A carefully planned, self-sufficient community, Rancho Bernardo (also known as “R.B.” to locals) is composed of a number of custom estate homes as well as educational, commercial and recreational facilities. Located North Inland of San Diego County, it is known for its canyons and lush, rolling hills. The community known as “The Trails” is also found in this area, which is one of, if not the most prestigious neighborhood in Rancho Bernardo. Bordering San Pasqual Valley, “The Trails” is accented by horse trails, hiking/mountain biking trails and numerous outdoor activities easily accessible to residents. Shopping malls, golf courses and office parks can also be found within the area. The community itself is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) north to north-east of downtown San Diego.

 

An area rich in history, the community was originally referred to in old maps from the 1800s as “El Paraje O Cañada de San Bernardo,” which in English, translates to “The place or canyon of Saint Bernard.” After many transitions over the centuries, however, the area finally started to take on its current form when in 1961, a venture to develop the land into a master-planned, self-contained community was announced. Its first residents arrived in 1963, the same year as the opening of its first shopping center.

 

Rancho Bernardo has an estimated 45,000 residents and has a 685-acre business park where corporations such as Sony US, Nokia, and Hewlett-Packard are currently headquartered. As for schools, the community is serviced by the Poway Unified School District.