Loma Alta - Oceanside, CA

Oceanside was established in 1886 and quickly became a transportation hub as the junction between several railway routes. It was also the site of the San Luis Rey Water Company, which used hydraulic energy to power the small town and operate grist-mills, canneries and other industries.

Oceanside mill set up shop shortly thereafter, sparking the rise of the timber trade in Oceanside and Pacific California. A highway connecting Los Angeles and San Diego in 1920 brought further residents and development.

Loma Alta was developed during these prosperous times, with wealthy residents building houses here. It was a time when several movies were filmed and movie stars visited the city. The neighborhood seems less glamorous, but remains a nice part of Oceanside. Both the Oceanside Museum of Art and Historical Society lie just outside the neighborhood. In April, the Oceanside Days of Art event occurs annually in nearby downtown.

This being Southern California, Loma Alta contains a large number of Mexican restaurants. There are also several Chinese, Japanese and pub-style restaurants to choose from. Most restaurants can be found along either Mission Avenue or Oceanside Boulevard.

Local legend, Cafe Rosarita has been serving up classic Mexican dishes in a casual shop for decades. The family-owned restaurant has created a cult following by providing authentic cuisine with Southern California portions. For the famished, try the grande burrito, containing a chile relleno stuffed inside with cheese, beans and choice of meat. Rosarita serves vegetarian options, such as veggie tacos and burritos, as well.

Newcomer Mission Ave Bar and Grill provides an upscale bar and restaurant with a wide selection of California beers, bourbons and more. The fare consists of new-American cuisine, with innovative twists on classic American dishes such as burgers and grilled chicken. For a taste of the sea, sample the shrimp arrabbiata with diavolo sauce, capers and Kalamata olives served over linguine with garlic bread. Enjoy an after dinner drink in the modern industrial space, soak up the revolving visual art, and catch local bands on the weekends.

Craft beer fans should head over to Dani P's Cork and Tap, with 32 beers on tap, pool tables and big screens for football and more. Local dive bar DC's Across the Street represents an old-school Oceanside institution serving up cheap drinks, darts and lots of regulars.

Walkability and access to public transportation remain somewhat limited in Loma Alta. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, and a few nearby transit options exist for longer distances.

Drivers appreciate easy access to Interstate 5, providing quick access to San Diego and Los Angeles, and the easy commute into downtown Oceanside via Oceanside Blvd or Mission Ave. Hailing a taxi proves difficult, but several private companies can provide pick up service. Uber services the area as well. Biking downtown and around the Loma Alta area remains possible, and there are some bike lanes available.

Loma Alta features several parks and recreation areas, and a private golf and disc-golf course. Parks can be found mostly along the edges of the neighborhood with one park in the center.

El Corazon Park encompasses 465 acres of mixed natural area and recreation area. This park features several sports fields, along with paths for walking and running. The park remains free of cost.

Goat Hill Park provides a private golf and disc-golf course in the southwest corner of the neighborhood. This green space features a driving range and full 18-holes in a tree-filled area.

Buddy Todd Park presents a great option for families and kids. With water fountains, play structures, swings and more, children want to return again and again. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and patrons may visit for free. There are no annual events in the parks of Loma Alta.

Cost of living remains comparable to the city average. Public transit costs $1.75 to reach downtown Oceanside. The average rent for a one-bedroom residence is $1,034.38. The typical price of a beer at a local pub costs between $4 to $6, less for options such as PBR. Gas prices average to 21 percent higher than the national average.

Shopping options range from exciting to mundane, with multiple skateboard and surf shops rubbing elbows with hardware stores and convenience marts. High-end stores can be found in downtown Oceanside. Most boutique and specialty stores can be found on Mission Ave. or Oceanside Blvd.

Homebrewers and specialty alcohol enthusiasts should check out Tap That, an all-service home brewery supply store with tap rooms, keg rentals and more. Investigate the extensive home-tap concepts including several models of ice-cooler tap systems. The store markets over 50 bottle choices, as well as merchandise including tee-shirts, hats and, of course, pint glasses. Find great gifts for any beer enthusiast.

Cyclists appreciate Alan's Bike Shop, featuring all styles of bikes including road, BMX, mountain, recumbant, kids bikes and even adult trikes. Stop in for a new helmet, fresh pair of spandex shorts or specialized eye wear. Alan's runs great deals on bike tune-ups as well, for as little as $50 for a multi-speed bike tune-up. Make sure to check out the shop's organized group rides in and around San Diego county.

Grocery options include Wal-Mart Supercenter and Trader Joe's as well as small convenience stores.