Escondido has been called the “Hidden Valley” of San Diego, located just 30 miles northeast of Downtown San Diego. Settled in a valley in the coastal mountains of Southern California, surrounded by avocado and citrus groves and is diverse and vibrant as it is low key and friendly. Escondido was named by Money Magazine as the Best Place in the West in which to retire and, at the other end of the spectrum, was named a Kid-Friendly City and City of Choice.