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Real Estate

Your Guide To
La Jolla Real Estate
Average
Home Prices
  • $370,000
    Lowest
  • $2,300,000
    Average
  • $26,000,000
    Highest
Average Home Price Per
Square Feet
  • $734
    Lowest
  • N/A
    Average
  • $2,279
    Highest
Average Home Statistics
In Terms Of
  • 3-4
    No. of Beds
  • 3-4
    No. of Baths
  • 2,000+
    Square Feet
Welcome to La Jolla

It’s said that the name La Jolla was intended to translate to “The Jewel” in Spanish and it’s easy to understand why. A promontory surrounded on three sides by the majestic shores of the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla is one of the most scenic areas in San Diego County—a town famed for its vibrant seaside lifestyle, great surfing culture, and accomplished, affluent residents.

Home to around 40,000 people and bordered by Del Mar to the north, Pacific Beach to the south, and University City and North Claremont to the east, La Jolla is also home to the University of California – San Diego, one of the state’s most respected higher learning institutions.

While this seaside locale feels like a world away, the I-5 makes it easy to drive up and down the coast, and an excellent public transportation system makes commuting a trouble-free experience.

There’s so much to learn and love about La Jolla, so we prepared this comprehensive guide just for you.

History of La Jolla

People have been drawn to the beauty of La Jolla since time immemorial, with the first Native Americans settling along its shore some 10,000 years ago.

The land now known as La Jolla was owned by Mexico before being ceded to the United States after the Mexican-American War and incorporated into San Diego in 1850. The introduction of railroads in the area spurred interest among real estate developers and the La Jolla Park Hotel opened its doors in 1893.

Tourism boomed in the early 1900s, but two world wars put a temporary halt to the area’s development. Many military personnel settled in La Jolla after World War II and subdivisions began cropping up. The population grew further in the 1960s as more people discovered this scenic locale and UCSD became an important academic force. Today, La Jolla is one of California’s hottest real estate markets, attracting buyers from all over the world.

History
Why Live
Why Live in La Jolla?

With its scenic location and seductive quality of life, La Jolla is one of the most coveted addresses in San Diego County. As you’d expect of an in-demand neighborhood, however, real estate in La Jolla costs well above the average. Indeed, data from Realtor.com shows that the median listing price is currently $2.1 million for a La Jolla home.

Of course, you’ll get plenty of perks for investing in La Jolla real estate, including:

Every day is a beach day
Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla features seven miles of beaches where you can take your pick of marine activities to enjoy: swimming, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, walking, people-watching, boating or surfing. La Jolla Shores Beach has the longest stretch of shoreline, but it’s far from the only seaside park ... [READ MORE]
Every day is a beach day
Year-round summer weather
Imagine living where it’s summer every day? Vacation-every-day is exactly what you’ll experience in La Jolla, which benefits from Southern California’s signature balmy weather. In fact, the area receives about ... [READ MORE]
Year-round summer weather
Majestic topography
La Jolla’s ocean bluffs serve as a picturesque perch for many luxury homes. High above the ground, these deluxe properties offer unparalleled views not just of the oceanfront but also of nearby Mount Soledad. With their ... [READ MORE]
Majestic topography
Close to nature
You’ve always heard that living close to nature is good for you, and now there’s scientific proof: according to experts, spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature improves your health and well-being. Luckily for residents of La Jolla, reaching this healthful number is a breeze because of easy access to beaches, community parks, and nature preserves. La Jolla's ... [READ MORE]
Close to nature
Great schools
La Jolla locals are well educated, with Niche.com noting that 42% of the residents here have a master’s degree or higher levels of education. Moreover, many Nobel laureates reside or have resided in La Jolla, such as geneticist Francis Crick, economist Clive Granger, and biochemist Kary Mullis. Of course, it’s hardly ... [READ MORE]
Great schools
Science comes alive
La Jolla also attracts many STEM professionals because it has some of the most respected research institutes in California. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest and largest centers of its kind and is part of the University of California - San Diego ... [READ MORE]
Science comes alive
Easy access to San Diego
If you’re craving for the thrills of the big city, you’ll be glad to know that San Diego, California’s second-biggest metropolis, is less than a nine-mile drive away, so you can gain access to its downtown recreational, culinary, and cultural attractions in no time at all. You’ll also love the ... [READ MORE]
Easy access to San Diego
Residential Real Estate Options in La Jolla

No matter your life stage or lifestyle, there’s real estate in La Jolla that will suit your needs and wants. Among the most common listings you’ll find are:

Condominiums

Buyers looking for a more affordable entry point or full-service luxury living in the La Jolla real estate market might consider purchasing a condominium unit. Ranging from cozy-but-comfortable to vast 4,500 square foot ocean view penthouses, these properties are easy to maintain and offer leisure amenities such as pools, social gathering spaces and 24/7 concierge service.

Townhomes

Looking for a property that has a little more space and privacy? A townhome might just be the home you’re looking for, as it offers a small front lawn or backyard. Some townhome real estate properties in La Jolla stand side by side with other units, meaning you’ll be sharing a wall with your neighbors. Available properties usually have two to three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with floor spaces ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet.

Single-family homes

The most in-demand real estate in La Jolla, a single-family home is the ideal choice for many. Thanks to La Jolla’s hillside geography surrounded by ocean, La Jolla properties come at a sought-after premium.

Luxury homes

Luxury homes represent the pinnacle of real estate in La Jolla, often commanding over eight figures. Many high-end homes in La Jolla are either set atop a seaside bluff or on a hillside, offering unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, or on vast lots with acreage.

Just as there’s a range of housing options to choose from, you’ll also find a variety of architectural styles, including Mission, American Craftsman, Spanish Revival, and Contemporary residences.

La Jolla Neighborhoods

When looking at real estate in La Jolla, the micro-neighborhood community you select is just as important as the property you buy. The neighborhoods in La Jolla are:

Neighborhoods
Living in La Jolla

Now that you know a little more about La Jolla’s history and real estate market, it’s time to dive headlong into its lifestyle. As you’ll see below, this tranquil area has everything you could hope for in a seaside community—and then some.

  • Perhaps the best way to describe La Jolla’s vibe is “vibrant leisure.” As you’d expect from a coastal Southern California beach neighborhood, on any given day, you’ll see people frolicking in the waters, enjoying everything from swimming, to fishing, ... [READ MORE]
  • While La Jolla is a fairly intimate community, it is home to diverse businesses from tasteful art galleries to high-tech firms, and everything in between. And if you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit, you’ll be glad to know that hanging your own ... [READ MORE]
  • Public K-12 schools in La Jolla are managed by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), the second-largest district in the state. Schools in this area provide a holistic approach to education to produce future-ready students. Pupils can take ... [READ MORE]
  • Getting around is easy thanks to La Jolla’s proximity to I-5, a thoroughfare that links the neighborhood to key locations like downtown San Diego, Anaheim, and Los Angeles, and runs from San Ysidro at the Mexico border to Canada. As many residents in La Jolla belong to a ... [READ MORE]
  • La Jolla’s steep home prices should clue you in to its coveted status, but this seaside community offers superb value, especially when compared to real estate prices in other California coastal zones like the Bay Area, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Orange ... [READ MORE]
  • When it comes to outdoor activities in La Jolla, the beachfront (rightfully) steals the spotlight. That said, the beach is far from the only outdoor recreational space residents can enjoy. With several parks and clubs offering a chance to reconnect with ... [READ MORE]
  • At La Jolla, you can enjoy mouthwatering meals while enjoying beautiful seaside views at restaurants like Marine Room, George’s at the Cove, and Piatti. Brunch is a favorite pastime among the affluent locals and you’ll often find them socializing at ... [READ MORE]
  • La Jolla residents and tourists have discerning tastes, which is why the neighborhood has a preponderance of high-end shops. The downtown area’s Girard Avenue and Prospect Street boast an eclectic mix of boutiques and trendy stores. If you enjoy strolling while ... [READ MORE]
  • Beach lovers should definitely visit La Jolla Shores Beach, the largest stretch of sandy coast in the community. To experience the wonders of marine life first-hand, book a trip to the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling. If you want to enjoy ... [READ MORE]
Want to Call La Jolla Home?

Want to call La Jolla home? Be sure to work with Greg Noonan, the area’s top-selling agent for several years running. With uncompromising integrity and an impeccable work ethic, he has become the preferred agent of discerning buyers who wish to own property in this beautiful seaside neighborhood. As proof of his track record, he has sold almost $2 billion worth of real estate in La Jolla over his 40+ year career. With Greg at your side, you are sure to get the best properties for the best price possible.

To get your home search started, get in touch with Greg today by calling (858) 551-3302 / (858) 551-1210 or by sending an email to [email protected]. You may also contact us by clicking here.

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