10 most affordable places to live in North County San Diego

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top 10 affordable places to live in North County San Diego

Here are the 10 most affordable places to live in North County San Diego. There are 2 coastal cities in this affordable list: Oceanside, CA and Vista, CA. The rest of these affordable cities in North County are located inland. Consider that although these cities are cheaper than these expensive places, North County still has the highest priced homes in the county of San Diego.

#1 Bonsall, California

Bonsall CA
Bonsall CA

The median home sales price in Bonsall, CA is $892,250 as of September 2023.

Bonsall is a small, rural community located in San Diego County, California. It is known for its equestrian facilities, avocado groves, and scenic countryside. The community is home to several wineries and is a popular spot for horseback riding and other outdoor activities.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in Bonsall, CA:

New Homes For Sale in Bonsall CA: The Havens

#2 Valley Center, California

New San Diego Single Story Homes at Sundance Park Circle by KB Home in Valley Center CA
Valley Center, CA

The median home sales price in Valley Center, CA is $798,500 as of September 2023.

Valley Center is a semi-rural community located in the foothills of the Palomar Mountains in San Diego County, California. It is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historical significance. The area is home to several parks, including the Hellhole Canyon Preserve, which offers hiking and biking trails.

A majority of the new homes built during the pandemic are located in Valley Center, CA.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in Valley Center, CA:

New Homes For Sale in Valley Center, CA: Sundance at Park Circle

#3 Fallbrook, California

Fallbrook CA
Fallbrook, CA

The median home sales price in Fallbrook, CA is $768,000 as of September 2023.

Fallbrook is a semi-rural community located in northern San Diego County, California. It is known for its avocado groves, and the Fallbrook Avocado Festival, held annually in April. The community is also home to several parks, including the Live Oak County Park.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in Fallbrook, CA:

New Homes For Sale in Fallbrook, CA: Citro Homes For Sale

#4 San Marcos, California

San Marcos CA
10 most affordable places to live in North County San Diego 20

The median home sales price in San Marcos, CA 92069 is $900,000 as of September 2023. San Marcos CA 92069 is currently the cheapest zip code in San Marcos CA zip codes. The other zip code is 92078.

San Marcos is a city located in San Diego County, California. It is known for its top-rated schools. Cal State San Marcos (CSUSM) and Palomar College are located here. There are many outdoor recreational activities available here. The city is home to several parks, including the Double Peak Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, and the Discovery Lake, which features a playground and fishing opportunities.

Kaiser Permanente’s new state of the art hospital is scheduled to open here in 2023.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in San Marcos, CA:

New Homes For Sale in San Marcos, CA: Ridgeview and The Foothills by KB Homes

#5 Vista, California

where to live in North San Diego County California
Vista, CA

The median home sales price in Vista, CA 92083 is $750,000 as of September 2023. Vista CA 92083 is currently the cheapest zip code in all of Vista CA zip codes. The other zip codes in Vista are 92081, 92084.

Vista is a city located in San Diego County, California. It is known for its strong economy, growing population, and proximity to outdoor recreational activities. The city is home to several parks, including the Guajome Regional Park and the Brengle Terrace Park, which offer hiking and biking trails, as well as playgrounds and sports fields, and a large farmer’s market which takes place on Saturdays.

The Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista hosts many outdoor events, plays, and concerts.

Downtown Vista CA is experiencing one of the fastest redevelopments in North County San Diego. The transformation is evident when you drive through Paseo Santa Fe and Main Street. There are lots of new hip restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and new businesses popping up here.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in Vista, CA:

#6 Oceanside, California

The median home sales price in Oceanside CA 92057 is $840,000 as of September 2023. Oceanside CA 92057 is currently the cheapest among all Oceanside CA zip codes. The other zip codes in Oceanside are 92054, 92056, and 92058.

Oceanside CA
10 most affordable places to live in North County San Diego 21

Oceanside is a coastal city located in San Diego County, California. It is known for its beaches, surf culture, and military presence. Camp Pendleton is located here. The city is home to several parks, including the Oceanside Harbor Beach and the Buccaneer Beach Park, which offer swimming, sunbathing, and fishing opportunities. Oceanside is also home to the Guajome Regional Park, which features hiking and biking trails, as well as a lake for fishing.

Arrowood Oceanside CA Homes overlooking Arrowood golf course
Oceanside CA

With all its recent redevelopment efforts, Downtown Oceanside is now home to many upscale hotels and resorts.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in Oceanside, CA:

#7 Ramona, California

Ramona CA
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The median home sales price in Ramona, CA is $817,500 as of September 2023.

Ramona is a semi-rural community located in San Diego County, California. It is known for its scenic countryside, equestrian facilities, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The community is home to several parks, including the Ramona Grasslands Preserve and the Ramona Oaks Park, which offer hiking and biking trails.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in Ramona, CA:

#8 Escondido, California

Escondido CA
10 most affordable places to live in North County San Diego 23

The median home sales price in Escondido, CA 92027 is $710,000 as of September 2023. Escondido CA 92027 is currently the cheapest among all Escondido CA zip codes. The other zip codes in Escondido are 92025, 92026.

Escondido is a city located in San Diego County, California. It is known for its strong economy, growing population, and proximity to outdoor recreational activities. The city is home to several parks, including the Daley Ranch, which offers hiking and biking trails, and the Kit Carson Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and Dixon Lake for fishing.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in Escondido, CA:

#9 Pauma Valley, California

The median home sales price in Pauma Valley, CA is $1,400,000 as of September 2023.

Pauma Valley is a semi-rural community located in San Diego County, California. It is known for its scenic countryside, golf courses, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The community is home to several parks, including the Pauma Valley Community Park and the Palomar Mountain State Park, which offer hiking and biking trails.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in Pauma Valley, CA:

#10 Pala, CA

The median sales price in Pala, CA is $ _no data sales as of September 2023.

Pala is a semi-rural community located in San Diego County, California. It is known for its scenic countryside, casino and outdoor recreational opportunities. The community is home to the Pala Casino Spa & Resort, which offers a variety of entertainment options, including a casino, spa, and concert venue. Additionally, the Pala Mission, a historic Catholic mission, is located here.

Currently, this is the total number of available homes for sale in Pala, CA:

Sources: North San Diego County Realtors HomeDex Report, Local MLS

Related: 10 most expensive places to live in North County San Diego

Contact Ken Tritle at DreamWell Homes Realty – Call or Text 760-798-9024. Thank you!

About dreamwellhomes 306 Articles
DreamWell Homes Realty is a locally owned San Diego husband and wife real estate team. Jean and Ken Tritle offer their home buyer and seller clients the best professional and personalized real estate representation with unparalleled service and guidance. For more information, please call or text Jean and Ken Tritle at 760-798-9024. Thank you! DreamWell Homes Realty CA DRE# 01777754. Mailing address: 380 S. Melrose Drive, Suite 394, Vista, CA 92081 | San Diego County, California.