Want to experience an uncommonly rural feeling right smack dab in San Diego County? Then Rancho Santa Fe is the place you want to go to. With average lot sizes hovering right around 2 acres, and only one street with shops, you can definitely experience a secluded atmosphere.

The Covenant refers to the original planned community of Rancho Santa Fe. It includes the downtown area as planned by Lilian Rice, who also designed the library, civic center, elementary school, numerous private homes and the only hotel within the Covenant, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Two large Spanish-style condominium complexes are also located in the Covenant's central area. The area offers some 45 miles of riding trails, available for use by Covenant residents, who take advantage of these facilities as well as those available to them courtesy the Rancho Santa Fe Riding Club and Saddle Club. Features of Covenant life large lots located along winding roads with Spanish names (e.g. Las Planideras, La Noria, Lago Lindo).

Many properties have sewer connections but there also are septic tanks on individual properties, as well as above-ground power lines. The Covenant lacks street lights, sidewalks and traffic lights, in accord with the original 1800s technology of Lilian Rice's time, as well as at-home mail delivery (each Rancho property-owner is assigned a post office box reflecting the original developers' goals of security and privacy. Despite what many would regard as drawbacks, properties in The Covenant, especially on the north side thereof, are higher-valued than properties of similar size and features elsewhere in Rancho Santa Fe. The Covenant is bordered on the north by Escondido Creek, on the south by the San Dieguito River, on the east by Camino del Norte and on the west by El Camino Real.

While the Covenant is easily the jewel of Rancho Santa Fe, there is also many other more modern communities; Horsemans Valley and Rancho Cielo are two esteemed gated communities to mention; Morgan Run, which is a golf course community; and a host of other newer communities. These newer communities include Fairbanks Ranch, The Crosby, Hacienda Santa Fe, The Summit, Del Reyo, The Bridges, and The River Estates.

 

Rancho Santa Fe

1. Schools:
   1. R.Roger Rowe Elementary
   2. Solana Santa Fe Elementary
2. Population (Year 2000) 3,252
   1. 48.8% Males
   2. 51.2 Females
3. Estimated median household income in 2005 $239,400
4. Restaurants
   1. Fine dining: Mille Fleurs, offers award-winning  French dishes, patio dining, seasonal music and piano bar. http://www.millefleurs.com/
   2. Fine Dining: Delicias, offers California Gourmet Cuisine http://www.deliciasrestaurant.com
   3. Casual Dining: Pantry, offers an expanded menu featuring great comfort favorites. http://www.eatpantry.com
   4. Casual Dining: Faribanks Ranch Deli, located at 16236 San Dieguito Road, Rancho Santa Fe (858) 756-4308.
   5. Mexican Dining: Que Pasa Rancho Santa Fe: located at 16089 San Dieguito Road, Rancho Santa Fe (858) 756-9669
5. Neighbrhoods:
   1. Del Rayo Downs & Estates
   2. Fairbanks Ranch
   3. Hacienda Santa Fe & the Summit at Rancho Del Rio
   4. Las Villas
   5. Morgan Run
   6. Rancho Del Lago
   7. Rancho Diegueno
   8. Rancho Farms Estates
   9. Rancho La Cima
   10. Rancho Pacifica
   11. Rancho Santa Fe Covenant
   12. Rancho Santa Fe Farms
   13. Rancho Sant Fe Groves
   14. Senterra
   15. South Point Farms
   16. Stonefield
   17. Stratford

6. Golf: Rancho Santa Fe is  heaven on earth for Golf enthusiasts, with at least 5 outstanding clubs to choose from.
   1. Rancho Santa Fe Golf club http://www.rsfgolfclub.com
   2. Morgan Run http://www.morganrun.com
   3. The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe http://www.thecrosbyclub.com
   4. The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe http://www.thebridgesrsf.com/
   5. Fairbanks Ranch Country Club http://www.fairbanksranch.com

Why wouldn’t you want to buy in Rancho Santa Fe is a better question. As exclusive as it gets in San Diego County, Rancho Santa Fe is the ultimate secluded paradise for those looking to escape the daily grind. Located in North San Diego County, you can enjoy the rustic modern air of Rancho Santa Fe. You can find yourself living near famous San Diegans such as Grammy award nominated singer Jewel, professional snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White, professional golfer Phil ‘Lefty’ Mickelson, and more. If you want to indulge yourself and live on spacious lots on winding roads, Rancho Santa Fe is definitely for you.