Descanso (91916) Real Estate

Nestled in the scenic hills of San Diego County, Descanso (91916) is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty. This charming community is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountain views, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its mild Mediterranean climate, residents can enjoy year-round outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and birdwatching.

Descanso is known for its welcoming atmosphere and tight-knit community, where neighbors quickly become friends. The area boasts a rich history, with quaint shops, local eateries, and a vibrant arts scene that reflects the unique character of this small town. The annual Descanso Days Festival is a highlight, celebrating the community's spirit with parades, live music, and various activities that draw visitors from near and far.

For families, Descanso offers access to quality schools and a safe environment, making it an ideal place to raise children. The nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park provides endless opportunities for exploration, with miles of hiking trails and stunning vistas that showcase the region’s diverse wildlife.

With its picturesque landscapes and a strong sense of community, Descanso is more than just a place to live—it's a lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to build your dream home or find a cozy retreat, Descanso offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Southern California living. Discover the charm of Descanso today, and see why so many are proud to call this enchanting area home!

Newest Listings in Descanso (91916)

$699,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2605325 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Rare opportunity to own 9.84 acres in the peaceful mountain community of Descanso with 2 residences, sweeping mountain views, and privacy. The property features a 1,607 sqft 2-bedroom, 2.25-bath main residence plus an approx. 592 sqft manufactured home, creating added flexibility. The main home features vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and abundant natural light that bring the surrounding mountain views indoors. An enclosed sunroom provides additional space to relax, work, entertain, or simply enjoy the surrounding scenery year-round. A looped driveway provides convenient access to both residences, with additional parking areas for vehicles, recreational equipment, or guests. The property's mature oak trees and scenic mountain beauty make Descanso such a special place to call home. Property includes a private well with storage tank, septic system, propane service, and SDG&E utilities.

12350 Yucca Road, Descanso

$299,000

PTP2605219 MLS ⋅ Active Status

27 acres bordering Cleveland National Forest. Drilled well. Huge oaks. Secluded, quiet, close to riding and hiking trails. Perfect for weekend getaway of homesite. First time on market in over 50 years!

9779 Deer Valley Trail, Descanso

$589,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2603988 MLS ⋅ Active 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. 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

$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

$2,250,000

NDP2603156 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Acquisition of this multi-unit commercial property requires the simultaneous purchase of the on-site restaurant, as both assets are held under common ownership. The property currently generates $59,000 in annual rent from three tenants. The restaurant — the fourth occupant — operates rent-free under current ownership, but carries an estimated market rent of $42,000 per year, placing potential Gross Scheduled Income at $101,000 annually. Since 2022, the owners have invested $152,000 in targeted capital improvements: $82,000 into the restaurant's outdoor party area, $24,000 upgrading tenant spaces, $18,000 renovating the on-site residence, and $28,000 enhancing parking (65 spots with plans to expand to 88, ADA in process). The property is predominantly zoned C36, with a minor boundary adjustment currently pending. The adjustment will exchange a small residential strip with the adjacent property for a comparable commercial parcel, resulting in uniform C36 zoning across the entire site. No existing structures or tenants are affected by the change. Strategically positioned along a high-traffic corridor serving popular destinations including Julian, Lake Cuyamaca, and Mount Laguna, the property benefits from consistent year-round visibility and limited direct competition in the immediate trade area. The restaurant draws a loyal, repeat clientele further supported by steady destination traffic passing through the region.

8306 Highway 79 Highway, Descanso

$145,000

PTP2601890 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Located in Descanso, this one-third acre parcel is ready for you to build your weekend getaway or primary home. With a paid water meter and utilities to the property, the gentle slope makes for a premium parcel to build on. It has two access points, one from Manzanita Lane and one from Oak Lane. Surrounded by mature oaks and pines, enjoy the peace and quiet of this pocket community called Descanso Park. Only three miles to Interstate 8, and another thirty-seven miles brings you to San Diego. Enjoy endless miles of hiking, biking, and riding from the southern trailhead to Cuyamaca State Park only a half mile away.

Oak Lane, Descanso

$109,900

PTP2404069 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Nice lots with Oak trees. City water available, power pole on property, perc tests have been done but will need to be updated. There are three separate parcels combining .63 of an acre. Quiet area close to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Arrowhead Trail, Descanso

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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.