East Grove - Escondido, CA

East Grove lies in the city of Escondido, which was discovered by a Spanish explorer in 1776. In 1886, the Escondido Land and Town Company took possession of the land and set up small farms. Escondido incorporated as a city in 1888, and since then housing developments have turned it into a community.

East Grove doesn't have any museums or art galleries, but Escondido has several. The closest, Distinction Gallery on East Grand Avenue, features pieces of contemporary realism, surrealism and urban art. You can buy pieces there, and the gallery occasionally books live music for openings. Annual events in Escondido include a chocolate festival, a charity golf tournament and a Christmas parade.

Foods from all over the world at reasonable prices define the dining experience around East Grove.

Pho fans can check out Pho Lena & Grill for generous portions of authentic Vietnamese food. With a relaxed atmosphere and friendly servers, this grill makes everyone feel at home. Try the raw steak pho for a healthy flavor combination at a low price.

Bamboo House Chinese Restaurant may look like a hole in the wall restaurant from the outside, but step inside and you find a pleasant, elegant layout with hardwood pillars, exceptional lighting and even a couple of fish tanks. Get the wonton soup, and don't leave without trying the hot tea, made from the owner's special recipe.

For an old-school, American dining experience, visit J & M's Family Restaurant. Expect fast service in this family-friendly diner. If you go for breakfast, make sure to get homemade hash browns.

Head to one of the friendliest bars in North County San Diego called North Bar. Here you will experience great service, a full sports bar, pool and if you show up on the right days, karaoke, live entertainment and DJs.

Most East Grove residents travel by car, but those without a vehicle can find public transportation options in walking distance. Motorists can travel around Escondido via local roads and use the highways for longer commutes. California State Route 78, running east and west, sits just west of East Grove. It connects with Interstate 15, which can be used to travel north or south. Street parking is available in East Grove; just check the signs first.

North County Transit District buses service the area, with lines 352 and 354 stopping closest to East Grove. The Sprinter rail line stops at the Escondido Transit Center, located downtown. Taxis and ride-share companies such as Uber service the area. Pick-up times vary.

You can walk around East Grove, but most errands require a car or walking about half a mile to the nearest bus stop. The neighborhood has flat terrain and multiple bicycle lanes, so you could also ride a bike for local trips.

East Grove has two parks, each with free admission and open during daylight hours. Frances Ryan Park has 67 acres filled with seven athletic fields. Five of the fields have lights, so those in sports leagues can still play after dark. Mountain View Park on South Citrus Avenue has 11 acres that include tennis courts, soccer fields and a picnic area. The land was originally an avocado and orange grove that the city developed into a park beginning in 1985. Neither park allows dogs, but look for the Mayflower Dog Park a short drive up East Valley Parkway.

Neither park in East Grove holds annual events, but Grape Day Park in central Escondido holds several. Annual events include the American Heritage Car Show, Movies in the Park and an Independence Day Celebration. Grape Day, considered the most historic event in Escondido, features a 5K run and a parade. It finishes with a festival in Grape Day Park.

The cost of living in East Grove falls in line with the rest of Escondido. Rental rates for apartments or houses tend to be reasonable, with a one-bedroom apartment typically renting for about $1,100.

A ride on the Breeze line to the city center costs $1.75, and gas prices come in about 17 percent higher than the national average. A pint at a local pub costs about $6.

The shopping experience in East Grove blends major, trusted brands with smaller shops. The intersection of Valley Parkway and North Citrus Avenue serves as the main shopping area for the neighborhood. It includes the Escondido Hills Plaza Shopping Center, which has a variety of retailers and services. Whether you need to stock up on the essentials or you just feel like window shopping, you can do it there.

Whether you're a new biker or an experienced cyclist, Hidden Valley Bicycle Store on East Valley Parkway is your one stop for bikes, parts and service. Local cycling enthusiasts love the speedy repairs and friendly staff. The store carries a variety of road and mountain bikes, as well as gear and accessories for kids and adults.

Major grocery stores nearby include Vons, Ralphs, Albertsons and Wal-Mart, with Vons and Ralphs being the closest options. East Grove doesn't have farmers markets, but you can find one in downtown Escondido. Open on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, the market has fresh produce and performers to keep you entertained while you shop.