This Lakeside, CA real estate spotlight features a small Census Designated Place (CDP) in San Diego County.
Lakeside, CA Real Estate History
In 1886, the El Cajon Valley Land Company purchased 6,600 acres surrounding Lindo Lake. First, the company constructed an 80 room inn called the Lakeside Inn. Then promoted Lakeside as a new town.
In 1889, a railroad system connected to Lakeside. This resulted in many small businesses springing up.
In 1904, The Lakeside Inn purchased by John J. Gay who fenced off Lindo Lake Park as his property. He then built a horse and automobile race track. Upon opening in 1907, Barney Oldfield created a stir when he broke the land speed record.
The racetrack and inn became popular with celebrities and millionaires drawing large crowds.
In 1920, the inn and racetrack became demolished as per the wishes of Gay’s will after his death.
Since then, its rural setting and many horse ranches brought about a status as a “rodeo town” and a “cowboy town”. This included the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, an 8-acre rodeo facility.
In 1970, the Lakeside Community Planning Group created to limit Lakeside “suburbanization”.
Lakeside, CA Facts
Lakeside sits in the Cuyamaca Mountains western foothills.
The driving distance from Lakeside, CA to San Diego equals 17 miles in the southwest direction and 23 miles on route I-8. Estimated driving time of 24 minutes.
The U.S. Census Bureau claims a population of 20,648 in 2010. In 2019, the population estimate increased to 21,827.
Up until the 1950s, essentially a rural community when expansion surged. Yet, it still retains a rural atmosphere for those seeking to escape congested San Diego.
Many small scale farms still exist and many residential homes maintain small horse corrals. Expect to occasionally stop your car to let geese and horses cross the road.
The Lakeside Historical Society maintains the town’s historic downtown on Maine Avenue.
The U.S. Navy retains two large residential areas in Lakeside for military dependents.
Lakeside, CA Real Estate Market 2019
Best Places
The Best Places website claims these Lakeside, CA real estate market facts for 2019:
- Median Home Price = $520,500;
- Median Income = $62,038;
- Unemployment Rate = 3.3%;
- Median Age = 39 years; and
- Comfort Index (Climate) = 9 out of 10.
Best Places Overview – Lakeside, CA provides these Pros:
- Attractive suburbs;
- Recreation;
- Year-round climate; and
- 2019, a good time to buy a home in Lakeside. Home appreciation up by 4.2% over the last year.
Best Places Reviews of Lakeside, CA
One review claims after living in Lakeside for 8 years, she still loves it. Fantastic views of El Capitan Mountain, she hears coyotes at night, and close to San Diego.
Another review stated recent involvement with the horse community with annual rodeos and cowboy events creates a “small-town feeling”.
A third review claims that Lakeside provides “beautiful scenery” and makes you feel like living in the “middle of nowhere”. Yet, only a 25-minute drive to the beach and 45 minutes to the mountains.
Niche
The Niche website makes these claims about the Lakeside real estate market in 2019:
- Median Home Value = $386,800;
- Median Rent = $1,220; and
- Median Household Income = $69,912.
Niche also grades the Lakeside community as:
- Overall Niche Grade = C+;
- Diversity = A-;
- Public Schools = B+;
- Good for Families = B-; and
- Nightlife = B-.
Niche Overview – Lakeside offers a dense suburban feel. Most own their homes. Lots of parks and their public schools rated above average.
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Lakeside, CA Things To Do
Rodeos
Many rodeos occur in Lakeside including the Lakeside Rodeo. A PRCA sanctioned event during the last weekend of April.
Also, the Lakeside Optimists’ Bulls Only Rodeo event in July.
Reservoirs
Lakeside maintains three large reservoirs well stocked with fish which fishing enthusiasts love:
- El Capitan Reservoir;
- Lake Jennings Reservoir which also provides jet skiing and wakeboarding; and
- San Vicente Reservoir.
Native American casinos with an age limit of 18 years operate close to Lakeside including:
Barona Resort and Casino a few miles north offering full resort facilities, golf course, and a hotel.
Golden Acorn Casino featuring a full-size casino, restaurants, live music, and more.
Viejas Casino and Resort with a 237 room hotel, over 2,000 slot machines, 85 game tables, meeting rooms, concert venues, and more. Such as numerous luxury shopping stores, lots of restaurants, a large bowling alley, and the largest outdoor skating rink in Southern California.
Lakeside Parks and Trails for biking, hiking, and equestrian activities include:
- River Park on the banks of the San Diego River;
- El Monte Park;
- Stelzer Park; and
- Lakeside Trailhead to climb the El Cajon Mountain locally called the “El Capitan” summit.
Trip Advisor
Trip Advisor offers these recommendations for things to do in Lakeside:
Hilliker’s Ranch Fresh Eggs earned 5 Stars (out of 5) from 25 reviews.
Barona Resort & Casino got 4.5 Stars from 184 reviews where reviewers liked the food and resort-style setting.
Barona Cultural Center and Museum earned 4.5 Stars.
El Capitan Reservoir rated 4 Stars.
Lake Jennings rated 4 Stars from 21 reviews.
Lakeside, CA Events
Lakeside Chamber of Commerce recommends these events:
The Lakeside Chamber also maintains a list of all upcoming events and a Calendar of future events.
Lakeside, CA Restaurants
Trip Advisor recommends these as the top Lakeside, CA restaurants:
Barona Oaks Steakhouse received 5 Stars from 42 reviews. Juicy 14 oz. rib-eye steaks with a piano player. Their salads and seafood stews also earned praise from non-meat eaters.
Albert’s Fresh Mexican Food earned 5 Stars from 11 reviews. “Enough different tacos, tortillas and other Mexican things you can eat here. The portions are big enough and the prices are reasonable.”
Sage Cafe earned 4.5 Stars from 88 reviews. Best American style in Lakeside.
Eastbound Bar & Grille got 4.5 Stars from 59 reviews. Great pub food with a western feel. Breakfasts also popular.
Ottavio’s Italian Restaurant earned 4.5 Stars from 43 reviews. “Best Tiramisu Ever!!” A family-operated Italian cuisine offering large portions at reasonable prices. Their lasagna also got high ratings.
Barona Resort & Casino Restaurant earned 4.5 Stars from 85 reviews serving American, Mexican, and Mongolian cuisine. Their Sunday buffet is very popular.
Cafe 67 rated 4.5 Stars from 72 reviews. American style cafe serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Great home-style food with a popular breakfast menu.
La Palapa Mexican Restaurant earned 4 Stars from 42 reviews. “Best most authentic Mexican food in East County”. Small, but popular with the locals.
Lakeside Schools
The Lakeside Union Elementary School District oversees all the schools in Lakeside.
Overview
Lakeside boasts one of the top school districts in San Diego County. A Mandarin and Spanish Languages immersion program since 2006 makes Lakeside schools unique.
El Capitan high school hosts one of the few agricultural programs in the nation.
It’s these types of unique educational programs that make parents move to Lakeside.
The Niche site provides the following grade for the best Lakeside public school:
River Valley Charter School graded an A from 93 reviews.
The Great Schools Organization recommends the following as the best schools in Lakeside:
Lakeview Elementary School rated 8 Stars (out of 10) as a public K-5 grade school with around 715 students.
Riverview Elementary School also earned 8 Stars as a public grades 1 – 5 school with about 620 students.
River Valley Charter School got 8 Stars as a charter grades 7 – 12 school with around 272 students.
Conclusion
Our Lakeside, CA real estate spotlights a small community suburb with a historical Old West setting. Cowboy festivals and several major rodeo events only a 24-minute drive from San Diego.
Small farms still exist while many residential homes keep small horse corrals.
Three reservoirs stocked with fish provide fishing enthusiasts with a variety of catches.
Plenty of parks and trailheads to enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Several nearby casinos and a golf course provide adult activities.
Two 5 Star restaurants offer Mexican cuisine and steaks. Five 4.5 Star restaurants offer American and Italian cuisine with more steaks and Mexican food.
The Lakeside public schools offer one charter school earning an A grade and three others earned an 8 out of 10 ratings.
Median home values range from $386,800 to $520,500.
Contact Us to find out about available homes just 25 minutes from San Diego in a small horse-friendly community.
Steven Rich, MBA – Guest Blogger
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Steven Rich, MBA has been involved in the real estate industry for over 30 years. As an investor, real estate agent, associate editor of a real estate magazine, a real estate marketing expert, a Wikipedia real estate article author, and as a writer.
