Vista Apartments & Rentals

With a mild Mediterranean climate just seven miles inland from the blue, beautiful Pacific Ocean, the city of Vista sells itself. Part of the north region of San Diego County, the city has a small town feel with 93,834 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, with its close proximity to San Diego, you can get all the perks of big city living without the hassle. With a population increase of 4.4 percent from 2000 to 2010, it makes sense that so many Californians are looking for apartments in Vista.

The city of Vista was inhabited by Native Americans until the San Luis Rey Mission claimed the area in 1798. After Mexico's independence from Spain in 1830, land ownerships were granted in these areas and eventually complex ranching and irrigation systems were built to combat the scarcity of water at the time. Once California was granted statehood in 1850, there were several attempts to name the city. Since Buena Vista was already taken, pioneers settled for just plain "Vista," which means "the view" in Spanish.

After the Mulholland irrigation system was implemented in Southern California in the early 20th century, agriculture began to crop up in the area with farmers growing tomatoes, celery and citrus fruits. Many hillsides were planted with avocados, and by 1948, Vista was known as the "avocado capitol of the world."

Although people had been living in Vista for centuries, the city was not officially incorporated until 1963. Today, Vista is a growing community that has developed into a very desirable location for families. In 2005, Vista, with its great schools and thriving business community, was named one of the 50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family.

With so many families living in the area and the great reputation of the local public schools, it is no surprise that the Vista Unified School District is the largest employer in the area. There are several other manufacturing firms in the area as well, and a business park with more than 800 companies. Whether you are working in town or commuting to San Diego, rentals in Vista should be easy to find.

There are several nearby institutions in Vista, including MiraCosta College, a two-year college that offers several degrees and training courses. With a smaller class size, students can expect to get the personal attention they deserve. There is also Palomar Community College, which features a beautiful campus and several degrees in many fields.

If you are a Californian, you know that it is not always cheap to live here. However, Vista's cost of living index is 128.4, a number that is comparable with other California cities. As of 2009, the median gross rent in the area was $1,174 per month. However, when it comes to dining out and groceries, Vista's index is only 3 points above the national average.

Vista Attractions & Special Events

Every May, Vista hosts the Vista Village Strawberry Festival. Besides being known for avocados, Vista was once deemed the "Strawberry Capital of the World." With more than 200 vendors, a pie-eating contest, carnival rides and live music, the city of Vista celebrates its favorite berry with a 5K run allocating a portion of the fees to a local homeless charity.

One fun way to spend the afternoon with the kids is at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. With collections that date back to 1849, there are several interesting instruments that tell the story of how the West was explored and how the country was connected coast to coast in the 19th century. With weaving, blacksmithing, and an old country farmhouse, you can take a step back in time while exploring the museum.

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