Neighborhood Spotlight: University City

Neighborhood Spotlight: University City

University City is an active community located northwest of San Diego, near the University of California. The city is nestled in a quiet tranquil and lush environment with beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and natural beauty.

About University city

University City has a population of 56,000 and can be divided into two distinct parts (north and south) naturally separated by the scenic Rose Canyon and the railroad tracks running through it.

To the south lies university square which is the older part of University City built in the 1960’s. This area is mostly residential with many single family homes, a retirement community, and a few condos.

To the north lies the University of California, San Diego, which forms part of the community. Moving closer to the north-center you’ll find a mix of condos and apartment complexes. There is also a commercially zoned area to the south west filled with offices, parks and low-rise buildings.

The natural lay of the land features mesas and canyons such as Rose Canyon, Finger Canyons which span the area, and San Clemente Canyon. There’s plenty of wildlife to be found here including approximately 100 species of birds that migrate through the area.

This beautiful and unique landscape offers residents and visitors natural views and plenty of opportunities for biking, hiking and bird watching.

University City Real Estate Market

Housing prices average around $428,000, ranging from about 300,000 to 1 million (15% higher than San Diego).

32% of the housing market in University City belongs to homeowners.

AMENITIES IN University City

University City has most of the amenities you would expect including 3 shopping centers and a large regional mall referred to as University Towne Center Shopping Mall as well as 2 major hospitals (Scripps Memorial and UCSD’s Jacobs Medical Center).

Scattered throughout the area are parks, several golf courses, 3 elementary schools, a middle and high school as well as a police and fire station and 2 community libraries.

The 5 public schools in the area include:

Marie Curie Elementary School
John D. Spreckels Elementary School
Doyle Elementary School
Standley Middle School
University City High School (San Diego)

Parks and recreation centers in the area include:

Standley Recreation Center and Park
Doyle Recreation Center and Park, which includes an off-leash dog park with two fenced areas to keep large and small dogs separated.
La Jolla Colony Park
Rose Canyon Open Space Park

There is also development occurring in the north-east which is home to several computer, biotech, research institutes and financial companies. These all serve San Diego’s economic engine (also known as the Golden Triangle).

The shopping center at Governor Drive and Genesee Avenue is anchored by a Vons grocery store and a Rite Aid pharmacy. Another shopping center anchored by Sprouts Farmers Market is to the west at Governor Drive and Regents Road. The third shopping center is located in the La Jolla Colony area of north University City, and it is also anchored by a Vons grocery store.

Nearby Areas Include

Clairemont
La Jolla
Miramar and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Sorrento Valley
Mira Mesa

Transportation

The only major public transit infrastructure in University City is the SuperLoop bus rapid transit which circulates through the area, and local bus service provided by San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District.

The Mid-Coast Trolley extension will provide San Diego Trolley service to this community by 2018. Also, the University City Tunnel has been proposed for existing Pacific Surfliner and Coaster service.

Top Things To See & Do Nearby

A few of the “must do” things to do near University CIty includes:

Torrey Pines City Park & Golf Course
La Jolla Cove
Black’s Beach
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Birch Aquarium

Overall Impression

Ranked #11 best places to live in San Diego by areavibes.com. University City offers lots of local amenities, a stable housing market, high income per capita, and beautiful natural landscapes which create excellent opportunities for biking, hiking and bird watching – all of which make University City the perfect place to buy a home.

Still browsing? Check out our listings on our website! We use the latest and greatest technology to offer our clients video tours for certain properties. You can also check out what other properties are available in different San Diego communities to help with your real estate search via our multiple listing service. Just contact us and we can help you find your future home!

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