Rancho Peñasquitos is a master-planned community developed in the early 1960s located west of Poway and south of Rancho Bernardo next to Interstate 15 and State highway 56.  Reaching to over 1,500 feet above the surrounding area, the most distinctive landmark in the community is Black Mountain. The rolling landscape and mesas provide privacy and a sense of peace for the residents of each neighborhood. Peñasquitos locals enjoy ample areas of parkland and open space, providing opportunities to bask in the beautiful San Diego weather. In addition to the residential development, the community includes several town centers for commerce.    Neighborhoods vary from middle-class to upscale with choices from condos and townhomes to custom homes. Home prices range from anywhere in the $300,000s to over $1 million.  The local schools are part of the acclaimed Poway Unified School District. Many of these schools continue to be recognized for high test scores and also receive numerous awards for excellence in education.