The greater San Diego metropolitan area continues its real estate hot streak. The scorching increase in prices in San Diego is being felt even in the North Inland region, once considered a haven for potential buyers seeking more affordable homes.

In Escondido, prices have ballooned past once-reasonable totals of less than $500,000. In fact, in July 2015, the median listing price in the popular city was just $498,000; but by this past July, that number had shot up to $558,000, according to Realtor.com.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the median sales price of existing single-family homes in the San Diego area increased 7.7% from second quarter 2015 to this past second quarter, rising to $589,900. At this price level, the San Diego area ranked as the fifth-most expensive market in the country, just below urban Honolulu and just above Boulder, Colo.

The sound commute to the city of Escondido and the once-reasonable prices are a few of the area draws, but many other factors make the North Inland city an increasingly popular choice. In addition to its restaurants, art galleries and vineyards, its brewing industry is making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. In fact, it is home to the growing Stone Brewing company, which recently moved forward with plans to build the Stone Hotel, offering unique accommodations in concert with the adjacent Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens.

Despite its increasing popularity, there are still deals to be had in one of the oldest cities in San Diego County, but buyers should be aware of which neighborhoods best suit their needs and budget. The city consists of four main areas, divided by ZIP code: North (92026), West (92029), South (92025) and East (92027).

Of those four areas, only Escondido East has a median sales price of less than $500,000 as of July 2016, and according to data from the Greater San Diego Association of Realtors the median sales price was $457,000 this past July, an 11.5% year-over-year increase.

Because it remains one of the more affordable areas in the popular city, however, both the days on market until sale and the inventory of homes for sale have decreased significantly. This past July, single-family homes in the area averaged just 21 days on market until sale, a 59.6% decrease since July 2015. Inventory was also down by 7%.

Escondido North is the next most affordable area, but its median sales price also has increased, hitting $501,250 this past July. Days on market until sale are tight here, too, at just 29 days this past July. And although all areas of the North Inland city have seen significant year-over-year price growth, Escondido South had the biggest jump at 23.1%, and the median sales price was $572,500 in July, after being just $465,000 in July 2015.

Escondido West remains the most expensive area of the city, with a median sales price of $760,508 for single-family homes in July, an 8.2% increase over the $703,000 seen in July 2015. On the flip side of that, however, is a significant increase in the number of days on market until sale, up to 85 days this past July, an 84.8% year-over-year increase.

Price increases in San Diego have started to spread throughout the area, particularly in towns within commuting distance of the city. If these trends continue, potential home buyers may find it harder and harder to find an affordable home.