Rancho San Diego - El Cajon, CA

The area known as San Diego County was the original homeland of the Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, Luseno and Cupeno Indians, long before the first explorers landed here in 1542. A part of the U.S. since the end of the U.S.-Mexican War in 1848, the county can claim being one of the oldest counties in the country — including the area now known as Rancho San Diego.

Rancho San Diego contains several galleries and museums that foster a strong arts scene. Main Street 5 Gallery in El Cajon sponsors local artists and has a gallery of artwork that visitors can view. The gallery also sponsors an annual juried art show and teaches art classes.

People visit the Heritage of the Americas Museum on the campus of Cuyamaca College to see artifacts from Native Americans and pioneers. The museum also chronicles the natural history of the area with dinosaur fossils and preserved animals. Visitors can walk through the adjacent botanical gardens to see rare desert plants.

Residents can find many types of cuisine in local restaurants, most of which lie along State Route 54. Locals head to Nicky Rottens to satisfy a burger craving. The restaurant serves many variations on the burger theme, such as the Pit Burger, topped with pastrami and a potato cake. Don't skip the sides as customers rave about the garlic tater tots and the chili cheese fries. Vegetarians can also enjoy a meal here because any burger can be replaced with a house-made veggie patty. A draft beer from the bar pairs perfectly with any burger, and many people stop by for the happy hour specials that change daily.

Dolci Cafe Italiano takes customers on a culinary expedition to Italy with dishes such as fettucine primavera and wood-fired pizzas. In the morning, the stuffed crepes or a frittata create the perfect start to your day. A brownie topped with hazelnut gelato proffers a sweet and decadent end to the meal. The upscale atmosphere and full-service bar make the restaurant a popular spot for group dinners.

Enjoy authentic Middle Eastern food with a trip to Sahara, where the beef shawarma and chicken tikka rank among the favorite menu items. The Sahara fries covered in beef and melted cheese make a great side item or snack. Before you leave, browse the bakery counter for desserts like baklava or chocolate cake. Speedy service makes the restaurant an ideal place to grab lunch or get food to go.

Rancho San Diego has a number of sports bars, hookah bars and lounges that provide plenty of nightlife options. Locals enjoy watching the game and a cold brew at Press Box Sports Lounge. With 15 HD TVs, every sports package imaginable and a large selection of beers and spirits, Press Box is the perfect place to enjoy your favorite team while making new friends.

Most residents use a car to run errands and get around the neighborhood, which means you'll find plenty of free parking at many businesses. Although most major thoroughfares have bike lanes, many smaller roads lack them, which can make biking difficult. Sidewalks line many roads, facilitating walking through the neighborhood. Several bus routes operated by the Metropolitan Transit System run along major roads but do not go through smaller streets. Uber services the area, and you can also call a taxi company to arrange a ride.

State Route 94 runs through the neighborhood and connects with several interstate highways, which makes getting out of town easy. Residents can use the bus system to access downtown San Diego. From there, Amtrak trains provide service north to Los Angeles.

Most parks in the neighborhood feature preserved natural areas that have few amenities. Residents enjoy recreational opportunities on the tennis courts and basketball courts of Cottonwood County Three Park. The playgrounds and covered picnic areas make the park a popular destination for families and gatherings. Damon Lane County Parks allows equestrian access and has miles of trails for riding, hiking and biking. The park also permits leashed dogs.

Explore the Southern California wilderness with a visit to San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge encompasses thousands of acres and includes many different habitats such as grasslands and oak woodlands. Bird watchers bring binoculars for the chance to catch a glimpse of one the endangered bird species that inhabit the refuge. The refuge hosts a monthly "Hike With a Ranger Event" in which park rangers take people on guided walks through the property. Visitors can also walk dogs and ride horses in the refuge.

Residents of Rancho San Diego pay for the amenities they enjoy, with living costs 5 percent higher than in San Diego. Gas prices remain 11 percent higher the national average, and a pint of beer in a local pub runs about $6. Going from Rancho San Diego to San Diego using the Metropolitan Transit System costs $4.50. Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs around $1,402 per month.

Many shopping opportunities lie along State Route 54, which runs through the neighborhood. Big box stores such as Ross, Kohls, and Michaels anchor shopping centers in the neighborhood. Locals shop for groceries at Ralphs, Albertsons, and Vons, and the Spring Valley Certified Farmers Market takes place just to the west of Rancho San Diego.

When you're shopping for a special occasion, let the helpful staff at Hermz help you find just the right dress or gown, as well as the accessories you need to complete the outfit. The gowns are meticulously organized to help you find what you love, and the store can special order your size in just a few days if needed.