The city of Vista is along the 78 freeway in between Escondido and Oceanside to the west. Vista has recently been ranked as the 7th-best place of residence for families based on employment and business opportunities, cost and standard of living, educational systems, and climate. There are a slew of educational institutions serving the area, as well as over 800 business that have offices at Vista Business Park.

Young residents of Vista are met with 18 elementary, 6 middle, and 6 high schools in the area, most of which are a part of the Vista Unified School District. Rancho Buena Vista High School is the largest and best known high school in the area. For higher education, residents have the opportunity to study at a branch campus of Biola University. Vista is a city that supports the arts, as well, operating 2 city funded theaters, which are frequented and well-enjoyed by city residents. The Moonight Ampitheatre, an open-air theater that mostly puts on musicals, and the Avo Playhouse, a recently rebuilt venue with stunning architecture, are two notable theaters in the area.

One of Vista’s attractions that brings tourists and visitors to the area is the Wave Waterpark, which often offers a package bundle with tickets to the Wave and other nearby attractions including Legoland, Wild Rivers, and Sea Life Aquarium. The Wave’s business is thriving on hot summer days, as families and young people head to the park to retreat from the summer heat. Those who enjoy the outdoors enjoy parks in Vista including Cedar Lane Park, Civic Center Park, Wildwood Park, Townsite Park, Brengle Terrace Park and Guajome County Park, which offer not only the regular opportunities, but also organized sports, community facilities, and other exciting recreation.