El Cajon

About El Cajon

El Cajon is one of the largest cities in San Diego County and home to an attractive mix of residential communities, retail centers and city services. With a strong commercial core and a variety of amenities, it's becoming an increasingly popular choice for new residents. El Cajon is often referred to as a "mini United Nations," a nod to its incredibly diverse population. The city celebrates its rich diversity in an annual celebration called "America on Main Street," which features live entertainment, international cuisine, crafts and a chili cook-off.

The History of El Cajon

Nestled in its namesake valley just east of San Diego, the area that's now El Cajon first started to grow roots in the late 19th century. Early on, El Cajon was known as the agricultural and telecommunications counterpart to nearby San Diego, and the city's desirable valley location led to its gradual growth. It earned its official incorporation in 1912 and established itself as a major center of citrus and grape agriculture. Throughout the 20th century, El Cajon continued to grow and develop, steadily evolving into the busy community it is today.

Jobs in El Cajon

Many diverse businesses make their home in El Cajon. The Cajon Valley Union School District, Grossmont Unified High School District and Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District are some of the city's top employers. Aerospace company GKN Aerospace Chem-Tronics, guitar maker Taylor-Listug and the City of El Cajon also provide a large number of jobs in the area.

El Cajon and the San Diego metropolitan area have several large and developing industries; the largest are trade and transportation, professional and business services, education, health services, and government. If you're going to search for a job in El Cajon, you'll have good luck in the city's fastest- growing industries: construction, finance, and professional and business services.

El Cajon Schools

A few different school districts serve the public schools in El Cajon, and there are several highly rated schools in the city. You'll also find a number of private schools in the city, with both faith-based and secular options.

El Cajon also offers several small postsecondary schools, including Cuyamaca College, Grossmont College and San Diego Christian College.

Resources for Moving to El Cajon

Here are a few helpful resources to make your move to El Cajon as easy as possible:

• Utilities: San Diego Gas & Electric is the city's central energy provider. The city manages public water and sewer services and provides an online system for bill payment and service activation.
• Garbage and Recycling: Waste Management facilitates regular curbside collection of trash, recyclables and yard waste.
• Transportation: You can take advantage of bus and trolley services throughout the city. You'll also find several convenient options in Greater San Diego.
• Parks and Recreation: The city's parks and recreation department offers a variety of programs and resources. You can take advantage of several rec centers, adult and youth sports, public classes, and sports facilities.

El Cajon Housing

The median El Cajon home value is higher than both the state and national averages, but homes are less expensive than in some other area cities. You'll find a variety of options, so you can find something that fits your needs and budget.