Tired of neighboring residents crowding you in San Diego county? Look to Valley Center, a little hamlet northeast of San Diego, where 20,000 homeowners are happily spread over 100 square miles of rolling hills dotted with native live oak and sycamore trees, and the panorama of Rodriguez Peak and the Palomar Mountain range.

Valley Center�s mild climate is ideal for such delicate crops as avocados, citrus, and flowers. Local interests include touring lavender fields, petting llamas at Hilldale Farms and enjoying the English, Pan-Asian, Mediterranean and rainforest gardens at Pikake Botanical Gardens. There�s also boating on Lake Wohlford, hiking at Hellhole Canyon, kid-sized activities at Bates Nut Farm, and an annual Western Days rodeo in May. And don�t forget Valley View Casino, perched high on a plateau overlooking Valley Center.

The unincorporated community of Valley Center has the beauty and quiet of the country � prime drawing cards for its real estate. It�s just five miles from Escondido which has one of the best shopping malls in San Diego County and a wonderful hospital district. There�s a variety of homes to fit every need: from custom homes and horse ranches, to tract homes, apartments and mobile homes.