Get to Know Oceanside Neighborhoods: Historic Loma Alta

Oceanside is a diverse community with many different neighborhoods, each with their own unique flavor. Today we discover one of the oldest in the area and where my family resides, historic Loma Alta.

The Visit Oceanside website says "Historic Loma Alta is a pioneer neighborhood in Southern California with homes dating back to 1928." But that barely scratches the surface of this community within a community that includes the area east of 1-5, west of El Camino, north of Oceanside boulevard and south of Mission. While Loma Alta does not have the tourist appeal of the downtown and beach areas, that suits the locals just fine. Loma Alta has many easy to walk neighborhoods with parks, shopping centers, and lots of day and night activities interspersed throughout the many single and multi-family homes and apartments.

When it comes to recreation Loma Alta is home to the Goat Hill Park Golf Course. Founded in 1952, Goat Hill Park was originally called the Oceanside Carlsbad Country Club and has the distinction of being the very first golf course in San Diego county. It was renamed in the 1970s as the Center City Golf Course, but has always been known as "Goat Hill" by locals. When the course was taken over in 2014, it was re-branded as Goat Hill Park, "The People's Park of Oceanside".

The largest park in Loma Alta is Buddy Todd Park, which is also the oldest park in Oceanside that was founded in 1929. It was renamed in 1946 for John "Buddy" Todd, the first Oceanside resident to give his life for his country in World War II. Buddy Todd Park is a 19-acre park with lots of trees, bbq and picnic areas, basketball, children's playground, volleyball and free parking.

The Brooks Street Swim Center is a popular public pool that is near other recreational locales like the Oceanside American Little League, Oceanside Senior Citizen Center, YMCA Youth & Family Services Office and the Elks Lodge. For those interested in nighttime activities the Ocean's Eleven Casino features blackjack, poker, and a sports bar serving an eclectic food menu. There are also many restaurants and bars scattered around Loma Alta from old classics like the Red Rooster to newer spots like The Cheesesteak Grill. There is also Thai, Sushi, Mexican, Chinese, Pizza and of course, IHOP.

Loma Alta is also a neighborhood that cares! Home to many great non-profit organizations including, Bread of Life Rescue Mission serving the homeless and hungry, Women's Resource Center serving victims of domestic violence, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside provide youth programs, Veterans Association of North County serves our many military members and their families. Of course, Loma Alta is also the center of education in Oceanside with the Oceanside Unified School District,

MiraCosta College Community Learning Center and many private and public schools and training facilities.

As you can see, Loma Alta is a vibrant Oceanside neighborhood steeped in history, with lots for locals and visitors alike to experience. Of course humans are not the only locals that love Oceanside and like to explore the area. To get a dog's eye view of Loma Alta from a popular dog about town, check out the Dood's Loma Alta adventures at: http://dudemoment.com/2018/05/...