I grew up in VC, left in 92. To say it has changed a lot would be an understatement. First if you don’t have kids its all about the distance/lifestyle choices you are willing to make. You’ll have to do your shopping in Escondido.
Second, “Valley Center is country living.” That is what the brochure would say if there were one. Its not. It has a huge mix of people mostly on the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum, but as others have posted its a real mix.
Casinos, have absolutely ruined it as far as traffic goes, dear lard the traffic there is HORRIFIC on VC road.
Heat is relative. I remember in the summer of 84 when it hit 110 every day for four weeks straight. Most of the summers it hits 90+ regularly. If you don’t like that kind of heat, stay coastal as VC is hotter then other areas around it.
Mostly VC is about what you give to what you get. You get a 2 acre minimum, but no sewers. You get some peace and quiet, but you have to drive 20+ minutes to get to Escondido. You have to give on close contact with your neighbors, but you get 3 casinos within 15 minutes.
