Vista, California

Just like Carlsbad and Oceanside, Vista displays great diversity throughout the town. The area contains one feature I love that Carlsbad and Oceanside do not have. Parts of Vista remind me of the east coast like, Gopher Canyon Road or the Foothills. I would love to end up residing on the beach but the east coaster in me gets lured into the countryside of Vista. Many homes in this area are spaced out and allow a bit more breathing room than the cramped developments built on the coastline.

Located seven miles inland from the coast, Vista boasts a climate similar to the Mediterranean. As of 2010 the population was 93,834. The 2000 census totaled 89,857 a much smaller leap in population than surrounding areas.

This area first belonged to the Luiseno Indians as well. Their time of ownership ended with the building of the San Luis Rey Mission in 1798. This brief time period proceeded the Rancho era of California where the Mexican government broke Vista down into three ranchos; Rancho Buena Vista, Rancho Guajome and Aqua Hedionda Y Los Manos. Politics quickly changed the rancho scene and by 1882 Vista established the first post office. John Frazier who had great influence in the area takes the credit in naming Vista.

The history of Vista has not been documented as well as in Oceanside and Carlsbad. On the other hand the Vista Historical Society and Museum posted an extensive collection of old newspapers from 1926 till 1973. Head over to their site and read some of the articles from years past. For instance Vista exported a carload of tomatoes a day to Escondido back in 1926. The projection that year forecasted growing to 5 carloads per day. If only the writer could see the area now as he said Vista was destined to become a famous vegetable producing center.