Descanso Homes under $800,000

Descanso Homes under $800,000

Welcome to Descanso, California – a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque mountains of San Diego County. This charming community is known for its serene landscapes, friendly atmosphere, and a rich tapestry of outdoor activities that beckon nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its proximity to the Cleveland National Forest, Descanso offers an abundance of hiking trails, stunning vistas, and opportunities for camping, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For those seeking a place to call home, Descanso boasts an enticing selection of properties under $800,000. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to downsize, or searching for a tranquil retreat, you’ll find a variety of homes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From charming cottages with rustic charm to modern homes surrounded by lush greenery, the options are plentiful and inviting.

Living in Descanso means embracing a lifestyle that values community, tranquility, and the beauty of nature. The town’s quaint shops, local eateries, and friendly residents foster a warm sense of belonging, making it easy to feel right at home. Plus, with easy access to the vibrant amenities of San Diego, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – the peace of mountain living and the excitement of city life.

Explore the possibilities that await you in Descanso, where your dream home under $800,000 is just waiting to be discovered. Come experience the charm, beauty, and community spirit that make Descanso a truly special place to live!

Newest Descanso Homes under $800,000

9710 Highway 79, Descanso
$540,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2607795 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Priced to sell, so don’t miss it! Country charm meets everyday convenience in this cozy 2 bedroom, 2 bath home on approximately a quarter acre in Descanso, with a large front yard. Refreshed with a roof just 3 years old, fresh paint, and new carpet and flooring throughout, it’s ready for its next owner. A detached 324 sq ft structure offers endless possibilities, such as a home office, guest space, or storage, while a large shed adds even more flexibility, including garage-style use. Served by city water and independent septic. Immediately off Highway 79 with I-8 only minutes away, this inviting estate is approximately 2 miles to Descanso Elementary, 3.5 miles to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, 11 miles to Lake Cuyamaca, and 12 miles to Alpine.

9710 Highway 79, Descanso
27546 Old Highway 80, Descanso
$749,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 260024915SD MLS ⋅ Active Status
Welcome to your private retreat in beautiful Guatay! Situated on 1.1 flat, usable acres, this spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom two story home offers 1,892 square feet of character, comfort, and endless possibilities. The expansive, level lot is surrounded by beautiful mature trees, creating a serene, park like setting with shade and natural beauty in every direction. With ample usable land, there is plenty of room for outdoor living, gardening, and so much more. Inside, you’ll find unique finishes throughout that add warmth and personality to every space. The thoughtfully designed two story layout provides both privacy and functionality, with generous living areas perfect for gathering and well sized bedrooms that offer comfort and flexibility. Natural light fills the home, complementing the distinctive details that make this property truly one of a kind. Whether you’re seeking peaceful country living, room to expand, or a home that stands apart from the ordinary, this Guatay gem delivers space, charm, and opportunity all in one.

27546 Old Highway 80, Descanso
24541 MANZANITA DR, Descanso
$799,900
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2607661 MLS ⋅ Active Status
REMODELED 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH WITH 1924 SQ FT ON .58 OF AN ACRE IN THE HILLS OF DESCANSO WITH AMAZING VIEWS. THE HOME FEATURES, WOOD LAMINATE FLOORING, NEW CARPET, NEW PAINT INSIDE AND OUT, LARGE EAT IN KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTERS AND STAINLESS APPLIANCES, DUAL PANE WINDOWS AND SLIDERS, CEILING FANS, UPDATED BATHS, WHOLE HOUSE FAN, LARGE WRAP AROUND COVERED DECK TO ENJOY THE VIEWS, SPACIOUS BEDROOMS, DOWNSTAIRS COULD BE USED AS AN ADU, LONG PRIVATE DRIVEWAY, PRIVACY, LOTS OF EXTRA PARKING, MATURE LANDSCAPING WITH MANZANITA AND MATURE OAK TREES AND MUCH MORE.

24541 MANZANITA DR, Descanso
9677 Mizpah Lane, Descanso
$500,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ PTP2607281 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Enjoy breathtaking mountain and valley views from this unique property, privately situated at the end of a cul-de-sac high atop the mountain. Backing to BLM-managed land, the property offers a peaceful, scenic setting with an exceptional sense of privacy and open space. The property already features valuable infrastructure, including a private well, SDG&E power lines on the property, a fire-suppression tank, additional water-storage tanks, and more. Multiple level areas offer potential building sites, and an existing barn was originally constructed with permits. This property presents a unique opportunity for a buyer with vision. The existing main residence, pool, deck, outbuildings, and carports were constructed without permits, and there are currently County Code Violations requiring these improvements to either be permitted or removed, with applicable plans and approvals obtained for future construction. The current owner has been actively working with the County toward resolving these matters and has obtained drawings and submitted demolition requests for certain improvements. With the owner now moving in a different direction, the property is being offered at a price below their original purchase price. The seller will provide the new owner with the existing plans, drawings, documentation, and related materials to help continue the process. Bring your contractor, your creativity, and your vision to explore the possibilities this remarkable mountain property has to offer.

9677 Mizpah Lane, Descanso
25077 MANZANITA LN, Descanso
$559,900
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2607033 MLS ⋅ Active Status
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY IN DESCANSO. 2 BEDROOM HOME IN NEED OF SOME TLC ON A .76 ACRE LOT AND THIS HOME IS LOADED WITH POTENTIAL AND FEATURES VAULTED EXPOSED WOOD CEILINGS, LIVING ROOM WITH PELLET STOVE FIREPLACE, HUGE FAMILY ROOM WITH EXPANSIVE CEILINGS, DECK TO ENJOY THE VIEWS, SPACIOUS KITCHEN WITH SOLID SURFACE COUNTERS, LARGE BEDROOMS, LOFT AREA, RAISED PANEL DOORS, SOLAR TUBES, VERY LIGHT AND BRIGHT THROUGHOUT, FINISHED OFF ATTIC THAT COULD BE ANOTHER BEDROOM OR ADDITIONAL STORAGE, 1 CAR GARAGE, MULTIPLE SHEDS, RV PARKING, MATURE OAK SURROUND THE PROPERTY AND MUCH MORE.

25077 MANZANITA LN, Descanso
8314 Old Highway 80, Descanso
$549,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2606432 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Tucked along the banks of the Sweetwater River, this cedar-sided mountain retreat delivers the cozy cabin lifestyle backcountry San Diego is known for. Freshly re-roofed and wrapped in warm cedar siding, the 1,344 sq ft home sits on a private 0.72-acre parcel (2 parcels included 4090210100 & 4090212200) in the Bohemia subdivision of Descanso, just minutes from Alpine and the I-8 corridor. Step inside to a living room anchored by a wood-burning fireplace — the kind of feature that makes this place feel like a true cabin getaway rather than just another house in the mountains. The floor plan offers 2 bedrooms and 2 baths per tax records, plus a versatile office currently used as a third bedroom, giving flexibility for guests, family, or a work-from-home setup. Outside, two additional structures round out the property — envision an ADU, detached office, studio, or simply a shaded outdoor hangout space surrounded by oak and sycamore. The home is served by its own working well, and the wraparound deck and river frontage make it easy to see why the same owners have loved calling this place home for nearly three decades. A rare opportunity to own a slice of San Diego mountains with privacy, and room to grow. Some photos have been staged or altered to show the possibilities of the additional structures and outdoor spaces. ****Showings are to be confirmed by LA. Please schedule in showing time. Showings to only be held on Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Contact LA for questions. SHOWINGS MAY OVERLAP DURING THIS PERIOD.****

8314 Old Highway 80, Descanso
9421 Elm Dr, Descanso
$649,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2606267 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Enjoy your own private retreat where gorgeous views, and modern comforts, like paid solar and a whole house water filtration system come together in a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Descanso provides the best of both worlds: far enough away to truly feel like you've gotten away from everything, yet close enough to make everyday commuting a breeze. Inside, the home offers comfortable living spaces along with a cozy fireplace, laundry room and AC mini split unit. Step outside and enjoy the ever-changing scenery, peaceful mornings, and dedicated RV parking! Set against sweeping views of the hills and open meadows to the west and south, this is a setting that is hard to find. If you're looking for a home where you can slow down and reconnect with nature, without giving up convenience, this property is a rare opportunity.

9421 Elm Dr, Descanso
23671 Echo Hills Road, Descanso
$649,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2606042 MLS ⋅ Active Status
ONE OF A KIND PROPERTY - 100 GALLON PER MINUTE WELL, BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL FOREST FRONTAGE, THREE BEDROOM TWO BATH NEWER HOME AND ADDITIONAL BUILDING SITES. PRIVATE COMPOUND PROPERTY IDEAL FOR ANIMALS, AGRICULTURE AND FAMILIES. Existing home is four years old solar panels, water storage, forced air heat with large 10,000 gallon storage tank. All located on the lower pad near the cul de sac entrance. This home was designed to be the additional home to a future, larger custom home that can be built on an upper site with a great view of Cuyamaca Peak. This property cannot be compared to any other available in the Descanso market. It has size, 8.67 acres, with huge well production 100-200 gallons per minute at 300 ft. and beautiful view with privacy. Priced to sell....

23671 Echo Hills Road, Descanso
Descanso
$799,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 260019363SD MLS ⋅ Active Status
Range Price $799,000-$825,000. Discover the privacy, space, and possibilities of country living in Descanso. Set on approximately 2.56 acres, this spacious residence offers approximately 2,669 square feet, three bedrooms, two-and-one-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Built in 1993, the home provides a generous and versatile floor plan with plenty of room for comfortable everyday living, entertaining, working from home, or creating dedicated guest and hobby spaces. The home comes with an all house generator, a fire hydrant and water tank and drip system. The expansive property offers a rare sense of separation and breathing room, with opportunities to design your ideal outdoor lifestyle—whether that includes gardens, recreation areas, additional storage, or space for animals, subject to applicable regulations. Agricultural zoning further enhances the property’s potential. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and relaxed pace of rural San Diego County while owning a substantial home with room to personalize and make your own. This is a unique opportunity for buyers seeking privacy, usable space, and the freedom of a larger property in the scenic community of Descanso.

Descanso
9800 #13 Oak Grove Drive, Descanso
$239,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ PTP2605829 MLS ⋅ Active Status
This is a Forest Service Recreational cabin. If you are looking for that long term recreational cabin, this is it. Set up more as a home than a cabin, this home features a comfortable living room with a rock fireplace with insert, open kitchen, inside laundry and two bedrooms. You're going to love the wonderful patio with native rock walls and huge shading oak trees. Quiet area of the National Forest, walk to the post office and store, public library just around the corner.

9800 #13 Oak Grove Drive, Descanso
27544 Old Highway 80, Descanso
$569,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2603988 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
New. New. New. There isn't much about this single-story, bright 2-bedroom, 2-bath plus den home that isn't new: new appliances, new soft-close kitchen cabinets, new flooring throughout, new kitchen and bathroom sinks, new countertops, new toilets, new vanities, new paint, new doors. At just over 1,000 square feet, this move-in-ready home sits on 0.6 acres in Guatay, CA — room for your toys, animals, garden, or simply relaxing under majestic oak trees with your favorite beverage. As an added bonus, home is ADA accessible including master bath and bedroom. Easy I-8 access puts you close to everything, while the setting itself feels worlds away. Make it your primary residence, your retreat, or your work from home nest.

27544 Old Highway 80, Descanso
26779 Old Highway 80, Descanso
$295,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ NDP2604456 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Privacy and independence! Fully off-grid cabin nestled between great oaks and a year-round stream. Property has two APNs, over half an acre: space for homesteading, animals, and projects. Built in 2015 as 500 sqft with vaulted ceilings and a loft bedroom, permit application and construction started to expand to 725 sqft with 620 sqft of decking. Downstairs consists of two living/family rooms plus a bathroom with rock/tile shower and space for composting/cassette toilet. Indoor staircase under construction. Working outhouse, with septic design for the house approved and perc test complete. Powered by a 2.3 kw solar array, fully owned, with 16-battery bank; NO ELECTRIC BILL! Two more dedicated panels for water heater. 5,000 gal water tank, water delivery available, with scanning and research completed for drilling a well. Satellite internet installed (Viasat). Everything needed for rustic living already in place, with major progress toward modernizing. Seller had to stop mid-project for personal reasons, now yours to finish. All this independence doesn't mean being off the map, though. Just minutes from the I-8 freeway, from Descanso's dining, schools, feed store, and entertainment, hardware store in Guatay, groceries and library in Pine Valley. 2.5 miles to nearest fire station. 25 mins to historic Julian, to fishing and kayaking on Lake Cuyamaca, and to views of the superblooms in Anza-Borrego State Park from Mt. Laguna. Property is priced to sell, comes with all plans for septic, well, and finishing construction, some permit fees already paid.

26779 Old Highway 80, Descanso
Start Your Search

Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.

How much is your home worth?

Get instant property value now!