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.
Vista is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Diego County, California. The
population was 7,323 at the 2000 census.
Geography
Vista 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
Vista 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 Vista 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 Vista 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
Vista - 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 Vista 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 Vista
agricultural farms, include the Hilldaye Farm Llama Ranch and the Tierra Miguel
Organic and Educational Farm.
