La Jolla
With a dramatic coastline boasting incredible views, it is one of the most popular beach destinations in California.
With a dramatic coastline boasting incredible views, it is one of the most popular beach destinations in California.
44,468 people live in La Jolla, where the median age is 45 and the average individual income is $88,249. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
Perched along San Diego’s breathtaking coastline, La Jolla blends seaside charm with upscale sophistication. Known for its rugged cliffs, turquoise coves, and European-style village atmosphere, this affluent coastal enclave offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, cultural refinement, and premier real estate. Residents enjoy a world-class lifestyle—surfing in the morning, fine dining at sunset, and art walks under the stars.
Located within the city of San Diego, La Jolla encompasses about seven miles of Pacific coastline. It’s celebrated for its striking coastal bluffs, marine reserves, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. The neighborhood includes distinct micro-communities—from the beachy La Jolla Shores to the hilltop estates of Muirlands—each offering its own lifestyle. The area’s top-rated schools, boutique-lined streets, and proximity to UC San Diego and Scripps Institution of Oceanography make it equally appealing to professionals, families, and retirees seeking luxury with convenience.
| Key Facts about La Jolla, CA | |
|---|---|
| Area | ~7 sq mi (La Jolla community within San Diego) |
| County | San Diego County |
| Founded | 1887 (developed as a seaside resort and artists’ colony) |
| Population (recent est.) | ~46,000 residents |
| Notable Neighborhoods | La Jolla Village • La Jolla Shores • Bird Rock • Muirlands • Country Club • Hidden Valley |
| Signature Attractions | La Jolla Cove • Torrey Pines Golf Course • Birch Aquarium • UC San Diego • Museum of Contemporary Art • The Village boutiques and dining |
| Top Schools | La Jolla High School • The Bishop’s School • Gillispie School • UC San Diego |
| Main Roads | La Jolla Blvd • Torrey Pines Rd • Prospect St • I-5 (connects to Downtown San Diego & Orange County) |
La Jolla’s real estate landscape is diverse yet consistently prestigious. Oceanfront estates, mid-century moderns tucked into the hills, and contemporary condos near the village all share a common thread: exceptional quality and enduring demand. With property values among the highest in Southern California, La Jolla represents not just a place to live—but a legacy to own.
La Jolla home values have risen steadily over the past five years, reflecting consistent buyer demand and limited inventory.
Life in La Jolla blends coastal adventure with refined comfort—from kayaking through sea caves to attending symphonies by the sea. For discerning buyers seeking tranquility, prestige, and ocean views that never fade, La Jolla stands as one of California’s crown jewels.
Nestled along San Diego’s northern coastline, La Jolla offers exceptional connectivity while maintaining a serene, resort-like atmosphere. Residents enjoy close proximity to downtown San Diego, major highways, and coastal attractions. Scenic roads weave through the village, offering panoramic ocean views and easy access to neighboring communities like Pacific Beach, Del Mar, and Torrey Pines.
La Jolla’s transportation options include convenient highway access, public transit via MTS, bike-friendly coastal routes, and proximity to San Diego International Airport. Local amenities, beaches, and dining districts are easily reached by walking, cycling, or short drives.
| Connectivity & Transportation — La Jolla, CA | |
|---|---|
| Location Map & Overview | Coastal community in northern San Diego, bordered by Pacific Beach (south) and Del Mar (north). Elevated oceanfront bluffs, coves, and walkable commercial hubs define its landscape. Primary arteries include Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla Boulevard, and Prospect Street. |
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| Typical Drive Times* |
*Traffic varies by season & events
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| Parking | Public parking lots available near La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove, and The Village. Street parking is common but limited near the coast—paid garages and valet options available in business districts. |
| Walking & Cycling | Walkable coastal paths, beach promenades, and residential routes make La Jolla ideal for pedestrians. Dedicated bike lanes connect to Pacific Beach and Torrey Pines scenic trails. |
| Taxi & Ride Apps | Uber and Lyft are widely available. Local luxury transportation and black-car services cater to residents and tourists alike. |
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| Accessibility & EV | ADA-compliant pathways at beaches and public areas, with ramps at La Jolla Shores and Children’s Pool. Multiple EV charging stations available near Girard Avenue, UTC, and public garages. |
La Jolla offers the rare balance of refined coastal living and urban accessibility. Its scenic roads, walkable village, and proximity to San Diego’s business and cultural centers make it a sought-after destination for those who value elegance, convenience, and the ocean breeze.
La Jolla remains one of Southern California’s most coveted coastal neighborhoods. Limited new supply, oceanfront desirability, and consistently high buyer interest keep pricing elevated. Inventory and days on market have normalized slightly since 2023, but quality properties in the Village, Shores, Bird Rock, and Muirlands still attract strong demand.
| Property Type | Median Price (USD) | Price per Sq.Ft (USD) | Avg. Rent (USD/month) | Est. Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Condo (Village / Shores) | $1,050,000 (est.) | $1,150 (est.) | $2,877 | 3.3–3.6% (est.) |
| 2BR Condo / Townhome | $1,450,000 (est.) | $1,200 (est.) | $3,950 | 3.1–3.4% (est.) |
| 3BR Single-Family (non-oceanfront) | $2,600,000 (est.) | $1,300 (est.) | $7,500 | 3.2–3.6% (est.) |
| 4BR View / Coastal Estate | $5,200,000 (est.) | $1,650 (est.) | $15,000 | 3.0–3.5% (est.) |
Life in La Jolla blends coastal sophistication with Southern California ease. Stretching along San Diego’s northwestern shoreline, this seaside village is home to world-class beaches, ocean-view dining, boutique shopping, and year-round outdoor recreation. From the vibrant La Jolla Village to the serene coves of Windansea and the academic pulse near UC San Diego, every corner of La Jolla offers a distinct lifestyle defined by natural beauty, refinement, and effortless access to the Pacific.
Located along San Diego’s northern coast, La Jolla spans roughly seven miles of shoreline bordered by Pacific Beach to the south and Torrey Pines to the north. Its dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves, and beaches such as La Jolla Cove and Windansea define the neighborhood’s iconic scenery.
La Jolla offers an elegant yet laid-back coastal lifestyle. Residents enjoy art galleries, oceanfront cafés, open-air markets, and boutique shopping. The area combines established families, academics, and global travelers drawn to its charm and walkable village vibe.
Home to acclaimed restaurants overlooking the Pacific, La Jolla’s dining scene includes fine-dining destinations like George’s at the Cove, The Marine Room, and Duke’s La Jolla. You’ll also find relaxed cafés, sushi bars, and farm-to-table spots throughout the Village and Shores districts.
Served by top-rated public and private schools such as La Jolla High School, The Bishop’s School, and Gillispie School. The nearby UC San Diego and Scripps Institution of Oceanography contribute to an educated, globally minded community.
Housing options range from ocean-view condos and mid-century homes to architectural hillside estates. Properties with proximity to beaches or panoramic vistas command premium pricing, reflecting La Jolla’s enduring appeal and limited inventory.
Everyday transportation is primarily by car, with convenient access to I-5 via La Jolla Parkway. Cycling and walking are common in the Village and Shores areas, and public transit connects to UC San Diego and downtown San Diego via MTS and the Blue Line Trolley extension.
La Jolla enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate—temperatures average 65–75°F year-round. Morning marine layers often give way to bright afternoons, ideal for outdoor living, dining al fresco, and year-round recreation.
Upscale boutiques, wellness spas, golf at Torrey Pines, luxury hotels, and oceanfront dining. Local favorites include the La Jolla Playhouse, Birch Aquarium, and The Cove for snorkeling and sea-lion viewing.
A blend of long-term residents, professionals, retirees, and second-home owners. The area attracts business executives, academics, and entrepreneurs, with a strong international community and active civic participation.
Prestigious coastal living, ocean access, top-ranked schools and research centers, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to downtown San Diego and major transportation hubs.
High property values and limited inventory; coastal fog in morning hours; traffic congestion near beaches during summer weekends and tourist seasons.
Surfing at Windansea, kayaking sea caves, snorkeling at The Cove, hiking Torrey Pines Reserve, golfing at Torrey Pines Golf Course, and sunset walks along Coast Boulevard and the Children’s Pool Seawall.
La Jolla’s lifestyle combines luxury and leisure—where every day offers ocean air, village strolls, and access to culture, cuisine, and coastline. With its year-round beauty and world-class amenities, La Jolla stands among California’s most desirable seaside communities.
La Jolla offers an exceptional mix of coastal amenities—from top-tier healthcare and everyday shopping to private clubs, oceanfront recreation, and wellness. Below are highlights that shape daily living in this premier San Diego seaside community.
Families in La Jolla benefit from access to exceptional public, private, and university-affiliated schools within and around the neighborhood. Public schools are part of the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), while numerous private and independent institutions offer specialized programs emphasizing academic excellence, arts, science, and global education.
La Jolla’s proximity to UC San Diego and world-class research centers fosters a strong educational culture. Many schools feature college-prep curricula, STEM programs, and outdoor learning environments inspired by the region’s coastal setting. Always verify current boundaries, enrollment, and program offerings directly with each school or district.
| School / Preschool | Type | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Jolla Elementary School | Public (K–5) — SDUSD | La Jolla Village | Top-rated neighborhood school emphasizing academics, art, and community engagement; walkable from central La Jolla. |
| Torrey Pines Elementary School | Public (K–5) — SDUSD | North La Jolla | STEM-oriented learning, strong parental involvement, and enrichment programs in science and arts. |
| Bird Rock Elementary School | Public (K–5) — SDUSD | Bird Rock | Community-focused campus with ocean-inspired environmental curriculum and robust extracurricular activities. |
| Muirlands Middle School | Public (6–8) — SDUSD | La Jolla | Strong academic foundation, performing arts, foreign language programs, and student leadership initiatives. |
| La Jolla High School | Public (9–12) — SDUSD | La Jolla Village | Comprehensive AP courses, championship athletics, visual and performing arts, and college-prep pathways. |
| University City High School | Public (9–12) — SDUSD | University City (Nearby) | Strong STEM and AP offerings, athletics, and academic clubs; alternative option for northern La Jolla residents. |
| The Bishop’s School | Private (6–12) | La Jolla Village | College-preparatory independent school emphasizing academic rigor, ethics, arts, and global studies. |
| Gillispie School | Independent (Preschool–6) | La Jolla | Progressive education with strong arts integration, environmental awareness, and STEAM learning focus. |
| La Jolla Country Day School | Private (PreK–12) | UTC Area | Comprehensive arts, athletics, and academics program with leadership and service-learning emphasis. |
| Stella Maris Academy | Private (K–8) | La Jolla | Catholic school offering values-based education with small class sizes and strong community connection. |
| Children’s School La Jolla | Private Preschool / Elementary | North La Jolla | Child-centered, project-based learning with outdoor classrooms and experiential education. |
| La Jolla Montessori School | Private Preschool | Torrey Pines Area | Authentic Montessori program fostering independence, creativity, and individualized growth. |
| UC San Diego Early Childhood Education Center | University-affiliated Preschool | UC San Diego Campus | Highly regarded early learning program emphasizing developmental play, discovery, and community involvement. |
District: San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). Tip: Always verify attendance boundaries, magnet programs, and admissions timelines as La Jolla schools are in high demand and some programs have limited enrollment capacities.
La Jolla stands among Southern California’s most prestigious coastal markets, drawing interest from local professionals, national move-up buyers, and international investors. Its blend of dramatic shoreline, walkable village life, proximity to UC San Diego, Scripps research institutions, Torrey Pines, and a thriving biotech/med-tech corridor sustains consistent demand. Limited new supply and prized ocean-view locations underpin long-term value and help buffer the market through broader cycles.
Why La Jolla? Median sale prices remain among the highest in San Diego County, with ocean-close properties commanding meaningful premiums. Competition is strongest for turnkey homes near the Village, Shores, and Bird Rock, while hillside estates in Muirlands trade on lot size, privacy, and views. Forward-looking expectations point to steady mid-single-digit appreciation, with waterfront and view corridors maintaining outsize pricing power compared with broader coastal peers.
| Market Segment | Median Price | YOY Change | Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Jolla Village | $2.2M (est.) | +4.0% (est.) | ~25 days |
| Bird Rock | $2.6M (est.) | +5.0% (est.) | ~22 days |
| Muirlands (view estates) | $3.6M (est.) | +6.0% (est.) | ~35 days |
| La Jolla Shores (near beach) | $3.0M (est.) | +5.5% (est.) | ~28 days |
The La Jolla market routinely sees multiple offers for well-located, turn-key homes. Oceanfront and near-shore properties—especially those with unobstructed views or beach access—can command substantial premiums ($6M–$15M+). Demand is supported by a robust local economy, strong academic/medical anchors, and the lifestyle draw of year-round outdoor recreation.
Key Investment Highlights:
Whether targeting ocean-adjacent condos, village-walkable luxury homes, or view estates in the hills, La Jolla offers compelling long-term value supported by scarcity, affluent demographics, and blue-chip neighborhood amenities.
Nestled along the northern coastline of San Diego, La Jolla offers a lifestyle that blends oceanfront luxury with village charm. From the seaside cliffs of La Jolla Cove to the surf breaks at Windansea and the academic pulse of UC San Diego, every corner of La Jolla offers coastal beauty and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Housing options include ocean-view estates, modern coastal homes, beachfront condos, and architectural hillside residences. Properties near the beach, golf courses, or with panoramic views tend to command higher values. Short-term rentals are available but subject to the City of San Diego’s Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) regulations, which buyers and investors should review before purchasing.
Day-to-day life in La Jolla centers around its vibrant village, fine dining, and endless outdoor recreation. Residents enjoy kayaking sea caves, hiking Torrey Pines, golfing coastal fairways, and strolling boutiques and galleries on Prospect Street. Excellent healthcare, including Scripps Memorial and UC San Diego Health, adds to La Jolla’s appeal, while its proximity to downtown San Diego ensures easy access to urban amenities and the airport.
With its combination of prestige, natural beauty, and convenience, La Jolla remains one of California’s most desirable places to live—whether for year-round residence, a vacation retreat, or a long-term investment in coastal real estate.
Explore La Jolla Real Estate →La Jolla combines coastal prestige, natural beauty, and timeless value—a place where luxury living meets California’s most iconic shoreline.
Lot in prime lower Trousdale Estates with beautiful city views. Newly built in 2016, this property offers epic scale with exceptionally high ceilings.
La Jolla has 16,515 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in La Jolla do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 44,468 people call La Jolla home. The population density is 7,497.44 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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There's plenty to do around La Jolla, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Wholistic Health Boss, PB Bubble Soccer, and San Diego Personal Training.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 4.6 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.82 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.16 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.6 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.47 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.98 miles | 12 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.6 miles | 37 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.96 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.36 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.13 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.93 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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