Many new homes in the central and northern parts of the city. Although generally suburban, Poway borders a good deal of open country.
Many residents own horses and many of the homes are built on large lots.
Poway was incorporated as a city in 1980 and this gave the locals control over planning. Open space is closely guarded. Most of the local commerce is found along Poway Road. The neighboring development of Carmel Mountain Ranch provides a large variety of new shopping and restaurants. For a sample of older Poway, drive the streets just north of Poway Road and east of Pomerado Road.