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Rancho Peñasquitos

Rancho Peñasquitos

Suburban Neighborhood in San Diego, California

San Diego County 92129

Neighborhood Reviews
4.2
$1,363,886 Average Value
$711 Average Price per Sq Ft
53 Homes For Sale

San Diego suburb without "June Gloom" in the warmer months

Rancho Peñasquitos, aptly named "little cliffs" for its canyons and hillsides, is a 6,500-acre San Diego suburb that was part of the first land grant from Mexico to America in 1823. Today, it's home to about 60,000 residents who enjoy top-rated schools, sprawling parks, and proximity to downtown San Diego and Torrey Pines State Beach. "The weather is particularly nice here because of the location," says Bern McGovern, San Diego Realtor. "You're far enough from the coastline that you don't get coastal gloom, just coastal heat." Residents here are active, taking full advantage of biking and hiking trails that lead to the views from Black Mountain's summit.

Rancho Peñasquitos is a 6,500-acre San Diego suburb.
Rancho Peñasquitos is a 6,500-acre San Diego suburb.
Rancho Peñasquitos residents enjoy the nice weather near the coast.
Rancho Peñasquitos residents enjoy the nice weather near the coast.
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Ranch-style homes and Mediterranean Revivals

The neighborhood is bordered by Black Mountain Open Space Park on the northeast and the Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve to the south. Most neighborhoods are clean, quiet cul-de-sacs, lined with late 20th-century ranch-style homes, large Spanish Colonials and multi-story Mediterranean Revivals set on well-maintained lawns. Most homes have two-car garages, stucco facades and clay tile roofing. Two-bedroom homes often sell for between $550,000 to $1.2 million, while a four-bedroom home would typically go for around $1.5 million. New homes are under construction in developing subdivisions like The Junipers - Woodlands. “The median home price is around 1.3 million, so there aren't a lot of single-family starters homes, but townhomes and condos usually start at around $500,000 or 600,000” says McGovern.

Rancho Peñasquitos has mostly clean, quite Cul-de-sacs lined with ranch Style homes.
Rancho Peñasquitos has mostly clean, quite Cul-de-sacs lined with ranch Style homes.
A view of Spanish style homes under palm trees in Rancho Peñasquitos.
A view of Spanish style homes under palm trees in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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Poway Unified comes out on top

Rancho Peñasquitos students can attend schools within the Niche-rated #2 best district in the San Diego Area, Poway Unified, which earns an A-plus. They might start out at Adobe Bluffs Elementary, then continue to Black Mountain Middle, and finish up at Del Norte High, each earning an A-plus. The high school offers courses in Biomedical Engineering and Ethnic Literature, as well as a Wind Ensemble class.

A colorful mosaic at the monument of the Park Village Elementary School in Rancho Peñasquitos.
A colorful mosaic at the monument of the Park Village Elementary School in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The entrance of the Del Norte High School near Rancho Peñasquitos.
The entrance of the Del Norte High School near Rancho Peñasquitos.
Students have a great time at the Black Mountain Middle School in Rancho Peñasquitos.
Students have a great time at the Black Mountain Middle School in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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Black Mountain Road offers panoramic views and hiking trails

Situated just north of Rancho Peñasquitos, Black Mountain Open Space Park spans over 2,300 acres and offers panoramic views of San Diego from its 1,500-acre summit. Residents can get to the peak by taking a 2.5-mile hike up Black Mountain’s Miner’s Ridge Loop trail. For a more kid-friendly day outdoors, Canyonside Park is located to the North of Mercy Road, offering a shaded playground, baseball and soccer fields, and a recreation room. Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve on Black Mountain Road offers some of the most captivating scenery in the area, including a waterfall, sycamore groves and several bird species.

Rancho Peñasquitos offers great views of the coastal area.
Rancho Peñasquitos offers great views of the coastal area.
Taking a hike at the Black Mountain trail in Rancho Peñasquitos
Taking a hike at the Black Mountain trail in Rancho Peñasquitos
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Authentic Mexican cuisine and County Mall

Anchored by a Vons, The Rancho Penasquitos Town Center on Black Mountain Road is ideal for picking up essentials, or grabbing a bite at Knotty Barrel, a locally owned gastropub that’s become a community favorite in just a few years since opening. Don Rios on Rancho Penasquitos Boulevard is just one of many eateries in the community that serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in a convenient, fast-casual setting. About 9 miles away in Escondido, Westfield North County mall offers a more extensive shopping experience, anchored by a Macy’s, Target and a 24-hour fitness.

The Knotty Barrel is a community favorite in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The Knotty Barrel is a community favorite in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The Vons is one of the supermarkets for groceries and more in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The Vons is one of the supermarkets for groceries and more in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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Public transportation & new bike paths

The main roads in the neighborhood are Black Mountain Road (north-south) and Carmel Mountain Road/Rancho Peñasquitos Boulevard (east-west). Residents can reach Torrey Pines Beach in 20 minutes via Carmel Mountain Road (11 miles) and downtown San Diego in 20 miles via I-15 South. Public transportation options include the MTS bus #20 and Rapid #235. The nearest airport is San Diego International (21 miles). State Route 56 Bike Path, which runs east to west for 10 miles, will soon connect near the beach to the North Coastal Trail, slated for completion in late Spring 2024. The San Diego International Airport is about 21 miles from Rancho Penasquitos, while the nearest hospital is the Palomar Medical Center on Pomero Road, located 6 miles away.

Residents have easy access to the Interstate 15 in Rancho Peñasquitos.
Residents have easy access to the Interstate 15 in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The public transportation options include the MTS bus in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The public transportation options include the MTS bus in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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Safe and secure community

Rancho Penasquitos has a CAP index score of 1 out of 10 when it comes to incidents of violent crime and theft, lower than the national average of 4 out 10.

The Rolling Hills Park offers vast green area and playground for children in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The Rolling Hills Park offers vast green area and playground for children in Rancho Peñasquitos.
Residents love the Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library in Rancho Peñasquitos.
Residents love the Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library in Rancho Peñasquitos.
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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Raini Gordy, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

27 min drive

Bus

Rancho Penasquitos Bl & Via Del Sud

Bus

Carmel Mountain Rd & Stoney Creek Rd

Bus

Carmel Mountain Rd & Gerana St

Bus

Carmel Mountain Rd & Paseo Cardiel

Bus

Carmel Mountain Rd & Cuca St

Bus

Rancho Penasquitos Bl & Carmel Mountain Rd

Bus

Carmel Mountain Rd & Via San Marco

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.2 42 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
4/2/2021 Niche Review
Awesome place for families and kids. Great schools, diverse resturants, and no nightlife. Its a very safe and welcoming area with the benefits of being in a SoCal area. The beaches are incredible, the canyon is awesome for hiking, and there are a lot of surfing opportunities. Maybe not the best place to tour, but great for settling down.
5.0 Former Resident
8/25/2024 Niche Review
As someone who grew up in Rancho Penasquitos over the past decade, it was wonderful. The community was built for suburban childhood, the schools are fantastic and the local stores and places to eat are all within walking or biking distance of houses and schools. The area is also only a 20 minute drive from the beach. The housing is expensive, but that fits the area. The nightlife is lacking, so most college students will drive to UCSD or downtown for their activities.
4.0 Current Resident
3/10/2021 Niche Review
I like Rancho Penasquitos because it is a diverse, stable neighborhood that is centrally located in the San Diego area. It has good access to the beach, shopping, freeways, nice parks, natural outdoor/hiking areas, great schools, scenic views/setting and an overall friendly community.
5.0 Current Resident
5/31/2021 Niche Review
I love our welcoming sense of community through our Rancho Penasquitos Town Council annual events and youth sports
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Rancho Peñasquitos US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,342,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,432,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,008,900
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$620,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$460,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$711
Number of Homes for Sale
53
Last 12 months Home Sales
391
Months of Supply
1.60
Median List Price
$1,337,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
13,015
Median Year Built
1986
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,105
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,774
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
930
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
597
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Friday, Apr 11
    2:30 - 5pm

    15837 Sarah Ridge Rd, San Diego, CA 92127

    $2,740,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,667 Sq Ft
    • 15837 Sarah Ridge Rd
    • New 24 days ago

    Perched near Black Mountain with breathtaking views and access to miles of hiking trails, this stunning home blends luxury, comfort, and modern convenience. The open-concept design features five spacious bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and a versatile bonus room. The gourmet kitchen boasts high-end appliances, an extra-large pantry, and elegant finishes. The primary suite offers a spa-like

    Agent Photo
    Stefan DeLorenzo
    eXp Realty of California, Inc.
    (855) 596-3867
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  • Saturday, Apr 12
    12 - 3pm

    9562 Stargaze Ave, San Diego, CA 92129

    $1,495,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,448 Sq Ft
    • 9562 Stargaze Ave
    • New 21 hours ago

    Tucked amid the foothills, this Rancho Peñasquitos Bluffs home combines warmth, space & style. Soaring ceilings & natural light fill dual living areas, a spacious kitchen, & serene master suite with large tub, walk-in closet & private shower. The backyard features lush greenery, built-in BBQ, firepit lounge, covered patio, swim spa, putting green, fruit trees & basketball court, all with

    Judy Spady RE/MAX Connections

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  • Saturday, Apr 12
    11am - 3pm

    12424 Kestrel St, San Diego, CA 92129

    $2,099,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,182 Sq Ft
    • 12424 Kestrel St
    • New 1 day ago

    Beautiful Rancho Peñasquitos Stunner with Breathtaking Canyon Views! Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Rancho Peñasquitos! This fully remodeled two-story beauty offers 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 luxurious bathrooms, designed with both style and comfort in mind. Step into a bright, open-concept living space featuring sleek stainless steel appliances, stunning quartz countertops, and

    Deborah See eXp Realty of California, Inc.

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Distribution of Home Values

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Raini Gordy, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
46,585
Median Age
42
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.2%
On par with the national average
23.9%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
18.9%

Finances

Median Household Income
$138,588
Significantly above the national average
$70,947
Average Household Income
$163,763

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.1%
College Graduates
61%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

34 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

53 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

20 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Rancho Peñasquitos