Did you know there are 16 different neighborhoods in La Jolla, California? Here’s a breakdown of what each neighborhood offers. Get to know La Jolla and find the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle!
1) Soledad South
One of La Jolla’s newer communities, Soledad South offers single family homes built in the 1960’s and later. You’ll find a few planned communities sprinkled throughout, including Mount Jolla, Windemere (La Jolla’s first gated community/ 1970’s), and guard-gated Ridgegate (homes built between 1996 to 2000). This area offers buyers a starting point when breaking into the La Jolla real estate market, as homes in this area are typically less expensive compared with other areas in La Jolla. Homes in Soledad South tend to have bay, ocean, and city views, and easy access to the 5 freeway.
2) La Jolla Alta
The La Jolla Alta neighborhood formed around 1972. Most homes in this area have lovely views and large lots, up the hills along the bottom section of Soledad South. This area offers mainly high-end, planned communities, such as the gated community of Ventana, the gated community of Crystal Bay, and Eldorado I and II. These community’s offer a ton of amenities including access to La Jolla Alta Club and ocean views galore.
3) La Jolla Mesa
La Jolla Mesa is also in the south part of La Jolla, between La Jolla Alta and Birdrock, with Muirlands to the north. Many of the homes in this area offer a stunning south-facing view of the San Diego Bay, ocean, downtown, and beyond. This area is just a short distance to amazing beaches, restaurants and shopping.
4) Bird Rock
When you’ve reached Bird Rock, you are now in the southern most point in La Jolla. First developed by Michael Hall, the father of Bird Rock, is one of San Diego’s early land developers. He bought large tracts of land in south La Jolla in 1904-05, calling it the Bird Rock. Bird Rock is a special area with mainly single family homes offering a ton of cute shops and restaurants lining La Jolla Blvd. Bird Rock is a friendly seaside neighborhood with quick access to the beach and bike path. This area was named after a rock that was shaped like a bird. Unfortunately, the rock has since eroded due to the constant crashing waves, but the name lives on. Bird Rock is one of the older neighborhoods in La Jolla, dating back to the early 1900’s.
Streets of Note: Calumet Ave., Dolphin Pl.
5) Lower Hermosa (west of La Jolla Blvd.)
The Lower Hermosa area of La Jolla is an exclusive community home to many breathtaking seaside mansions on streets lined with Palm Trees and sidewalks. Development began in 1923 when La Jolla Properties, Inc. opened a sub-division with architect, Edgar V. Ullrich Ullrich designing the first homes built in Lower Hermosa with homes resembling the Casa de Manana Resort Hotel.. Each lot spans 75 to 80 feet of frontage and 150 feet in depth. According to the San Diego History Center, “Edgar Ullrich designed more than fifteen homes in La Jolla Hermosa. Ullrich homes followed the Spanish Mediterranean and French Normandy style or a combination of both although he favored the Normandy influence.” In 1926 Thomas Shepard also developed homes adding elements from Japanese and European design. In the 1930’s Clifford May homes came on the scene building homes with style based on the Spanish Hacienda and his own California Ranch house with red tile roofs and completely walled-in courtyards.
Further, the Lower Hermosa is home to Camino De La Costa known around the world as The Street of Dreams where these estates sit along the cliffs. Homes in this area the lots and palm tree lined streets mentioned above. From Lower Hermosa it’s just a quick walk or wheel to Windansea Beach. The small beach was named after the Wind and Sea hotel, but unfortunately, the hotel burned down in 1940 something. Experienced (only) surfers enjoy this break.
Streets of Note: Camino De La Costa
6) Upper Hermosa (east of La Jolla Blvd.)
Upper Hermosa is on the east side of La Jolla Blvd. Although this area is very similar to Lower Hermosa, due to it being a little farther from the ocean, you will find that homes in this area tend to have a lower price point than those of Lower Hermosa. This area offers a mainly flat area making it enjoyable for neighborhood walks and bike rides. Still, the homes are immaculate and stunning.
Streets of Note:
7) Muirlands
The hills above La Jolla best describes this steep hillside subdivision on the westside of Soledad Mountain known today as Muirlands. John Muir, the developer (not “the naturalist”, although a naturalist in his own right) of Muirlands, enlisted Edgar Ullrich (Hermosa) to design his own home and as well as layout the subdivision with larger lot sizes. Muir’s home, called the Versailles of La Jolla was built in 1928; now a historic site. Due to the Great Depression, development ended and picked back up in the 1950’s. This area is known for its charm.
Streets of Note: Muirlands Drive
8) Muirlands West
Development began in the 1970’s with around 175 single family homes in this community to date. A bit northeast, homes in Muirlands West were designed with more space, wider streets, and architectural touches to accentuate the western ocean views.
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The Beach Barber Tract is situated between Windansea Beach and the Village, offering the best of both worlds with a mix of homes built with English or old Spanish style. Walk or wheel to famous Sea Lane beach and Windansea beach as well as Marine Street Beach. It was named after owner and developer Phillip Barber and is best know for its Fourth of July celebration
Streets of Note: Marine Street, Vista Del Mar
10) The Village (downtown)
Think beach resort and luxury lifestyle with a rich history. The Village offers residents and visitors a laidback experience perfect for walking or wheeling around. The streets, in particular Prospect Street, are lined with boutiques, world-renowned restaurants, and hotels, and a killer ocean view. Girard Ave was once a residential street, but is now home to more businesses, restaurants, and cultural offerings. The Valencia Hotel opened in 1926. Those who live in the area enjoy all of the comforts close to home. La Jolla Cove, Museums, and Children’s Pool are a short distance away, as well as La Jolla Country Club, La Jolla Shores and other landmarks. There’s never a dull moment in the Village.
Streets of Note: Prospect Street, Girard Avenue,
11) La Jolla Country Club
The La Jolla Country Club area is due east and up the hill from the Village of La Jolla and essentially grew around the 18-hole golf course designed by Willian Bell in 1928 with many Spanish style houses popping up in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Here, you’re close to all of the fun, with the added enjoyment of single family homes dotting the north side of Mt. Soledad. The La Jolla Country Club opened in 1901. Large, ocean view homes spot the hills in this area while there are some condominiums for those looking for more of a lock and leave lifestyle.
12) Hidden Valley
Just east of La Jolla Country Club, Hidden Valley offers some of the most spectacular views from some of the most dramatic hillside homes.
Streets of Note: Via Capri
13) La Jolla Heights
La Jolla Heights makes your commute a dream as it’s a little closer to the freeway, campus, etc. Here you’ll find a mix of beautiful properties.
Streets of Note: La Jolla Scenic
14) La Jolla Village (east)
This area just north of the the UCSD campus, La Jolla village offers many condominium communities with amenities galore.
Streets of Note:
15) La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores offers beachfront access, quaint shops, and fun dining choices. This area boasts single family homes as well as condos. Most of homes in La Jolla shores enjoy gorgeous ocean views from Scripps Pier to La Jolla Cove. Dolphin sightings are not rare, here. Residents and visitors enjoy surfing, SUP, kayaking, snorkeling, sunbathing, and just plain relaxing on the expansive beach, enjoying a walk along the boardwalk, or enjoying the playground, or playing at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club (circa 1927); La Jolla Shores is always bustling.
Streets of Note: La Jolla Shores Drive, Calle de Oro
16) La Jolla Farms
La Jolla Farms with its equestrian flair is located in the northern part of La Jolla in the canyons and bluffs, just south of Torrey Pines Preserve along the Pacific Ocean. William Black bought the pueblo land above Scripps Institution of Oceanography and developed the 200 acres as La Jolla Farms in 1949. Here you’ll find some of the most significant oceanfront mansions; one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in La Jolla. This area enjoys spectacular ocean views, access to nature, Blacks Beach, Torrey Pines Gliderport, Torrey Pines Golf Course, and close proximity to UCSD.
Streets of Note: La Jolla Farms Road
