gardens Boulevard, a busy thoroughfare cutting north-south through the neighborhood. Mountain views are common. Apartment buildings, a large condominium complex and several strip malls populate the boulevard, which is also lined with auto repair shops, banks and convenience stores. Manufactured homes range from $50,000 for a two-bedroom fixer-upper to $715,000 for a four-bedroom home built in 2015. Single-family residences range from a two-bedroom rancher built in 1948 at $560,000 to a four-bedroom Spanish Revival at $900,000 to $1.1 million for a four-bedroom home with Craftsman features. Townhomes and condos extend from $310,000 for a one-bedroom to $735,000 for a three-bedroom.
Mountain views from Winter Gardens are gorgeous.
A view of mountains in the backcountry of Winter Gardens.
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Young students can immerse in language studies at Winter Gardens Elementary
Winter Gardens Elementary is notable for its Riverview International Academy, which offers Mandarin and Spanish language immersion tracks for kindergarten and first grade students. Niche grades the school a B-. Lakeside Middle School’s mission is to integrate the arts into each area of the curriculum. Niche grades Lakeside a B+. The River Valley Charter School offers a college-style curriculum: students study independently for three days a week and attend classes the other two. The school earns an A+ from Niche.
The River Valley Charter School in Winter Gardens.
The Lakeside Middle School in Winter Gardens.
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Winter Gardens is a basecamp for workers at nearby military bases
Winter Gardens is a ten-minute drive from El Cajon, the sixth largest city in San Diego County and home to several nationally known corporations. Downtown San Diego is 25 miles southwest of Winter Gardens. The morning commute is normally 25 minutes, but that increases to 45 minutes during rush hour. Many commuters drive to area military bases, including Miramar, Naval Air Station North Island and the 32nd Street Naval Base. San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) Bus 848 connects Winter Gardens with the El Cajon Transit Center, where other buses connect to cities across San Diego County.
Winter Gardens is a ten-minute drive from El Cajon.
MTS Bus 848 connects Winter Gardens with the El Cajon Transit Center.
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For a late-night donut, Mary’s Donuts is the place
Numerous restaurants – Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, Mexican and American – are scattered along Winter Gardens Boulevard. It’s donuts 24/7 just off the Boulevard at Mary’s Donuts, a welcoming stop for donuts, pastries and sandwiches after a walk at nearby Lindo Lake County Park. Complementary focaccia bread is a welcome start to meals at Ottavio's Italian Restaurant, acclaimed for its hearty pastas and delicious pizza. Eastbound Bar & Grill serves pub grub and beer and hosts themed bingo nights. For groceries, locals can stop by the Albertson’s on Winter Gardens Boulevard.
Enjoy a welcome start to meals at Ottavio's Italian Restaurant in Winter Gardens.
Mary’s Donuts, a welcoming stop for donuts near Winter Gardens
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Birdwatchers scan for endangered birds
Local hikers quickly immerse in nature on Lakeside Linkage Preserve Trail, which begins on Los Coches Road then ribbons past native vegetation along scrubby hills, all frequented by a variety of birds. Endangered birds that habitat here include the coastal cactus wren and the California gnatcatcher, which might be heard before it is seen thanks to its unique call, which sounds like a crying kitten. Families converge on Lindo Lake County Park. “Lindo Lake is one of the most active parks,” Collins says. “It has two parks in one. There’s a nature trail around the lake and then you have everything from pickleball, to tennis to the skate park and an exercise trail.” The park is also popular with dog walkers and birdwatchers.
Winter Gardens is home to endangered birds.
Winter Gardens has many natural trails.
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Seasonal events in Santee celebrate the holidays and classic cars
The nearby city of Santee hosts summer concerts as well as “Lights at the Lakes,'' a drive-thru holiday light show from late November through December. Vintage cars roll into downtown Cajon for the “Cajon Classic Cruise” car show held Wednesday nights from mid-April through October.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sky Ranch Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Playground
Bostonia Park
Van Zanten Park
Shadow Hill Park
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Lindo Lake County Park
Lake
Skateboard
Tennis
Rattlesnake Mountain Preserve
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
35 min drive
Bus
Woodside Av & Prospect Av
Bus
Winter Gardens Bl & 8760
Bus
Winter Gardens Bl & 8661
Bus
Winter Gardens Bl & Wintercrest Dr
Bus
Winter Gardens Bl & 8755
Bus
Winter Gardens Bl & Sapota Dr
Bus
Winter Gardens Bl & Lemoncrest Dr
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.316 Reviews
4.0Niche User
7/3/2016Niche Review
Not much crime and the police are very effective.
3.0Niche User
3/12/2016Niche Review
It seems very safe for the most part however not so much lately. While living here there have been a couple times that helicopters are flying around looking for someone, or break ins, but other than that it isn't bad. Accidents (if any) are always attended to right away and dealt with.
3.0Niche User
2/10/2016Niche Review
I like where I live. I like the quite neighborhood and convenience to the grocery store and gas station. Gas price here is cheap. There are less crimes in this neighborhood than other area. The only thing I don't like about it is that it is too far away from the city where I go to work.
4.0Current Resident
3/23/2019Niche Review
I like that our immediate neighbors are kind. I also appreciate that many of the kids nearby play well with our kids. What I would like to see change is more police presence in the evening as our area is prone to car burglaries in the evening.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Winter Gardens
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Winter Gardens, Lakeside sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Winter Gardens, Lakeside over the last 12 months is $688,568, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to 12126 Lemon Crest Dr #3 — a beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo located in the heart of Lakeside! This move-in ready home has been thoughtfully upgraded throughout, featuring brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring, plush new carpet, sleek quartz countertops, recessed lighting, and fresh interior paint. Enjoy year-round comfort with central heating & air conditioning, plus dual
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Motivated Seller, Bring Offers!!!This spacious home is ideal for upgrading, located in all-age community with great amenities like pool, hot tub, sauna, clubhouse, library, game room with billiard table, BBQ area, car wash are, RV parking. Centrally located close to shopping, banking, schools, minutes from Lake Jennings and Flinn Springs County Park. This home is move in ready with tons of
Shannon Woods Apartments: 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms - Please call Yvonne at - Please call Yvonne at Welcome to Shannon Woods Townhomes, with 48 units distinctively designed for contemporary lifestyles. Its ideal location places you within close proximity to everything that the El Cajon area has to offer. Shannon Woods also provides easy access to the 8 and 67 Freeways, for all your
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
James Nelson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
21,420
Median Age
40
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$85,232
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$107,722
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.3%
College Graduates
22.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
2/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
9/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
