One of San Diego County's more affordable communities, Grossmont was named for the actor William Gross by its developer and Gross' partner in the project, Col. Ed Fletcher. Originally intended as an artist's colony, the area now sports a large shopping mall, Grossmont Center, and affordable homes for students, renters and first-time home buyers.

In the summer, Grossmont Center, a local shopping mall, hosts a summer concert series various Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Grossmont Center has approximately 130 stores.