Ivey Ranch-Rancho Del Oro - Oceanside, CA

Ivey Ranch/Rancho del Oro sits on what was once farmland owned by Mission San Luis Rey, one of the iconic Spanish missions in California. The area remained sparsely populated until the 1970s, when a massive population influx resulted in new homes taking over the former agricultural land, giving the neighborhood its current composition.

Mission San Luis Rey is open for tours, and the extensive grounds feature walkways through the statues and gardens. Visitors also tour the museum within the mission for a glimpse into life in California during the pioneer days. The Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation hosts a number of events throughout the year, including concerts, artwork exhibitions and film festivals. To view more art, check out the Oceanside Museum of Art, which houses several galleries and rotating exhibitions.

Many of the restaurants in Ivey Ranch/Rancho del Oro lie either along Oceanside Boulevard, a busy thoroughfare on the southern border of the neighborhood, or along Ranch del Oro drive, which sits on its western margin. For fine dining, enjoy a plate of lasagna and a glass of red wine at Rosina's Italian Restaurant. People also stop by for the weekly specials at this establishment, widely considered the most authentic Italian restaurant in the area. The comfortable seating and well-stocked bar also make it an ideal spot to share a drink with friends.

Satisfy your cravings for Asian food at Cafe de Thai and Sushi, where you can dive into a bowl of pad thai or spicy curry served over rice. Although this establishment serves authentic Thai food, the inclusion of a sushi bar really sets it apart, and the California roll stuffed with crab and avocado is a favorite sushi selection. Stop by during happy hour to get sushi for less than $2 as well as discounts on sake and beer.

Guahan Grill fuses tropical island cuisine with Latin American fare for unique food options, such as the Spam and Portuguese sausage bowl. Many locals choose this spot for the Chamorro fried chicken, which is marinated in a special sauce before being fried to crispy perfection. Finish off the meal with the banana donuts topped with ice cream, and wash it all down with a pint of craft beer.

Nightlife options can be hard to come by in the neighborhood, but a few exist. People head over to The Draft Restaurant and Sports Bar to watch the game on one of the many televisions lining the walls. Choose from the large selection of beers on tap or order the ultimate bloody mary, served with skewers of fries, shrimp and even a cheeseburger. The patio is pet friendly, so your dog can join in on the fun as well. For more nightlife, head to downtown Oceanside where you can find many bars lining the streets.

Most locals use a car to get around the neighborhood and to drive to work. Bike lanes and crosswalks make biking a viable option within Ivey Ranch/Rancho del Oro, but crossing the busy thoroughfares that border the neighborhood deters many from biking to other areas. Residents also take advantage of the wide sidewalks to enjoy leisurely walks around the neighborhood.

Uber services the area, and you can also call a taxi to arrange a cab ride. North County Transit operates several bus lines that take passengers around the neighborhood and surrounding areas. To leave town, board the Coaster, a train that runs from Oceanside to San Diego, or the Sprinter, a light speed rail that runs east to Escondido. If you are going by car, drive just 5 miles west to Interstate 5, one of the major freeways in California.

The densely packed houses in the neighborhood have overtaken most of the natural areas, but a few opportunities for recreation still exist. Skateboarders perform stunts on the many ramps and pipes of Martin Luther King Junior Park, a skate park in the neighborhood. El Corazon Park contains many multi-use athletic fields for sports and doubles as the site of firework launches during the Oceanside Independence Day celebrations.

For the best opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, venture a few miles outside Ivey Ranch/Rancho del Oro to Guajome Regional Park. Wildlife enthusiasts watch for migratory birds that visit the two lakes in the park. The 5 miles of trails that wind through the park remain popular with walkers and joggers. For the ultimate escape from suburbia, pitch a tent and sit by the fire as you spend a weekend camping on one of the campsites in the park. The free playground and basketball courts also make the park popular among children.

While still higher than the national average, the cost of living in Ivey Ranch/Rancho del Oro is 8 percent lower than in San Diego. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom residence runs about $1,430.

Residents pay 11 percent more than the national average to fill up their gas tanks, and at local bars, you can expect to pay about $6 for a pint of beer. To get to San Diego, take the Sprinter to Oceanside for $2, then pay $5.50 to board the Coaster.

Many locals shop for groceries at Walmart or Vons, located in the Town Center North shopping center in the northern section of the neighborhood. Residents also enjoy shopping at a large complex of malls and retailers just 4 miles south of the neighborhood, which feature many high-value retailers such as Sears and Target as well as department stores including Macy's and Kohl's. To buy fresh local produce, head over to the Vista Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning.

The owners of Coast 101 Estate Services attend estate auctions all over California and fully stock a 5,000-foot warehouse with their findings. Get lost in the furniture, books and figurines while you search for unique treasures. Although the amount of inventory is astounding, it is well-organized, so you can easily locate the types of items you want.

Bring a touch of the Far East into your home by purchasing Buddha or Hindu statues at Lotus Sculpture. The owner hires artists from India to create these intricately carved statues, so they are not typical furnishings you find at the home decor shop down the street. With statues spanning a range of sizes and mediums, you can find the perfect piece to bring life and inspiration to your home or garden.