Jan Ryan’s Annual Yard Sale Turns San Diego Country Estates Into a Community-Wide Treasure Hunt
With more than 100 homes, golf carts cruising the streets, and hidden treasures around every corner, this annual event transforms San Diego Country Estates into one of Ramona’s most exciting traditions.
What began as a simple idea in 1990, has grown into one of the most anticipated community traditions in San Diego Country Estates. The Annual Yard Sale, founded by Jan Ryan, a broker with RE/MAX Direct, started with just 23 participating homes and has since expanded to include more than 100 households each year. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 16 at 7 am, drawing early risers and treasure hunters from across the region.
Ryan credits the inspiration to a realtor in her parents’ neighborhood in the San Francisco Bay Area, where a similar event brought neighbors together. Seeing the potential for connection and fun, she brought the idea to the Estates, and it quickly took off.
“I love what a close-knit community San Diego Country Estates is,” Ryan said. “This event brings everyone even closer together.”
Each year, Ryan organizes the participating homes into a mapped route, helping shoppers navigate the community efficiently. Her advice for seasoned bargain hunters? Start at the last house on the list and work your way backward for the best experience and be ready early.
“Be set up by 6:30 a.m.,” she said. “The early birds always come out.”
Beyond the bargains, the event has become known for its lively atmosphere. Streets fill with neighbors, visitors, and golf carts as people move from home to home, creating what many describe as a community-wide treasure hunt.
This year brings an added feature: an interactive map developed in collaboration with Ramona Home Journal, making it even easier for attendees to plan their route and visit participating homes. There will be lemonade stands, coffee, donuts, and baked goods along the way.
The event spans the San Diego Country Estates, turning the entire neighborhood into a day-long treasure hunt. Shoppers can expect a wide range of items, from everyday household goods to unique collectibles. Beyond the bargains, the event encourages sustainability by giving gently used items a second life and offers residents a chance to connect with one another.
From its modest beginnings to its current scale, the Annual Yard Sale continues to reflect the spirit of San Diego Country Estates: neighborly, welcoming, and full of hidden gems.
Photos provided by Jan Ryan
