
Borregos (the Spanish word for sheep) Springs is a Census-Designated Place (CDP) in San Diego County. This CDP is unique, as the Anza-Borrego State Park entirely surrounds it. Founded in the late 1800s by cattle ranchers, Borrego Springs has a rich history and has since evolved into a notable place to live. Nowadays, living in Borrego Springs CA offers a small-town feel in a beautiful desert landscape where natural beauty is in abundance, and the community spirit is tangible.
Interested in moving to Borrego Springs CA? This blog tells all!
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Whether a seasonal residential or full-time inhabitant, living in Borrego Springs CA is great! The housing is affordable, the cost of living is low for its area, and the schools are pristine. Borrego Springs, California, also boasts a lovely downtown area with countless eateries and boutiques.
This town is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers; Borrego Springs is best known for being California’s first International Dark-Sky Community! Many people go to Borrego Springs to star-gaze and to take sky photography.
You'll be happy to discover that you can even find hot springs in Borrego Springs! Agua Caliente Park is a large camping site that hosts three naturally-fed hot springs, about 1-hour away. So go relax, soak up some warmth, and rejuvenate as you relish this unique desert lifestyle.
You might know the location of those living in San Diego, but where is Borrego Springs CA, and what county is Borrego Springs CA in?
Those living in Borrego Springs are located in the middle of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County and the greater expanse of Southern California, east of San Diego and west of the Salton Sea.
It’s 87.4 miles from Borrego Springs CA to San Diego, while Borrego Springs to Palm Springs is a similar 86 miles away. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park borders the entire CDP, but Salton City, Anza, and Warner Springs are a few nearby cities.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) provides public bus transportation for Borrego Springs. Routes 891 and 892 serve the Borrego Valley area. You can access more information regarding their routes and schedules online. It costs $2.50 for a one-way trip and $1.25 if you provide your ID.
As locals to the area, our Borrego Springs movers know a thing or two about settling you in the area with ease. So let the best moving company in Borrego Springs, Republic Moving & Storage, lend a hand if you have plans on living in Borrego Springs CA!
The population of Borrego Springs CA is 2,979 as of the 2020 Census, and the median age is 60.9 years old. 17% of residents living in Borrego Springs have moved here in the past year, and the sex ratio favors females (49% females to 51% males). Although the median age is high, 47% of people living in Borrego Springs CA are between the ages of 18 and 64.
The educational rate is good; 88.2% have high school diplomas, and 32.3% have bachelor’s degrees or higher. With a notable foreign-born population of 30.8%, you’ll find diverse racial and ethnic demographics in Borrego Springs. 60% are White and 37% are Hispanic or Latino.
Borrego Springs is 74% safer than other US cities with 100% being the safest. While the FBI does not provide crime rate statistics for Borrego Springs, the San Diego crime rate statistics are available, and living in Borrego Springs CA puts you in a safe environment. Although San Diego is over an hour from Borrego Springs, analyzing its crime rate could provide insight into how safe the region where Borrego Springs, CA, sits is.
According to BestPlaces, the violent crime rate in Borrego Springs is 22.7, and the property crime rate is 44.8. Since Borrego Springs is a CDP, it does not have its own police department. However, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has countless dedicated officers patrolling Borrego Springs, contributing to these low crime rates, and, overall, Borrego Springs is known as a very safe community.
Borrego Springs has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 107, making living here only 10% more expensive than the US average. This is a fair amount lower than the cost of living in San Diego, so if affordability is what you seek, living in Borrego Springs CA just might be the place.
The housing cost index is 13% below the US average (which is rare for California), while utilities are 49% above the US average. There is no definite answer as to why homes in Borrego Springs are so cheap, but it may be because the community isn’t centrally located and is more secluded from more popular California cities.
Typical *Borrego Springs, California living expenses:
*Some of the above figures are for San Diego, meaning prices may differ when living in Borrego Springs CA.
The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) suggests a household income of $162,121 for a family of four to live comfortably in San Diego County. EPI also recommends budgeting $34,572 for housing annually and $19,375 for transportation.
The median home price in Borrego Springs California is $339,000, which is well below the US median of $405,300. The average price per square foot in Borrego Springs is $246, and homes typically stay on the market for 42 days, selling 4.2% below the asking price.
While this may not sound like a seller’s market, Borrego Spring CA homes for sale are selling at an excellent price for the buyer. You'll most likely run into single family homes for sale in Borrego Springs CA.
Unlike the Borrego Springs CA real estate market, the rental market is expensive! The median monthly rent for apartments in Borrego Springs, CA is $1,389, and there are usually not many rentals available because it's a small town, which contributes to the higher price.
Buying is likely your best option if you’re considering moving to Borrego Springs!
As of the latest data, the median household income in Borrego Springs is $86,078/year, a higher number than the U.S. average, and most residents are positioned to meet the demands of the cost of living in Borrego Springs CA.
Before moving to Borrego Springs, you’ll need to find a neighborhood that checks all your boxes. Here are the best Borrego Springs neighborhoods.
Rams Hills is a golf community in Borrego Springs known for its luxurious homes and–of course—its pristine golf course. Despite the community’s allure and exclusivity, homes remain affordable; you can expect prices in the mid-$300,000s, but they’re rarely listed above $400,000.
Every home will boast views of either the golf course or the breathtaking Anza Borrego State Park and surrounding mountains, making it a top pick for living in Borrego Springs.
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Rams Hills is located off of Yaqui Pass RD, which connects to SR-78. This neighborhood is a commuter’s dream.
Downtown Borrego Springs is the place to be if you’re willing to rent and want proximity to the CDP’s amenities. You will find a handful of rental options and very few houses for sale. Any homes for sale in this area are more affordable – around $250,000 to $300,000.
Christmas Circle Park and Borrego Springs Desert Garden are nearby attractions, and Red Ocotillo is a popular eatery. Outdoor recreation is, of course, in nearby abundance, making living in Borrego Springs dynamic and engaging.
Borrego Springs has a Koppen climate classification of Hot desert climate or BWh. You can expect the weather in Borrego Springs CA to be enjoyable most of the year and for it to always feel dry. The average annual rainfall here is only eight inches, well below the US average of 30.8 inches.
Temperatures here vary drastically. The average low temperature in Borrego Springs CA in the winter is 41 degrees, and the average high in the summer is 102 degrees. The summers in Borrego Springs can become dangerously hot, and it's dry heat, so staying hydrated during any outdoor activities is essential.
According to those living in Borrego Springs CA, the best time of the year to visit Borrego Springs is from early May to mid-July and from late August to mid-October. May and June provide cooler temperatures than midsummer, and in the late summer to early fall, you’ll see plenty of sun and little to no rain.
Borrego Springs is in a seismically active region, so you should consider the chance of earthquakes. Besides a few very hot summer months, the Borrego Springs, CA, weather is enjoyable and ideal for those who enjoy sunshine and warmer weather.
With an average of 0 inches of snow each year, you'll be happy to know that Borrego Springs doesn't receive any snowfall!
While hot summers are commonplace, the hottest month in Borrego Springs is July, featuring an average high of 104.6 degrees.
While small, the CDP of Borrego Springs is surrounded by attractions and things to do. Its best shopping options are The Mall and The Plaza Shopping Center. As for things to do in Borrego Springs California, take a look at our list.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the CDP’s most famous park and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Borrego Springs CA. This large desert state park has miles of hiking trails, wildflower fields, and scenery! This is a popular camping option in Borrego.
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Borrego Springs, CA 92004, (760) 767-4205
Also known as the “Borrego Springs Sculptures,” Galleta Meadows is a popular tourist attraction in Borrego. You will find unique desert art and sculptures by Ricardo Breceda. If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Borrego Springs CA, the Borrego Springs sculptures are a must.
Borrego Springs, CA 92004, (760) 767-4205
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area is a popular off-roading area that’s beloved by tourists and residents living in Borrego Springs CA alike. You can enjoy the beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert in the comfort of your own four-wheel drive vehicle.
5172 CA-78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, (760) 767-5391
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Living in Borrego Springs CA is a nature enthusiast’s dream, and you can thank the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Department and California’s State Park Department for maintaining the various parks in Borrego Springs. There are also beautiful hiking trails in places like Hellhole Canyon, but again, make sure you check the weather and prepare!
Check out the CDP’s special events calendar to stay updated on your new tight-knit community and the numerous events to be had. The Borrego Days Desert Festival and the Borrego Springs Film Festival are two wonderful examples that highlight the community spirit and fun, artistic atmosphere of this small locale.
Borrego Springs isn’t known for a specific type of food, but you can expect diverse options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner when living in Borrego Springs CA. Whether you’re craving authentic Mexican cuisine, melt-in-your-mouth steak, or a light brunch, here are the best restaurants in Borrego Springs CA.
Carmelita’s is one of the most popular restaurants in Borrego Springs CA. It serves delicious menu items like enchiladas and chili relleno. The restaurant also has a full bar, making it a great place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or hiking.
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575 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, (760) 767-5666
Carlee’s Place Borrego Springs CA serves traditional American cuisine, including burgers, fries, and more. With handcrafted cocktails, delicious appetizers, and live music, many become regulars after moving to Borrego Springs.
660 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, (760) 767-3262
Kendall’s Cafe is for you early birds and is considered one of the best restaurants in Borrego Springs, CA! Here, you will find traditional breakfast and lunch options such as pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and yogurt parfaits. Their French toast and blueberry pancakes get rave reviews.
587 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, (760) 767-3491
With only about 3,000 residents, Borrego Springs’s economy is mostly fueled by tourists. The Anza-Borrego State Park (which surrounds Borrego Springs) sees roughly 50,000 to 150,000 visitors yearly; many stay in Borrego Springs. This CDP offers a resort, plenty of shopping and dining options, and a quaint downtown Borrego Springs CA area that residents and tourists love.
The town’s economy employs 1,119 people, meaning most people living in Borrego Springs CA commute to nearby cities. The mean commute time is only 22.5 minutes, meaning many residents work in Salton City, Anza, and Julian. Since the unemployment rate here is 1.6% below the US average, there are plenty of Borrego Springs jobs hiring right now. When you branch out of your search radius, you’ll see that the number of job opportunities will triple as you expand past the small-town limits.
You’ll likely have the most luck looking for jobs in Borrego Springs CA that are in the CDP’s leading industries. For example, professional & scientific services, hospitality, management, and manufacturing jobs are plentiful here!
The largest employer in Borrego Springs is Borrego Springs Resort, and the largest employers in San Diego County are U.C. San Diego, Sharp Healthcare, and the County of San Diego. If the city of Borrego Springs CA jobs interests you, working for a nearby city or the county is your only option; Borrego Springs, California, is a CDP and is governed by San Diego County.
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Before moving to Borrego Springs, consider what residents earn. The average hourly wage of those living in Borrego Springs CA is $23.42/hour, and the average salary is $48,716, according to ZipRecruiter. People in the 75th percentile earn an average salary of $58,513, whereas people in the 25th percentile earn $37,541.
Overall, you can expect plenty of job opportunities and a strong economy when living in Borrego Springs CA.
Borrego Springs Unified School District serves the students living in Borrego Springs CA. The district has four schools: Borrego Springs High School, Borrego Springs Middle School, Borrego Springs Elementary School, and Borrego Springs Pre-School. According to U.S. News, the student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1, and the high school graduation rate is 87.1%. 100% of the teachers are certified, and the student body is mostly Hispanic or Latino.
Borrego Springs Unified School District racial and ethnic makeup:
Aside from the excellent K-12 schools in Borrego Springs, the CDP’s proximity to notable colleges is convenient. Azusa Pacific University and San Diego State University are within two hours of Borrego Springs, CA.
San Diego County Library – Borrego Springs Branch serves as the Borrego Springs Library. You can check out physical copies of books, and eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines are also available. There are early-learner math workshops and online homework tutors available to cardholders, another allure of living in Borrego Springs CA.
Explore more of the CDP with this Borrego Springs CA map!
Borrego Springs, located in San Diego County, does not have a traditional downtown area. Instead, it features a small, rural community with a cluster of shops, restaurants, and art galleries along a few streets. The town center offers a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere focused on outdoor activities and local art.
Borrego Springs is relatively affordable compared to more urban areas in San Diego County. Housing prices are lower, with many properties offering larger lots and scenic desert views. However, prices can vary depending on location and property features, especially for homes near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Yes, Borrego Springs is a designated Dark Sky Community. It is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the night sky, minimizing light pollution to allow for optimal stargazing. The community hosts various events and has strict lighting regulations to protect its stargazing environment.
Borrego Springs does not have natural hot springs within the town itself. However, nearby hot springs, such as those in the desert area of San Diego County, can be visited with a short drive. Many people visit nearby Borrego Palm Canyon for hiking and scenic views.
San Diego is the oldest city in California. It was established in 1769 and served as the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in the state. While Borrego Springs offers a rich history of Native American culture and desert life, it is not considered the oldest city in California.
Living in Borrego Springs without the extensive knowledge you just acquired may make your transition more difficult. If you find yourself looking into other locations around San Diego, take a moment to check in with our other city guides!
Before moving to Borrego Springs, you’ll need reliable Borrego Springs movers in your corner. Call Republic Moving & Storage at (619) 591-0079 for a free estimate and make living in Borrego Springs CA a reality today!
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