Escondido is a sensational community nestled in an extensive valley within the coastal mountains of Southern California. With an estimated population of 140,505 residents, Escondido offers a bustling urban community surrounded by gentle rolling hills and citrus and avocado groves. Settling about 30 miles northeast of San Diego, and 100 miles south of Los Angeles, Escondido is considered the heart of San Diego North.

Escondido has endured a rich and diverse history. Archaeologists estimate that the first ancient human occupants came to this area over 10,000 years ago. Several Native American Indians tribes over the last 1,000 years have also called this area home. In turn, Spanish colonization replaced many of the tribal villages in the early 1800s. On December 6, 1846 the course of history for Escondido took a dramatic turn when soldiers of the United States Army attacked Mexican forces of Alta California in the neighboring San Pasqual valley. Within a few years of the Battle of San Pasqual, in 1850, California was annexed into the Union.

Land developers promoted Escondido's climate as ideal for crop growing and varied agriculture. The land promotion proved successful and farmers, tradesmen and merchants moved from colder climates to farm in the idyllic setting. Early in the 20th century, avocado groves would compete with citrus groves for available farmland. The avocado industry in the greater Escondido continues to be a growing business with Henry Avocado, Cal-Flavor, and Giumarra Produce working as the three largest avocado packers in the area. Today, housing developments, shopping centers and light industry have replaced most other agribusiness. For many years now, Escondido has enjoyed the highest retail sales in the county, with the exception of the City of San Diego. The City received approximately $28 million in sales tax revenue for fiscal year '07-08. The median household income in Escondido is $45,165 per year.