Vista is a city located in San Diego County, California. With a population of over 100,000, it is the 3rd largest city in San Diego County. Vista is known for its beautiful parks, historic downtown area, and growing art and culture scene.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Vista, the city has a population of 101,659 as of the 2020 census. This makes Vista the 4th largest city in the San Diego metropolitan area after San Diego, Chula Vista, and Oceanside.
The racial makeup of Vista is approximately 59.3% White, 5.5% African American, 1.2% Native American, 3.9% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 25.3% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up 48.2% of the population.
Over the past few decades, Vista has experienced steady population growth. In 1980, the population was just 35,834. By 2000 it had grown to 89,857 and in 2010 it reached 93,834. The current estimated population of over 100,000 shows that Vista continues to grow in size and economic importance in the region.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the top employers and industries in Vista include:
- Visteon – An automotive electronics manufacturer, Visteon is the largest private employer in Vista with over 1,000 employees. They produce integrated vehicle cockpit electronics for major automakers.
- Viasat – A global communications company, Viasat has an office in Vista employing around 900 people. They design satellite technologies and services.
- Datron World Communications – With around 800 employees, Datron is a leader in tactical communication solutions for military, public safety, industrial, and commercial clients.
- Design West Technologies – A medical device contract manufacturer with around 500 employees in Vista.
- FCI Federal – A government technology contractor employing around 500 people in Vista.
Other major Vista employers include regulators like California Water Service Company, retail stores like Walmart, healthcare providers like Tri-City Medical Center, and education institutions like Vista Unified School District.
In addition to large employers, Vista has a growing craft brewery and restaurant scene. Popular breweries in Vista include Vista Brewing Co., Bear Roots Brewing Co., and Barrel Harbor Brewing Co. The city is trying to brand itself as a craft beer destination in San Diego county.
Attractions and Things to Do
Some of the most popular attractions and things to do in Vista include:
- Moonlight Amphitheatre – This open-air amphitheater in Brengle Terrace Park hosts concerts, theatrical shows, and other live performances during the spring and summer.
- Parks – Vista has many beautiful parks and nature reserves, including Guajome Regional Park, Buena Vista Park, and Shadowridge Park.
- Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum – Located in Vista’s scenic Grape Day Park, this museum showcases antique engines and machinery from the agricultural era.
- Historic Downtown Vista – Check out antique shops, restaurants, breweries and historic murals along South Santa Fe Avenue.
- Street Faire – Downtown Vista hosts a street faire on the first Thursday of every month from 5-9pm with food, entertainment, vendors and kid’s activities.
Outdoor lovers can also go hiking at parks like Alpine Creek Trail, try tandem paragliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport, or go wine tasting in the burgeoning North County San Diego Wine Country region.
Sports
The main professional sports team representing Vista is the Lake Elsinore Storm, a Minor League Baseball team in the California League. The Storm play at nearby Lake Elsinore Diamond stadium and have been a farm team for the San Diego Padres since 2001. Many Vista residents make the short drive to cheer on the future Padres players.
At the youth level, Vista National Little League provides baseball and softball leagues for local children ages 4 to 16. Games and practices take place at parks around the city like Vale Terrace Park, Sipes Park, and Santa Fe Park.
For recreation, Vista residents can join sports leagues and take advantage of parks and recreation facilities overseen by the Vista Community Clinic. There are adult sports leagues for softball, basketball, volleyball, and more.
City Government
Vista is governed by a City Council consisting of four council members elected by district and a mayor elected at large. The current Mayor of Vista is Judy Ritter. The city operates under a council-manager form of government, with the City Manager appointed by the City Council to run day to day operations.
Some of the departments and services managed by the city government include:
- Vista Sheriff’s Department – Law enforcement and public safety services.
- Vista Fire Department – Fire protection and emergency medical services.
- Parks & Community Services – Manage public parks, recreation programs, and community events.
- Public Works – Maintain infrastructure like roads, water, sewer, and facilities.
- Development Services – Manage planning, building permits, code enforcement, etc.
Residents can get involved by attending city council meetings, volunteering for city boards and commissions, reporting issues using the city’s app, and voting in local elections.
Moving to Vista
With its small town feel, historic downtown, ample parks and recreation, growing beer scene, and affordable Southern California lifestyle, Vista has become an attractive locale within San Diego County. The population is expected to continue growing in the coming decades.
Home buyers can choose from houses, townhomes and apartments across a range of pricing levels. New developments are also adding more housing options, especially near downtown Vista Village. The average listing price for a home is currently around $675,000.
Vista provides easy access to all that San Diego has to offer like beaches, tourism attractions, higher education institutions, sports teams, and an international airport. But residents can enjoy a quieter suburban lifestyle and cheaper cost of living compared to living right in the city of San Diego.
To learn more about Vista and keep up with local news and events, be sure to like the city’s Facebook page. The city government website at cityofvista.com also provides a wealth of resources and information for residents and visitors.