Otay Ranch Village - Chula Vista, CA

Before this planned community opened in 1999, it took 10 years of planning from a collaboration of public and private sectors. However, it would only take a few short years before it was a premier destination for southern California residents. Nestled in the historic Chula Vista, the city supports a rich past that housed the Kumeyaay Indians for hundreds of years before it was claimed by the Spanish in 1542.

Today locals and visitors can learn about Chula Vista's historic past at The Chula Vista Heritage Museum. To get the full local experience, be sure to participate in the annual cultural events such as the Lemon Festival, Chula Vista Rose Festival and Starlight Parade, and see a live performance at Chula Vista's OnStage Playhouse. Praised as a noteworthy contributor to the art community, the theater hosts renowned plays and musicals including Rent, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Savor the culinary options of Otay Ranch Village, including restaurants serving French-Italian cuisine, fresh Mexican seafood and innovative Asian fusion. With a host of both fine and casual eateries and popular franchises, this neighborhood provides something for any mood or taste.

Delight your palate at Bamboo Garden with the unique exotic spices and flavors of traditional Thai cuisine and Asian fusion. Start your meal with appetizers such as sweet-and-spicy papaya salad, hot-and-sour tom yum soup and golden-fried fish cakes, made with Thai herbs and chili paste, served with refreshing cucumber sauce. Sample popular dishes including pad Thai, panang curry and fried rice. Be sure to try the house specialties, such as Thai BBQ chicken, marinated in Thai herbs and served with sweet and sour sauce, or grilled ginger-salmon topped with stir-fried fresh ginger, carrots, celery, and green and brown onions.

Local favorite TJ Oyster Bar serves affordable Tijuana-style street tacos with a focus on fresh seafood. Order fresh oysters, shrimp ceviche or burritos, tacos or salads featuring smoked tuna, stingray, salmon or octopus. Sip Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita, and be sure to save room for the flan for dessert. For gourmet burgers and a quick, affordable meal, locals rave about Jordan's Krazy Burgers and Hot Dogs on Palomar Street and Halphen Red Burgers on East H Street. Jordan's Krazy Burgers and Hot Dogs lives up to its name, serving an impressive menu of unique, zany concoctions. Try loaded burgers such as the pastrami cheeseburger or jalapeño cream cheese burger, and sample hot dogs piled high with toppings, including bacon, macaroni, cheese or chili. Famous for the Halphen Red Hamburger Sauce, which you can buy bottled, the restaurant Halphen Red serves a simple menu of cheeseburgers, salmon and turkey burgers you can top any way you'd like. Indulge with creamy milkshakes and sides including garlic Parmesan fries.

For a more upscale ambiance, special occasion or date night, head to Savoie Eatery on Birch Road. Come for Sunday brunch, DJ entertainment or happy hour, and enjoy a menu of French and Italian staples with a modern twist. The whimsical yet elegant decor mixes bold colors with natural elements for a contemporary design you won't see anywhere in Chula Vista. Sip classic cocktails such as French gimlets or mint juleps while you peruse the menu full of intriguing appetizers, savory pizza, fresh seafood and homemade pasta. For a true indulgence, order the short rib lasagna, lobster ravioli or Steak Diane, a 10-ounce filet mignon sautéed in clarified butter, shallots and Dijon mustard before being flambéed in cream sherry and cognac. Dessert options remain classic with creme fraiche-topped French tortes, tiramisu and crepes.

Enjoy the nightlife of Otay Ranch Village and the surrounding area by taking in a movie, toasting tequila with friends or watching a game at a sports bar. Some locals like to head to the Archway Lounge on Telegraph Canyon Road for a no-frills dive bar atmosphere, affordable drinks, and a great jukebox selection.

Residents of Otay Ranch Village can easily get around by car, considering close proximity to major highways such as Interstate 805 and Interstate 5. If you choose to travel by public transportation, the neighborhood is serviced by several bus lines with connections to the San Diego Trolley, providing travel to downtown San Diego and other major destinations. While you won't be able to hail a cab, you can easily schedule a pick-up with local cab companies or Uber.

Otay Ranch Village, designed to be an extremely walkable neighborhood, supports pedestrians by ensuring comfort, convenience and safety. Leave the car at home and run daily errands, drop the kids off at school, grab a cup of coffee or grocery shop, all on foot. Additionally, the neighborhood also provides several trail and bike systems that connect all of the residential areas of Otay Ranch Village with central community activity centers and destinations.

Residents of Otay Ranch Village have several options when it comes to outdoor recreation. Walk to nearby resident-only private parks within the neighborhood, and enjoy all the amenities within walking distance from your home. Residents can be seen picnicking, playing with their children, catching up with neighbors or celebrating birthday parties.

For larger spaces, athletic fields and additional outdoor activities, explore the scenic city parks of Chula Vista. Heritage Park, a 10-acre park within Otay Ranch, provides several amenities perfect for a day in the sun. Picnic by the park's peaceful duck pond, play basketball in the courts, let the kids burn off energy at the playground or simply relax in the lakeside gazebo. The palm tree-lined park also houses a 5,900-square foot community center that hosts special events, games, an after-school program and exercises classes, such as Zumba and aerobics. An outdoor amphitheater hosts several arts and cultural events, outdoor concerts and performances all year long.

Let your dogs run, play and socialize with other canines at several nearby dog parks, such as Otay Ranch Center Dog Park. The gated park provides play areas for both small and large dogs, plenty of benches and giant fire hydrants and dog houses.

Locals enjoy several annual outdoor events that take place in Chula Vista's parks, including HarborFest and South Bay Pride Art and Music Festival at Bayside Park.

A one-bedroom rental in Otay Ranch Village averages around $1,613. Overall, the cost of living hovers about 10 percent higher than the Chula Vista average. A ride on public transportation costs around $2.50, and gas prices settle in at 11 percent higher than the national average. Expect to pay around $6 for a pint at a local bar.

Chula Vista boasts a number of shopping centers or plazas that include department stores, clothing boutiques, grocery stores and speciality shops. Spend the day shopping at the Otay Ranch Town Center. Explore the latest technology at Apple or Best Buy, shop department stores such as Macy's, or surprise your little one with something special from Build-A-Bear or Carter's. With over a dozen additional shopping centers, it remains clear why Chula Vista is a premier shopping destination.

Shop high-quality, designer fashion for less at The Spare Room on Bonita Road. The store sells consignment women's apparel and carries discounted name-brand fashion including Gucci, Coach and Michael Kors. Locals praise this store for being organized and providing excellent customer service. After scoring an amazing new outfit for yourself, head to Spoiled Rotten on Eastlake Parkway for your little one. This baby and toddler boutique sells gifts, accessories and clothing perfect for everyday wear as well as special occasions.

Locals have plenty of options when it comes to grocery shopping as well, with popular supermarket chains Vons, Safeway and Ralphs nearby. Bulk-shop and get great deals at Costco, or stock up on healthy options at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods or Sprouts Farmers Market. For local, organic and seasonal produce, head to one of Chula Vista's farmers markets, including The Third Avenue Village Certified Farmers Market or The Otay Ranch Town Center's Farmers Market.