Rancho-Del Rey - Chula Vista, CA

Rancho-Del Rey sits within the city of Chula Vista, which began as a land tract in 1887. Those who bought the land built houses, and Chula Vista incorporated as a city in 1911. The community made a living through agriculture until World War II brought aircraft production and a population boom to the city. Housing developments continued to grow the population in the following decades.

The neighborhood doesn't have any museums or art galleries, but those interested can visit the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, just a short drive north on Bonita Road. Annual events in Chula Vista include the Lemon Festival and the Third Avenue Village Street Faire, but neither take place in Rancho-Del Rey.

The neighborhood has several restaurants nearby with a variety of cuisines ranging from Korean barbecue to Mediterranean and Mexican blends.

Romesco, located just north of the area on Bonita Road, calls itself a "Mexiterranean" bistro. Hardwood tables and chairs give this restaurant an elegant atmosphere, while the candlelit tables provide the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Romesco features different specials almost every day, giving you plenty of opportunities to get a discount. For a mid-week treat, stop by on Winedown Wednesdays, when you can get wine bottles half off and listen to live accordian music.

For burgers prepared with a Greek twist, check out Canada Steak Burger. This family-owned restaurant combines friendly service with a casual vibe to make everyone feel welcome. Menu highlights include the gyro burger and the steak burger. Sign up for this restaurant's email list to get coupons that discount the already low prices.

Korean barbecue fans should visit Manna BBQ Chula Vista, over on Otay Lakes Road. Prepare to chow down, because it's all you can eat here at Manna. The attentive servers stop by often to make sure every table has a clean skillet. Meat lovers should make sure to try the beef galbi and beef bulgogi.

While the neighborhood doesn't have many nightlife options within its borders, you can find bars and clubs scattered throughout the surrounding area. For a close option, try the Archway Lounge on Telegraph Canyon Road. You find a mix of young and old here, many of them more than willing to strike up a conversation. No matter your taste in music, you can select it here on the bar's jukebox. It gets busy on weekends, so come on a Friday or a Saturday if you want to meet people.

Most residents travel Rancho-Del Rey by car, but they have other transportation options available as well.

You can drive around the area on local roads and take highways for longer commutes. Interstate 805 and California State Route 125, both running north and south, can be accessed with a quick drive west or east. California State Route 54, running east and west, lies a bit further north. You can park on the street in this neighborhood, just make sure to read the signs first.

San Diego Metro buses service Chula Vista, with routes 705 and 709 passing through Rancho-Del Rey. Taxis and ride share companies like Uber service the area. Pick up times vary.

While the sunny California weather makes walks around the neighborhood enjoyable, you need another form of transportation for most commutes and errands. Many streets have bike lanes, but the hilly terrain means you should prepare for a workout on longer rides.

Residents have plenty of chances for getting outdoors, as this neighborhood has two parks within its borders and several more in adjacent communities. Visit the parks free of charge and feel free to bring a dog along, just keep him on a leash.

Try Explorer Park, located on South Rancho Del Rey Parkway, when you want to relax in a quiet, peaceful environment. Play equipment and plenty of open space for games keep the kids happy, while adults can go for a hike or jog around this park's collection of trails.

Those looking for more space to work up a sweat should head over to Discovery Park on Marbella Circle. At 20.4 acres, this park gives you room to toss a football around or train for a 5K run. Sports fans can set up games on the baseball or soccer fields. You can even shoot hoops on the basketball court.

Other parks in the city hold annual events, but at Discovery Park you have the opportunity to give back to the community once a year with Beautify Chula Vista. The event, held at Rice Canyon, consists of volunteers cleaning debris, wiping away graffiti and even planting native plants.

Rancho-Del Rey carries a higher cost of living than the city average, specifically in housing costs. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for about $1,500, although you may find cheaper arrangements.

A Metro ride to the city center costs $2.25, and gas prices come in around 18 percent higher than the national average. A pint at the local pub costs about $4.

You won't find much shopping within Rancho-Del Rey's borders, but the surrounding areas have a variety of larger stores and boutiques. If you like getting all your shopping done in one place, head up to Bonita Centre East Plaza.

Those in search of deals should visit the Spare Room. With a focus on used women's clothing and accessories, this shop features brand names at low prices. Unlike other thrift stores where you have to sort through everything yourself, the Spare Room organizes items by type and color, making it easy to find deals.

Major grocery stores close to the neighborhood include Ralphs, Costco, and Vons. Rancho-Del Rey doesn't have any farmers markets, but Bonita and Chula Vista both have one.