Ramona
Ramona is a peaceful rural town some 50 miles or so from downtown San Diego. With approximately 20,000 residents, it is bordered by Poway to the southwest and Escondido to the northwest, all three areas separated by hills and mountains. The mountain towns of Santa Ysabel and Julian, a historic gold mining town about 4,000 feet above sea level, are found off Highway 78 several miles to the north. Ramona lies in what is known as the Valley of the Sun and is spread out over an expansive area dotted with farms and horse ranches off its woodsy country roads, many of them without sidewalks. The area is served by the Ramona Unified School District.
San Diego Country Estates is a large sub-division of homes on half-acre plus lots on Ramona’s east side, which boasts a country club, swimming pool and an equestrian center, and even a time-share resort. Some of the San Diego Country Estates community is situated near or surrounding a golf course and another portion is zoned for horses. As a contrast to the older, more modest homes found in downtown Ramona, San Diego Country Estates has many upscale custom homes. On Ramona’s west side, close to the Poway border, is the Mount Woodson championship golf course and country club, and another area of upscale properties.
The country town of Ramona offers most of life’s necessities, and department stores are not too far away in Escondido. For specialized medical services, residents can choose between Palomar Hospital in Escondido and Pomerado Hospital in Poway. Many residents work in these two cities and in other employment centers in North County, rather than make the longer commute into San Diego. Sports activities include golf, Little League, soccer, Pop Warner football, softball and the 4-H Club. There are miles of horse trails throughout the Ramona area. Lake Sutherland, just east of Ramona, is a popular spot for fishermen, and Poway Lake is not too far away. Local events include Pioneer Days and an annual rodeo. Ramona also hosts an annual non-motorized parade, believed to be the largest such parade in the country.
