North Valley - Oceanside, CA

North Valley sits within the city of Oceanside, named after its location along the California coast. Originally a site for ranching families to enjoy the ocean, it incorporated as a city in 1888. Railroads brought many new residents in the 1920s, and a population boom came with the construction of Camp Pendleton during World War II. Built on tourism and the military, Oceanside continues to provide affordable housing and economic opportunities.

North Valley doesn't have any museums or art galleries, but the city has several. Oceanside holds a variety of annual events, including an Iron Man competition and a 10K run.

The neighborhood includes a varied mix of cuisines, with options that accommodate every budget.

Fans of home-cooked Mexican food should try Marieta's Restaurant. This restaurant makes everything from scratch, including the tortillas on Marieta's enchiladas. Wash one down with a margarita, as the festive vibe here puts everyone in a lively mood.

Those in the mood for gourmet pizza can head over to Roma's Pizza and Grill. A local fixture, this pizza place makes everything fresh when you order it. Roma's puts on plenty of toppings, and if you like it spicy, make sure to get some jalapeños. With a soft texture and garlic flavor, the crust isn't an afterthought here, so you can enjoy every bite.

Ohana Hawaiian BBQ transports diners to the islands, with traditional meals and paintings of ocean scenes on the walls. Ohana has over 10 types of meat and seafood, including standouts like the pork kalua and the garlic shrimp. Low prices make this an ideal place to bring the whole family, and you can print out coupons on the restaurant's website for additional savings.

Nightlife in North Valley consists of restaurants that stay open late, but the surrounding areas have bars and nightclubs. For a nearby option, try Irinas Bar and Grill on Mission Avenue. Irinas has plenty of TVs to watch the game while you enjoy a German-style cuisine and a beer. North Valley doesn't have live music, but Irinas has a juke box so you can pick your own songs.

Most residents travel by car, but other common methods of transportation include buses, walking and biking.

Motorists can easily travel the area via local roads. California State Route 76, running east and west, lies just south of North Valley and can be taken for longer commutes. It connects with Interstate 5, which runs north and south, near the coast. You can park on the street in this neighborhood, just check the signs first.

North County Transit District BREEZE buses service the area, with lines 303, 309, 311, 313 and 315 picking up closest to North Valley. For more travel options, head over to the Oceanside Transit Center to hop on one of San Diego's rail lines. The SPRINTER heads east to Escondido, while the COASTER goes south to downtown San Diego. Taxis and ride-share companies like Uber also service the area.

You can walk around the neighborhood and handle some errands without a car. Many streets in North Valley and the rest of Oceanside have bike lanes, so you can ride safely throughout the city.

North Valley has several parks nearby, encouraging residents to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery. You can visit the parks free of charge, and your dog can come too as long as you keep him on a leash.

Libby Lake Park lives up to its name, with a large lake in the center of its relaxing 18 acres of space. With playgrounds and picnic areas, the whole family can enjoy this park. The lake even has some ducks for the kids to feed while you fish or just kick back in the shade.

Those looking for more sports action can check out Luiseño Park. In 10 acres, it packs two baseball diamonds, two tennis courts and a large field for any activity you want. If you don't feel like playing anything, you can still get a workout in with a jog on the path around the park.

The parks near North Valley don't have any annual events, but several throughout the city do. Events include an Easter egg hunt at Buddy Todd Park and a Fall Festival at Heritage Park.

North Valley carries a similar cost of living as the city average; however, housing prices tend to be a bit higher. For a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay about $1,200, although you may find cheaper accommodations.

A BREEZE ride to the city center costs $1.75, and gas prices come in around 18 percent higher than the national average. A pint at the local pub usually costs about $5.

You can find shopping centers scattered throughout the city, but the shopping in this neighborhood leans towards small boutiques and thrift stores.

Those looking to help animals can try Last Chance at Life Thrift Store. The name comes from a dog rescue, and all proceeds at this store go to that cause. Gently used items come in frequently, making this store ideal for getting inexpensive furniture or clothes. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Last Chance even has different sales every day to save you additional money.

For groceries, residents have a Vons within walking distance. Go a bit further, and you can choose from Fresh & Easy or a Walmart Supercenter. Those who want organic foods have Sprouts Farmers Market a short walk away, and a large farmers market operates on Thursday mornings near the coast on Tremont Street.