Rancho Penasquitos

The city of Rancho Penasquitos was actually named after the first Mexican land grant in the county, Rancho Santa Maria de Los Peñasquitos. Its full name—Rancho de Los Peñasquitos—comes from the Spanish for “the land of the little hills (or cliffs). It’s affectionately nicknamed “PQ” by residents. Based on the 2010 census, PQ has a population of roughly 50,000 individuals.  

Distinctive mesas and canyons set this community apart from the rest of San Diego. Most of its homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s, constructed from a master plan which designated less commercial space to give a close-knit residential feel to the community. The houses in the city were built for the affluent middle class, and they continue to boast many comforts which attract young middle-class families.

PQ residents have contributed immensely toward the development of their homes by furnishing their yards and recreation spaces. In Rancho Peñasquitos, landscaping is lush; the power lines are underground, roofs are tiled, and each home enjoys plenty of indoor light. Most of the homes also feature spectacular views of the hills and canyons. As a result of its master plan, just two percent of PQ real estate has been set aside for commercial use; the community is family-friendly and focused on connection, not commerce. There are just a few small shopping centers that provide convenient foods and services for residents. Residents who want to do heavier shopping need to travel to nearby Mira Mesa and Carmel Mountain. Transportation in Rancho Peñasquitos is handled by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) which operates a bus and stops on Carmel Mountain Road.