California / San Diego County

Moving to Descanso, CA

Thinking of making a move to Descanso, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Descanso, CA

Considering a move to Descanso, CA? This welcoming community of 1,300 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $520,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 34 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (72% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Descanso's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Descanso, CA

Descanso has a population of 1,300 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 51 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 82% White, 1% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,300
Density
150 per sq mi
Median Age
50.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
13.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
82.0%
Black
1.0%
Asian
4.5%
Others
12.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Descanso, CA?

The cost of living in Descanso is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 132.5. Median home values are around $520,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$520,000
Gross Rent
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$190
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
132.5
Grocery
116.0
Housing
170.0
Utilities
126.0
Transportation
123.5
Health Care
108.5
Miscellaneous
112.0

Crime

Is Descanso, CA a safe place to live?

Descanso is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 69. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,450
Crime Index
1,660
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 69

Weather

What is the weather like in Descanso, CA year-round?

Descanso experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 19 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 72% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
72%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $72,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.5%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 34 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$58,000
Household Income
$72,500
Family Income
$80,000
Per Capita Income
$31,500
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$39,000
Poverty Rate
11.5%
Non English Speakers
18.0%
Rent
$1,850
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
2.0%
Commute Time
33.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.5%
Bachelors or More
24.0%

Education

How are the schools in Descanso, CA?

Descanso offers quality education options, with public schools like Descanso Elementary School and Mountain Empire Junior/Senior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Cuyamaca College and Grossmont College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Descanso Elementary School
Street
21895 Viejas Grade Rd
Phone
619-445-1149
Students
180
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Mountain Empire Junior/Senior High School
Street
3305 Buckman Springs Rd
Phone
619-473-9022
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
17.2

Private Schools

Name
Mountain Empire Christian School
Street
32938 Old Hwy 80
Phone
619-473-8685
Students
95

Colleges

Name
Cuyamaca College
City
Rancho San Diego
State
CA
Distance
24 miles
Students
8,900
Name
Grossmont College
City
El Cajon
State
CA
Distance
28 miles
Students
15,000

Healthcare

Descanso residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Alvarado Hospital Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 90.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
Address
5555 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone
(619) 740-6000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Alvarado Hospital Medical Center
Address
6655 Alvarado Rd, San Diego, CA 92120
Phone
(619) 287-3270
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
90.8%
Health Care Index
76.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Descanso, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $520,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 74%. The market has seen a 3.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.0%. Descanso offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$520,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.8%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Descanso handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Descanso, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Descanso, review the core fields on this page: population 1,300, median home value $520,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 33.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 72%.

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