From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
 
North County, photographed north of Vista
North San Diego County (locally referred to as North County) refers to the northern portion of San Diego County, a suburban and rural area far from the urban center of San Diego. North County (like the eastern San Diego County area) are considered more socially conservative than the southern portion of the county. The name dates to at least the 1970s, when many of the communities in the area were yet to become incorporated cities and local community decisions were made 40 miles away at the county seat.

Definitions vary, but always include the cities along Highway 78 (west to east: Oceanside and Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido) as well as points north (such as Fallbrook). Cities north of an imaginary line west from Escondido (such as Encinitas) are also included. But for both geographic and political reasons, opinions differ as to whether to include the northern communities within the city of San Diego (Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch), or close in cities such as Solana Beach or Del Mar.

Most of North County is located within District 5 within San Diego County, and is represented on the county's Board of Supervisors by Bill Horn, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the Board. The remainder of North County is in Districts 2 and 3.

External links
San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau
North County Times