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Searching for an affordable area with great weather and access to the beach? Maybe you should consider living in El Cajon CA.
Just east of San Diego lies the thriving city of El Cajon, CA. During Spanish rule in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the Roman Catholic Church received land grants to set up missions throughout the region. Soon, missionaries came to El Cajon, which would later serve as a barrier for stray cattle and a place for Native American converts. Eventually, gold was discovered in the area in 1869, and the town’s manager set up a hotel for people to stay while looking for gold.
Now, El Cajon is known as one of the most diverse cities in California, which has allowed for more unity and understanding among neighbors in the community. It’s also home to its own airport -Gillespie Field. It is bordered by San Diego and La Mesa.
The city is nicknamed “the box” since it is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. El Cajon is a good place to live because it is never too cold, offers plenty of outdoor activities, has amazing public schools nearby, and has a friendly culture.
Moving to El Cajon offers residents a more suburban feel with many neighborhoods, shops, and stores always close by, so it is no wonder many families are compelled to move here. Here is a closer look at why El Cajon is a good place to live.
Table of Contents
Is El Cajon a Good Place to Live?
El Cajon, California, is a family-friendly suburb in San Diego County, offering a slower pace of life with access to outdoor activities and affordable housing compared to nearby areas. It has good schools, community events like the annual Mother Goose Parade, and easy access to hiking trails and open spaces.
However, living in El Cajon CA may not suit everyone. It has limited nightlife and a suburban feel that might not appeal to those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle. Traffic congestion can also be an issue for commuters heading toward downtown San Diego.
Key considerations include researching neighborhoods, as quality can vary, and assessing commuting needs based on work or lifestyle preferences. Moving to El Cajon offers a balance of affordability and family-oriented amenities, making it an attractive option for many, depending on individual priorities.
Is El Cajon a Good Place to Live?
El Cajon, California, is a family-friendly suburb in San Diego County, offering a slower pace of life with access to outdoor activities and more affordable housing than nearby areas. It has good schools, community events like the annual Mother Goose Parade, and easy access to hiking trails and open spaces.
However, living in El Cajon CA may not suit everyone. It has limited nightlife and a suburban feel that might not appeal to those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle. Traffic congestion can also be an issue for commuters heading toward downtown San Diego.
Key considerations include researching neighborhoods, as quality can vary, and assessing commuting needs based on work or lifestyle preferences. Moving to El Cajon offers a balance of affordability and family-oriented amenities, making it an attractive option for many, depending on individual priorities.
Where Is El Cajon? | What County Is El Cajon in?
When hiring El Cajon, CA movers, consider the city’s location. El Cajon is in San Diego County, east of downtown San Diego within the East County Region. It's situated at the base of Cowles Mountain and Mission Trails Regional Park. Several major highways pass through the community, including I-8 and California State Routes 125 and 67, giving residents in El Cajon easy access to popular San Diego neighborhoods like La Jolla Shores and Mission Beach. Nearby communities include La Mesa, Spring Valley, and Santee. A dedicated El Cajon moving company can help you transition to your new home from any of these communities.
The El Cajon population is 103,291 people, a 2.7% decrease from 2020. It features a relatively dense urban atmosphere with a population density of 7,118.5 residents per square mile.
It’s a diverse community with many growing families living in El Cajon CA. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 56.4% white (51.9% non-Hispanic), 29% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, 5.5% Asian, and 18% two or more races. About 23% of residents living in El Cajon CA are under 18, and 17% are ages 30-39. Notable people from El Cajon are musician Frank Zappa and Olympic diver Greg Louganis.
Other El Cajon Demographics
The median household income in El Cajon is $67,511, which is 31.9 lower than the rest of California
The median age in El Cajon is 36.1, so many young families live there
84.4% of residents living in El Cajon CA have a high school diploma, and 23% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
49.5% of residents living in El Cajon CA are men, and 50.5% are women
The foreign-born population is 29.3%
Cajon is safe - those living in El Cajon, CA rarely have to worry about anything happening to their property due to property crime being 14.76%% lower than the national average. The El Cajon crime rate is 1,934.6 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 8.71% lower than the rest of the country and 24.56% lower than the California crime rate. Violent crime is also 6.1% lower than the rest of California. So if you’re moving to El Cajon and crime is a concern, you should feel perfectly safe.
El Cajon Cost of Living | Is El Cajon Expensive?
Living in El Cajon CA can be seen as fairly affordable when compared to the rest of California; however, the cost of living in El Cajon CA is more expensive than the national average.
A good way to analyze the cost of living in a particular place is to look at the cost of living index, which compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US (represented by 100). The COLI for the San Diego metro area is 142, indicating the cost of living in El Cajon CA is about 42% higher than the rest of the country. However, living in El Cajon CA is less expensive than San Diego, because housing prices are lower.
The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator shows that the average family of four with two adults and two kids needs to earn $162,121 to afford the cost of living in El Cajon, CA.
The homeownership rate in El Cajon, CA, is 39%, so plenty of people may be moving to El Cajon and looking to rent. RentCafe indicates that the average rent in El Cajon is $2,203 per month. Rent prices for El Cajon, CA apartments start around $1500 for a 1 bedroom and go up to over $5,000 for three or more bedrooms.
Healthcare in El Cajon is 11% cheaper than the national average. Transportation is 9% cheaper than the California average, which can be a relief for residents worried about other expensive essentials.
El Cajon CA Neighborhoods | Best Places to Live in El Cajon
There are plenty of good neighborhoods to choose from if you plan on living in El Cajon CA. The most popular neighborhoods in El Cajon are North Central,Granite Hills on The Hill, East Lexington, Downtown El Cajon, and Brookhurst Estates.
North Central | A Large Community Full of Growing Families
North Central is a fairly big and vibrant community, with most residents being middle-aged adults with younger children.
Granite Hills on The Hill offers residents in El Cajon a slower pace of life with limited nightlife, which has drawn many retirees.
East Lexington | A Family-Friendly Area with Easy Access to Amenities
East Lexington is one of the bigger neighborhoods in El Cajon and has many families residing there.
Brookhurst Estates | An Exclusive Neighborhood For Older Couples
Brookhurst Estates is a small community with many older couples whose kids have just left the nest.
Climate and Weather El Cajon CA
One of the many reasons people choose to relocate here is because of the weather. El Cajon is known for its pleasant weather year-round. The El Cajon climate is Mediterranean, according to the Köppen Classification System.
The summers in El Cajon are short and hot, with an average high temperature of 87°F and a low temperature of 64°F. Meanwhile, the winters in El Cajon are long and cool, with highs of 68°F and lows of 41°F. The best time to visit someone living in El Cajon CA is from May to October.
El Cajon gets an average of 14 inches of rainfall, which is significantly lower than the national average. Those moving to El Cajon can expect many pleasant sunny days.
Things to Do in El Cajon, CA | What to Do in El Cajon
Looking for fun things to do in El Cajon? Whether you want to spend the night out with your significant other, visit a museum, or spend the day with your family, we’ve got you covered! You can find plenty of shopping opportunities at retail centers like Parkway Plaza, Main Street Plaza, or the Rancho San Diego Towne Center.
Check out the top-rated activities in El Cajon down below:
John F Kennedy Park provides an awesome day outside. Residents enjoy the skate park, the playground, and the green spaces for picnics or sports. There is something fun to do for everyone here!
If you’re looking for a fun date night or day outside with the kids, or a getaway for some casino gambling excitement, Sycuan Casino Resort is the place to go. Filled with recreational facilities for all kinds of entertainment, Sycuan will provide you with a romantic dinner and live music with your significant other, or you and your kids a day out to the pool to enjoy the sun!
Families moving to El Cajon should stop by the San Diego Air & Space Museum, a small museum located in the northeastern corner of Gillespie Field that features examples of military jets, sport aircraft, and racing planes.
El Cajon has many local parks for outdoor enthusiasts and other recreational options. For more fun things to do in El Cajon, visit the local Parks and Recreation Department website for a list of special events, cultural festivals, and other resources.
El Cajon Restaurants
Moving to El Cajon and wondering where to grab a tasty bite to eat? We’ve discovered the best places to eat in El Cajon for you to try out down below:
Hacienda is one of the best Mexican restaurants in El Cajon, CA! With options of quesadillas, taquitos, enchiladas, and tacos, there is something delicious for everyone! You’ll find hundreds of raving online reviews complimenting their great service, atmosphere, and food; this place is a must-try!
If you’re craving home-style food, Black Bear Diner is one of the best local restaurants in El Cajon, CA! This restaurant is praised for its delicious breakfast, which includes specialty waffles, eggs, french toast, bacon, and more! They also serve lunch and dinner, which are sure to satisfy anyone’s appetite.
Another benefit of living in El Cajon CA is a stable economy. El Cajon's economy employs 46,700 people. The majority of jobs in El Cajon are found in retail, health care, and construction. The highest-paying jobs are in utilities, finance and insurance, and public administration.
According to Payscale, the average salary in the San Diego area is $93,000 per year. Residents living in El Cajon CA have an average commute time of 26.2 minutes. However, many residents have an even shorter commute because their job is located in the nearby big city of San Diego. From FBI agent to litigation attorney, you can find a wide range of excellent El Cajon jobs available.
El Cajon offers many excellent schools to choose from, thanks to its top-rated school district. The most popular schools in El Cajon areFletcher Hills Elementary School, Fuerte Elementary School, Los Coches Creek Middle School, Literacy First Charter School, and Hillsdale Middle School. Valhalla High School and Grossmont Middle College High School are two of the top high schools in El Cajon, CA.
All of these schools are rated well above average on GreatSchools and are highly praised for their diversity and their students’ academic progress and test scores.
El Cajon also has many good private schools, including Vanguard Preparatory School, Del Rey Schools, Foothills Christian High School, and Pacific Independent Education.
San Diego State University is also nearby if you're looking for higher-education opportunities. Residents living in El Cajon CA can also check out the local branch of the San Diego Public Library for books and other media.
Map of El Cajon, CA
Discover more activities, attractions and fun things to do in El Cajon with this map.
El Cajon Statistics & Information
El Cajon County: San Diego
El Cajon area: 14.51 square miles
El Cajon zip code: 92019–92022, 92090
El Cajon area code: 619
El Cajon elevation: 433 ft
El Cajon time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 & -8)
Living in El Cajon CA Pro: Residents experience nice weather year-round
Living in El Cajon CA Pro: The schools are rated highly on Great Schools
Living in El Cajon CA Con: The cost of living is more than the national average
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is El Cajon, CA Known for?
El Cajon is known for its warm inland climate in the East County of San Diego. It’s a city surrounded by hills in a valley, with a diverse population, a large Hispanic community, local retail, urban amenities, and community events held at the Magnolia Performing Arts Center and malls like Parkway Plaza. It’s also known for its local outdoor parks, like Mission Trails Regional Park.
Is El Cajon a Wealthy Area?
No. El Cajon CA is not considered one of the wealthiest areas of San Diego County. Instead, El Cajon is considered a working-class city, unlike San Carlos' suburban lifestyle. El Cajon is known for lower housing costs than other cities like Del Mar, La Jolla, or Encinitas. The city has a wide variety of neighborhoods with single-family homes, apartments, commercial areas, and older residential districts. Housing affordability depends on the neighborhood within El Cajon.
Why Is El Cajon Called the Box?
El Cajon is named after the Spanish phrase, “El Cajón,” which refers to the boxed-in shape of the valley where the city is located. The area is also surrounded by hills and mountains, making it seem enclosed. The city's history is tied to Spanish settlers who used the term to describe the area.
Is El Cajon a Nice Place to Live?
El Cajon is a nice place to live for people who desire affordable housing compared to other coastal San Diego County communities and cultural diversity. The city has access to shopping centers, Grossmont College, and public transportation. However, like many larger suburban cities, quality of life can vary by neighborhood, with differences in traffic, housing density, safety perceptions, and access to parks or schools.
How Far Is El Cajon, CA From the Beach?
El Cajon, CA is 20 to 25 miles from San Diego beaches. Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, or Ocean Beach take about 25 to 40 minutes in normal traffic through Interstate 8 west toward the coast. Keep in mind that travel times can extend depending on season, major events, and rush hour. While El Cajon is inland, it is close enough for day trips to San Diego’s coastal areas.
Thinking About Moving to El Cajon?
Convinced that El Cajon is a good place to live? You’ll need help from the top-rated El Cajon movers to get you settled in your new place! Our reliable team members will be there every step of the way to make your move a breeze! Call us today at (619) 591-0079 for a free quote!
Bill Lovejoy
Bill Lovejoy is the president of Republic Moving and Storage. Purchasing the assets of Republic Relocations in May 2008. In 2008, Republic did $700K of business and today is over $15 Million. Republic was named AMSA’s 2010 Agent of the Year for Service Excellence after only two years in business.
Bill is proud that he grew up doing every facet of the business from a local mover, over the road driver, salesperson, operations manager, and general manager. (and just about everything else in between) Before purchasing Republic, Bill was with Bekins Moving and Storage where he served as a Senior Vice President and was a partner. He was responsible for three HHG companies as well as two logistics companies.
A proud Father of six children, and a lovely wife, Carol, Bill constantly works to keep a balance between work and family Life. Bills “stress relieving” hobbies include racket ball, basketball, tennis, and golf.
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