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Living in La Jolla 🩴 | Explore the La Jolla/San Diego Area, Things to Do & Neighborhoods

Last Updated On: 2nd May 2024, 10:30 pm

La Jolla is a picturesque seaside area within San Diego. The California Coastal Act has designated La Jolla, California, a “special community,” meaning the area is regionally significant with unique characteristics. The La Jolla meaning dates back to the local Native American settlers who once called the land “Mat Kulaaxuuy,” meaning the “Land of Holes.” This was transcribed by the Spanish settlers to “La Jolla,” and has been called that ever since. La Jolla also has the nickname “The Jewel,” due to the alternative spelling of the Spanish phrase “La Joya,” which translates to this saying.

Living in La Jolla has never been better. The beautiful real estate, amazing beaches, and diverse neighborhoods make La Jolla, CA, a desirable destination for people of all ages. As such, La Jolla is a good place to live.

Where Is La Jolla?

 

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Where is La Jolla California? La Jolla is in San Diego County and is located along the coast of northern San Diego. It is about 13.6 miles (21-minute drive) from La Jolla to San Diego. The La Jolla zip code is mainly 92037-92039, but parts of the area spread into the 92092 and 92093 zip codes.

Is La Jolla a city? La Jolla is not a city but a special community in San Diego with its own distinct neighborhoods and attractions. The La Jolla area is about 7 square miles and runs along the Pacific Ocean coastline. The La Jolla San Diego community is surrounded on three sides by ocean bluffs and beaches, providing residents with amazing waterfront real estate and outdoor attractions.

When living in La Jolla by the sea, you will have access to the San Diego Trolley light rail system. There are four stops located in the La Jolla/San Diego area along the rail’s Blue Line.

Map of La Jolla

La Jolla History & Overview

The history of La Jolla started in 1850 when the lands of La Jolla were incorporated as part of the City of San Diego. However, after its incorporation, there were no permanent settlers in the area until 19 years later. The City of San Diego sold the first 80-acre plots to brothers Daniel and Samuel Sizer for $1.25 per acre, according to La Jolla Light. Today, the land in this area would be worth $2 million per acre. The town grew in the late 1800s as the railroad extended into the area and continued to grow steadily throughout the first half of the 20th century. By 1960, the population of La Jolla was just over 17,000.

 

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Today, the La Jolla population is 46,781, and the area is popular among couples, families, and retirees alike. The San Diego La Jolla community is very affluent, with a median household income of $158,141. This is higher than the San Diego average of $89,457 and the California average of $84,097.

Additional La Jolla Demographics:

  • Population density: 2,421 people per square mile
  • Median age: 47.2
  • Families with kids under 18: 36%
  • Racial and ethnic composition: 79.57 White, 10.65% Asian, 7.03% mixed race, 1.60% Black or African American, 0.07% Native Hawaiian, 0.05% American Indian, 1.03% other races

What’s It Like Living in La Jolla?

Moving to La Jolla is a great idea for people of all ages and families of all sizes. Southern La Jolla is closest to San Diego and is popular among young professionals and couples. Due to the short commute to San Diego, many people who work in the city center live in this section of La Jolla. This area is also very popular among tourists, as there are many bars and restaurants nearby.

As you head into Central La Jolla, you will find the hip college town of the University of California San Diego. This university is home to over 33,000 students, making it one of the most popular universities in all of California. In this section of La Jolla, you will find many apartment living and shared-housing options due to the many students in the area.

Northern La Jolla is home to many of the quieter residential areas. This area is home to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which is a popular outdoor attraction with walking trails, beaches, and ocean views.

Overall, there is something for everyone in La Jolla. You can partake in the hustle and bustle of the crowded beaches in the touristy areas or head to the northern part of La Jolla to enjoy some peace and quiet. No matter what you are in the mood for, La Jolla has it all!

Things to Do in La Jolla - Restaurants, Attractions & Beaches

There is an abundance of things to do in La Jolla San Diego. You can head over to La Jolla Shores Park, whose business district is home to some of the best shopping in the area. You will also want to check out La Jolla Shores restaurants such as Shores Restaurant and Shorehouse Kitchen. You will also find incredible shopping at La Jolla Village Square and The Shops at La Jolla Village. These shopping centers are right next to each other and contain over 300,000 square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment.


There are also many amazing restaurants in La Jolla. If you are looking for dinner with an oceanfront view, then check out The Marine Room or Brockton Villa. If you head further inland, then you can enjoy a bite to eat at Pho La Jolla or The Melt.

Other fun La Jolla activities include Birch Aquarium, Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, and the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Best Beaches in La Jolla

When it comes to things to do in La Jolla California, you can’t skip out on the area’s many wonderful beaches. There are dozens of incredible La Jolla beaches for you to sit back and relax at. One of the most popular beaches in La Jolla is La Jolla Cove in San Diego, CA. La Jolla Cove beach is popular among divers due to the clear water and abundance of marine life.

 

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La Jolla Shores Beach is one of the best beaches in La Jolla and is a popular tourist spot. This La Jolla beach is one mile long and is complete with a boardwalk, lifeguard stations, and public restrooms. If you are looking for a quieter beach in La Jolla, then check out Bird Rock Beach. This is often considered the best La Jolla beach in San Diego among locals, as it is less populated than the larger beaches.

Here’s where you will find these things to do in La Jolla, CA. 

Exploring La Jolla Neighborhoods

These are a few of the best La Jolla neighborhoods to explore.

La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores is located along the beach and is home to the northern part of Scripps Beach. This area is home to many incredible vacation homes and waterfront real estate, with the average home price in the neighborhood sitting at $2.03 million.

Village of La Jolla

The Village of La Jolla includes most of the shops and restaurants in the area and is popular among renters or those who are looking for smaller homes. Downtown La Jolla Village is also known as the “business district” of the area and is popular among young professionals.

Downtown La Jolla

La Jolla Downtown, often referred to as University Village, is home to thousands of college students attending the University of California San Diego. This area is very walkable and has many cozy shops and cafes. 

Other Neighborhoods in La Jolla to Explore

  • La Jolla Bird Rock: Bird Rock La Jolla is a seaside neighborhood on the very lowest slopes of Mt. Soledad.
  • La Jolla Farms: Affluent area with expensive real estate and beaches that are popular among surfers.
  • La Jolla Heights: Residential area with homes overlooking La Jolla Shores.
  • Hidden Valley: Small neighborhood on the northern slopes of Mt. Soledad.
  • Country Club: Golf course community located on the northwest side of Mt. Soledad.
  • Beach-Barber Tract: Beachfront neighborhood home to the popular Windansea Beach.
  • Lower Hermosa: Residential area with no businesses just south of Beach-Barber Tract.
  • Muirlands: One of the largest neighborhoods in La Jolla, located on the western middle slope of Mt. Soledad.
  • La Jolla Village: Bustling area in northeast La Jolla with many shopping and dining options; not to be confused with the Village of La Jolla.
  • Upper Hermosa: Residential neighborhood just north of Bird Rock.
  • Muirlands West: Small neighborhood with large, gated homes.
  • Soledad South: Large La Jolla neighborhood home to Soledad Natural Park.
  • La Jolla Alta: Master-planned development just east of La Jolla Mesa.
  • La Jolla Mesa: A strip on the southern side of Mt. Soledad.

La Jolla Real Estate & Rent

If you are looking for homes for sale in La Jolla San Diego, then you will find an abundance of options to choose from. According to Redfin, the average home price in La Jolla is $1.9 million. Although La Jolla real estate prices are down 17.4% compared to last year, they are still much higher than the national average of $412,502.

There are also many apartments in La Jolla. According to RentCafe, the average rent in La Jolla is $3,458 per month. This is higher than the San Diego average of $3,016.

If living in La Jolla sounds perfect to you, then you’ll need the best movers in La Jolla to help make your moving experience a great one. Call the best certified movers of Republic Moving at 619-591-0079 to get started with a free quote!

Bill Lovejoy
Bill Lovejoy is the president of Republic Moving and Storage. Purchasing the assets of Republic Relocations in May 2008. In 2008, Republic did $700K of business and today is over $15 Million. Republic was named AMSA’s 2010 Agent of the Year for Service Excellence after only two years in business. Bill is proud that he grew up doing every facet of the business from a local mover, over the road driver, salesperson, operations manager, and general manager. (and just about everything else in between) Before purchasing Republic, Bill was with Bekins Moving and Storage where he served as a Senior Vice President and was a partner. He was responsible for three HHG companies as well as two logistics companies. A proud Father of six children, and a lovely wife, Carol, Bill constantly works to keep a balance between work and family Life. Bills “stress relieving” hobbies include racket ball, basketball, tennis, and golf.
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