|
Are you thinking of moving or relocating to Vista, California? Would you like to know what the quality of life is like living in Vista?
Kathryn reports in this review:
| Weather | | How much crime? | | What are the neighborhoods like? | | What are the people like? | Vista is HOT in the summer...and even in the Spring. It's a desert climate, so there's not much variation throughout the seasons. Summers reach upper 80s and above, while Spring is upper seventies and low eighties, depending on how far inland you go within the city.
Fall is still warm, especially if it happens to be one of the years where summer sets in late. You can expect 80s well into October. Winter is generally dry, with occasional rain showers, though some years El Nino kicks in and brings non-stop downpours! | | Vista is not a city that's making news for major crime. There's a lot of upper income people, but also a lot of low income minorities, especially Mexicans who are struggling to get by. This leads to a lot of small time theft - cars broken into, items stolen from garages whose doors were left open.
But don't fool yourself into thinking that Vista is immune to larger, more serious crimes - they do happen. There are murders, and drunk driving incidents that lead to serious injuries, and some times even fatalities.
More serious robberies are often reported on the news as well, along with occasional gang violence and murder - just not as frequently as larger cities. | | The best part of town is hands down the south side of the 78 freeway. It borders the more upscale town of Carlsbad, and it feels just like you are in Carlsbad. This area is inhabited by mostly white people, varying in age from the middle age and older, who can afford to buy and move here for the excellent schools, to the younger renters who like the area, but can't afford Carlsbad proper.
The north side of the 78 freeway isn't al bad. But you will definitely see some folks, mostly white and Mexican, who look like they've had better days. The white people who are down and out look like it's probably from too much meth.
The good areas in this part of town are up in the foothills, centered around the Buena Creek area. The foothills have lots of older homes, farms, places with property and people raising families, and the higher up in the hills around Buena Creek are home to mini mansions and estates. | | Vista has people from all walks of like, all incomes, all races, all economic levels...you've got farmers, families, beach bums - they all love Vista. It's got the beach town vibe, though it's not on the water. Those who want to raise a family will love it, and those who want a country feel will love the area on north of the 78. I find that the people who don;t like Vista are those who consider themselves too good from it. Mostly the upper class white folks form Carlsbad who still consider Vista to be "the wrong side of the tracks."
| | Downtown Area | | Restaurants | | Schools | | Single life | I wouldn't recommend downtown Vista for shopping. There's not much to it. Mostly run down shops and carnicerias.
If you want good shopping, head to San Marcos for big box strip mall stores, or Carlsbad for smaller and more unique mom and pop artisan shops - that come with a price tag. | | Armandos is hands down the BEST spot to get that burrito fix satisfied! For $2.10 you can fill up on an amazing cheesy bean burrito, or splurge for a few bucks more for the famous California burrito (french fries in a burrito with carne asada and guac, say what?!)!
There's also a strange abundance of Pho restaurants, all of which are about th same as far as quality, but Pho Ever is pretty expensive, if you ask me. There';s some great little cafes for breakfast, and check out Nikkos for an amazing gyro!
| | Schools in Vista are decent, though not as good as Carlsbad and San Marcos. They are rated high, but you still have the effects of the minorities and lower class families in Vsta. I've spoken to lots of families who had to put their white children into private school due to bullying - so it's a flip from what you used to see in more white washed cities. | | Vista itself isn't a great place for singles, it's better for those who are coupled up or have a family. But the great thing about it is that you can afford to live cheaper, and still be close tot he nightlight and tourism of Carlsbad. That's where you'll find the hot night clubs, hip restaurants, and opportunities to met others in your single-dom! | | Noise | | town comparison vs. | | Best hospital | | Tourist attractions | Palomar airport is a small private airport located just beyond the Carlsbad/Vista border, but since it accommodates mostly small private jets and helicopters, you won't hear much noise pollution in the way of aircraft.
Chickens and roosters are legal in Vista city limits, so you may be rudely awakened by your neighbors breakfast source skwaking, so if that bothers you, be sure to move to a standard stucco subdivision south of the 78! | | Vista is bordered by Carlsbad on the south, and Oceanside on the north. Oceanside is often referred to as Ocean SLIME, so that pretty much sums it up. It's home to transients of the bum variety, as well as military. It's also home to the now shut down San Onofre nuclear power plant and a massive amount of traffic. Vista wins hands down!
On the south, Carlsbad is beautiful. It's known for amazing beaches, shops, a vacation spot, and high priced homes. If you can afford it, and perhaps aren't looking for a oot of land, Carlsbad is your spot. But beware, home prices jump the second you cross that border! | | There are several smaller local hospitals, but the best right now is the new Kaiser that just opened in San Marcos, right next door. This facility is many years, and millions of dollars in the making, and is said to b state of the art and a great place. My sister in alw just had a c-section baby there, and was thrilled.
Also, of course, UC San Diego is right down the freeway, renowned as a university medical facility! | | The beach - of course! Thought Vista doesn't have a beach front of it's own, it's 5 minutes away and a favorite by visitors and locals alike! There are also a ton of small local breweries housed in the commercial areas of town, and they are doing it right! On that note, be sure to visit Stone Brewery, home of Arrogant Bastard, and some amazing botanical grounds, right next door in San Marcos! | | General comments | | | | | | | | Vista feels like the perfect combo of a well integrated city, a country farm town, and a friendly beach town, all rolled into one. It feels like a great SoCal town. Families out playing in cul-de-sacs until the sun goes down, neighbors sharing stories of the best local surf spots, amazing Mexican food, done the RIGHT way...it's a great place to cal home and a great place to raise a family, especially if you want to be by the beach, but can't quite afford that beach front bungalow. | | | | | | |
|
