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Set your sails for Bonsall! If you've ever wondered what living in Bonsall CA is like, welcome to your ultimate guide. Indigenous communities began inhabiting Bonsall 12,000 years ago. Spanish colonists arrived in the area in 1769 and sold the land to the United States in the 1800s. The community was initially called “Mount Fairview” before it was renamed “Osgood.” The town was renamed Bonsall in 1890, honoring James A. Bonsall, a local minister.
Nowadays, Bonsall San Diego is a community-centric place to call home in the beautiful state of California, and moving to Bonsall is an increasingly popular choice - you'll soon see why!
Table of Contents
Is Bonsall a Nice Place to Live?
The census-designated place is best known as a beautiful rural community near San Diego. It is a nice place to live, with safe streets and spacious homes perfect for large families.
Bonsall is known for its mellow environment and low crime rates, estimated up to 60% lower than the national average, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil place to establish roots. Residents enjoy a rural charm paired with convenient access to amenities in nearby cities like Oceanside and Carlsbad, as well as proximity to Downtown San Diego.
However, prospective homeowners interested in Bonsall San Diego should be mindful of the area's wildfire risks and steadily rising housing costs, reflecting its growing popularity. While the town has a close-knit vibe, its smaller size means fewer local amenities than larger urban areas. Still, living in Bonsall CA is a hard-to-beat choice!
Where Is Bonsall California?
You have an idea of where those living in San Diego are located, but where is Bonsall CA, and what county is Bonsall CA in?
Bonsall is in northern San Diego County, within the San Diego metro area, and in the foothills of the Peninsular Mountain Range.
Bonsall bordersOceanside, CA, and the North County metro sub-region ofVista CA, while other small suburbs and neighboring San Diego cities that directly surround those living in Bonsall CA include Winterwarm, Morro Hills, Hidden Meadows, and Lilac.
The community has paved roads, but it’s mostly undeveloped, with large tracts of farmland and unbuilt plots. It is 46 miles fromBonsall to San Diego, a major advantage of living in Bonsall CA.
The community lacks public transportation, though State Route 76 runs through it and Interstate 15 borders it, providing access toEscondido, CA, and making it easy to move to Bonsall.
Call our Bonsall movers anytime at 619-591-0079 if you plan to relocate to or from the area. As the best Bonsall moving company, we'll show you just how easy moving can be!
How Far Is Bonsall, CA From the Ocean?
With Oceanside being the closest beach from Bonsall, you can reach the ocean in just 12.6 miles, a short drive that typically takes around 20 minutes and a major draw of living in Bonsall CA.
What Is the Population of Bonsall CA? | Bonsall Population and Demographics
As of the latest Census, there are 4,332 people living in Bonsall CA. The population grew by 6.9% between 2010 and 2021, and the community has a population density of 318 people per square mile spread across 1,772 occupied housing units. The average household size is 2.6, creating a family-oriented environment. The largest age group in Bonsall, at 17%, is 18 to 64 years old.
Additional Living in Bonsall CA Demographics:
50% female, 50% male
Median age: 44
Racial and ethnic composition: 60% White alone, 30.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.3% two or more races, 2.7% Asian alone, 1% Black or African American alone
Median household income: $113,537/year
Educational attainment: 89.5% of residents living in Bonsall CA have graduated high school, 48.1% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher
Foreign-born population: 19.6%
How Big is Bonsall?
The CDP of Bonsall California takes up a total of 13.80 square miles, of which 13.62 square miles are land and 0.17 square miles are water.
Bonsall is a very safe community to live in, as the crime rate in Bonsall CA is extremely low. In fact, it's measurably lower than San Diego's crime rate.
Here are the latest crime rates per 100,000 people living in Bonsall CA:
Overall crime: 666 (74% lower than the state average)
Violent crime: 126 (74.07% lower than the state average)
Property crime: 540 (74.01% lower than the state average)
TheSan Diego County Sheriff’s Department serves Bonsall residents, and more than 2,300 officers work in the department. The department does not have an official crime map for Bonsall, but it recommends usingCrimeMapping.com to see where crimes are.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Bonsall CA?
Living in Bonsall CA is great for people who love outdoor activities, green spaces, and natural points of interest. For shopping,River Village Plaza has several restaurants, banks, and small stores, while Village Bonsall Market caters to those who need groceries.
And if you're looking for things to do in Bonsall CA, check out the following, and keep in mind you're also close to all the amazing parks in San Diego, too!
Visit Rawhide Ranch for family-friendly adventure! While Bonsall CA is home to a handful of equestrian facilities, Rawhide Ranch is a Western-themed camp for kids and a standout. Your children can learn horseback riding, practice archery, and sing campfire songs underneath the shadows of rolling hills and beneath starry skies. Overnight and day programs are available in the summer and winter.
Vista Valley Country Club has an 18-hole championship golf course with several tees per hole, allowing golfers with handicaps to play. The club also contains an indoor fitness center, a spa, and a Tuscan-style lounge with an on-site restaurant.
Wild Wonders in Bonsall, CA, offers visitors a unique, hands-on experience with exotic animals from around the globe. This wildlife education center is home to over 100 animal ambassadors, including cheetahs, kangaroos, and sloths, and offers interactive tours and educational programs.
Z Cafe blends Hawaiian, Japanese, and Tex-Mex flavors into vibrant breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. You and your kids can enjoy classic dishes like burgers or experiment with sushi and Hawaiian plates.
Peking Wok is a casual Chinese restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. It has a full bar with a premium selection of beers, cocktails, sake, and wines, making it a great choice for adults at night.
What Is the Average Rent and Median Home Price in Bonsall CA?
63.8% of properties in Bonsall are owner-occupied, though renters still have options. Most apartments in Bonsall CA are studio or one-bathroom apartments covering less than 1,000 square feet, though larger units are available. Many Bonsall California apartments have furnished kitchens, laundry facilities, and television and Wi-Fi access. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,700 a month.
75% of homes are single units, 20% are multi-unit structures, and 5% are mobile homes. Most Bonsall CA homes for sale are spacious ranch-style properties containing at least three bedrooms and covering more than 2,000 square feet. You can also buy vacant lots for development, most of which cover several acres.
According to Redfin, homes for sale in Bonsall CA have a median sale price of $1.1 million, up by 4.5% since last year and more than twice the national average, showcasing the desirability of living in Bonsall CA. The sale price per square foot for a Bonsall home for sale is $419, up 1.1% over the year.
What’s the Economy in Bonsall CA Like? | Jobs in Bonsall CA
According to ZipRecruiter, the average base salary in Bonsall California is $45,883 a year, while the average hourly rate is $22.06/hour. Farming and agriculture are the main industries in Bonsall, with farms growing a variety of crops, including grapes and lemons. Major employers include theBonsall Unified School District, Wild Wonders, andRawhide Ranch.
Indeed is a great resource for findingjobs in Bonsall. Bonsall does not have its own government, so there are no City of Bonsall jobs, but residents living in Bonsall, CA can apply forSan Diego County jobs with the county government.
No colleges or private schools are based in Bonsall. The nearest college isPalomar College, a community college with 250 associate’s degree programs.
Bonsall does not have its own library. That said, residents living in Bonsall CA can useVista Library, a branch in the San Diego County Library system. You and your kids can rent out thousands of print and electronic books, movies, and television shows.
What Is Bonsall High School Ranked?
Bonsall High School boasts a graduation rate of 85%, and according to U.S. News, is ranked #9,375 in the National Rankings and #1,053 in all of California, another allure of moving to Bonsall, to say the least.
Use this map to find additional attractions, Bonsall restaurants CA, and opportunities to purchase Bonsall real estate! It's a great way to get a feel for what it's like living in Bonsall CA from the comfort of your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the History of Bonsall?
Bonsall’s history is tied to San Diego County’s rural settlement, transport, and agriculture. It was once known as Mount Fairview, then renamed after James Bonsall, a nursery owner and Methodist minister. Bonsall CA was developed close to the San Luis Rey River and remained rural compared to its other nearby coastal neighbors. Today, Bonsall is known as an unincorporated community in San Diego County known for equestrian life, farming, and ranching.
What Are the Major Industries in Bonsall?
Bonsall’s major industries include an abundance of agriculture, value in healthcare, local businesses, and investments in construction. According to employment data, most Bonsall residents commute to Oceanside, Vista, Fallbrook, Escondido, and other major job centers for work.
Is Bonsall a City?
No. Bonsall is not a city. It is an unincorporated community recognized by the Census Bureau in northern San Diego County, California. The Bonsall Community Plan covers 32.8 square miles in the foothills of the Peninsular Mountain Range, and the County of San Diego handles its services and land uses.
What Is Bonsall Known for?
Bonsall is a small town known for its foothill setting, equestrian properties, agriculture, and rural location near the San Luis Rey River in San Diego County. It is heavily associated with San Luis Rey Downs, a horse training center, and the San Luis Rey Equine Hospital. Bonsall CA provides residents a serene lifestyle near coastal cities, providing both nature and urban amenities.
Is Bonsall, CA a Nice Place to Live?
Bonsall CA is perfect for people who want more land for hiking, gardens, and a rural setting to live in. The area offers a peaceful, quiet atmosphere ideal for rest and outdoor activities. San Diego, Oceanside, Fallbrook, and Vista are nearby Bonsall, making urban amenities accessible. That being said, potential residents should consider the commute, nightlife, and overall housing costs before choosing Bonsall.
Republic Moving & Storage in San Diego As Your Bonsall CA Movers!
Is Bonsall a good place to live? Yes, living in Bonsall CA is amazing! You can find spacious and luxurious homes, safe streets, and beautiful outdoor excursions wherever you go in the community. Bonsall offers a lot more space than other San Diego suburbs, and the rolling hills are simply stunning.
But before you start your new life, you need to plan your move to Bonsall. Republic Moving & Storage has more than 50 years of experience in helping people move to San Diego County.
Call the bestBonsall movers at Republic Moving & Storage today at 619-591-0079 for a free moving 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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