Population : 7,713 (2007)
Median Income: $ 82,730 (2009)
Elevation : 1,312 ft (400 m)
Land: 29.3 Square Miles
Water: 0.0 Square Miles
Area Code: 442, 760
Zip Code: 92082
Average temperature:
Highest: 75-62 *F
Lowest: 55-40 *F
Airport Distances:
John Wayne Airport: 77.7 Mi.
LAX Airport : 116 Mi.
Ontario Airport : 80.7 Mi.
Valley Center is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Diego County,
California. The population was 7,323 at the 2000 census.
Geography
Valley Center is located at 33°14′26″N 117°00′51″W / 33.240485°N
117.014262°W / 33.240485; -117.014262.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of
75.8 km² (29.3 mi²), all land.
Community character and culture
Valley Center is a community in transition from a small rural town to a
suburban "bedroom" community. This transition has been underway for several
years. This has resulted in some agriculture, such as large fruit orchards,
giving way to housing development. The growth of Valley Center has been slowed
by lower densities including a minimum of 2 acres (8,100 m2) being required for
most parcels. However, with San Diego County's GP2020 Plan, currently being
discussed, the densities in a few areas of Valley Center will be changed from a
minimum of 2 acres (8,100 m2) per parcel to much higher densities. This would
allow the population to expand, particularly in the town's central area. Even
with current growth it is reasonable to characterize the town as "semi-rural".
Some changes in the community can be attributed to the expansion of Indian
casinos in the area. There are currently two major casinos in the vicinity of
Valley Center - Harrah's Rincon and Valley View; both were opened in 2001-02,
bringing traffic and jobs to what used to be an out-of-the-way agricultural
town. High traffic necessitated highway improvements, partially paid by casino
contributions.
Despite these changes, there are still no chain department stores in the
community; residents do their shopping in smaller "mom and pop" stores or drive
to Escondido.
Once a year, parts of the city are closed down for an event known as Valley
Center Western Days. This event is traditionally held over the Memorial Day
weekend and consists of a community parade, a gathering at the Valley Center
Community Center and a rodeo. Another event of particular interest is the
Lavender Harvest Festival at Key Creek Lavender Farm. This USDA Certified
Organic Lavender Farm opens its doors to the public during the height of the
bloom season. Features include an on site essential oil distillery, a lavender
labyrinth and a farm store/gift shop.
Agriculture
Traditionally, the town and the surrounding areas have largely been dedicated
to agricultural uses. Various commercial crops include oranges, lemons, and
avocados. More recently farmers have taken up other crops, including ornamental
floral products such as lavender. Additionally, there is a thriving animal
farming industry including egg-producing hens and llamas. Other Valley Center
agricultural farms, include the Hilldaye Farm Llama Ranch and the Tierra Miguel
Organic and Educational Farm.
