El Cajon

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El Cajon, CA

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San Diego suburb features easy access to big-city amenities

Shopping Commuter Mountains Diverse Entertainment Community

A suburb of San Diego, El Cajon is a scenic city nestled in a valley and surrounded by mountainous terrain, nicknamed “The Box” for its secluded feel. Located about 17 miles east of Downtown San Diego, El Cajon is an ideal choice for commuters. Residents have easy access to public bus routes, Interstate 8, and Highways 125 and 52. In addition to job opportunities in San Diego, there are so many shopping, dining, and entertainment options as well.

El Cajun resides near Mission Trails Regional Park and Harry Griffen Park, so outdoor adventure is always around the corner. Locals can shop the 170 stores at Parkway Plaza, watch the annual Air Show San Diego event at Gillespie Field, try their luck at the Sycuan Casino, or catch some air at Kennedy Skate Park. Residents appreciate the community events in Downtown El Cajon, such as the weekly Cajun Classic Cruise, the summertime Dinner and a Concert Series, the annual HauntFest, America on Main, and the Mother Goose Parade.

Explore the City

The Downtown Café is a popular destination for residents

Catch live performances at the Magnolia, El Cajon’s performing arts center

A sign welcomes visitors to Downtown El Cajon

Residents quickly commute to San Diego via the El Cajon Transit Center

Rent Trends

As of December 2024, the average apartment rent in El Cajon, CA is $1,426 for a studio, $1,696 for one bedroom, $2,031 for two bedrooms, and $2,570 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in El Cajon has increased by 0.1% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,696/month
620 Sq Ft
House
$4,035/month
1,277 Sq Ft
Condo
$2,541/month
957 Sq Ft
Townhome
$3,140/month
1,595 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in El Cajon, CA

Transportation

63

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

32

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

46

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Pepper Drive Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

712 Students

7
out of 10

Fuerte Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

675 Students

7
out of 10

Fletcher Hills Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

605 Students

7
out of 10

Rancho San Diego Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

542 Students

6
out of 10

Blossom Valley Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

532 Students

6
out of 10

Pepper Drive Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

712 Students

7
out of 10

Hillsdale Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

1,500 Students

6
out of 10

Los Coches Creek Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

538 Students

5
out of 10

Cajon Valley Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

967 Students

4
out of 10

Flying Hills Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

727 Students

4
out of 10

Valhalla High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,911 Students

8
out of 10

Granite Hills High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,398 Students

5
out of 10

El Cajon Valley High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,652 Students

4
out of 10

Merit Academy

Public

Grades 9-12

79 Students

Rating Unavailable

Elite Academy

Public

Grades 9-12

44 Students

Rating Unavailable

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area
  • Damon Lane County Park
  • Lonny Brewer County Park
  • Mt. Helix Park
  • Woodhaven County Park

Airports

  • San Diego International

Top Apartments in El Cajon

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Property Management Companies in El Cajon, CA

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