El Cajon Homes for Sale

When you hear the term “big box,” you probably think of Walmart and other jumbo retail centers.  In east San Diego County, however, the City of El Cajon is named for the Spanish term “The Big Box” or “The Drawer,” for the valley’s square shape.

Surrounded by granite hills, El Cajon, with its population of roughly 100,000, is located roughly 17 miles east of San Diego, just off Interstate 8 on the route to Phoenix, Ariz.

El Cajon Homes for Sale

El Cajon Condos and Townhomes for Sale

History

El Cajon was incorporated in 1912. For many years it was the agricultural heart of San Diego County, at one time containing more than 7,500 acres of farmland, supporting wheat, citrus, grapes, and avocados.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, El Cajon enjoyed a booming raisin industry.
The city’s history is murky prior to its incorporation. However, it is known that in the early 19th Century, Spanish mission padres chose El Cajon as a location for pastureland, as the surrounding hills would help contain cattle and funnel rainwater to the valley grasslands.

Climate

The same climate that was conducive to agriculture makes the city a pleasant place to live today. El Cajon residents enjoy a semi-arid climate that is at times Mediterranean. The unique microclimate allows an average temperature of 70 degrees in the summer and 55 degrees in the winter.

El Cajon Real Estate

This year saw El Cajon real estate prices begin to rebound, with the median home price of $287,000 roughly 11 percent higher than last year. Home sales increased by nearly 3 percent during the same period of time.

El Cajon Attractions

Owing to its location beneath the hills, El Cajon offers hiking and camping. Other El Cajon attractions include Sycuan Resort & Casino Hotel, The Water Conservation Garden, Knox House Museum, The Boardwalk (games and rides for all ages), The Cottonwood Golf Club, Fletcher Hills Golf Range and the Heritage of the Americas Museum.

Education

In addition to its K-12 public school system, El Cajon is home to Grossmount Community College, which in 2011 celebrated its 50th anniversary.

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