6 Reasons to Move to La Jolla, California
By Sean Creamer on May 17, 2023
If you yearn for a coastal lifestyle and the sound of crashing waves, you should check out La Jolla, California.
This picturesque neighborhood is northwest of Downtown San Diego, and is known as the jewel city, as part of "America’s Finest City." La Jolla residents have access to stunning housing options, all near outdoor features like rugged coastline with pine tree forests and sandstone canyons. Here, buyers can find expansive waterfront mansions and modest abodes near the ocean.
From the vibrant arts scene and outdoor spaces to a cutting-edge science and research industry, there is plenty to love about La Jolla. To help give buyers some inspiration, below are some of the top reasons why people move to La Jolla.
Unrivaled coastal beauty
Part of what makes La Jolla so famous is the rugged cliffs framing the beaches in the area.
La Jolla Cove is one of the most picturesque landscapes in San Diego. This small beach sits between two large cliffs, and the crystal clear water is perfect for snorkeling and diving, so long as the tides are right. A more leisurely beach to lounge at is Casa Beach, which has a much calmer surf.
But La Jolla is more than surf and sun. Many people escape the hustle and bustle of Downtown San Diego at Torrey Pines State Park, where you can see thickets of torrey pines while exploring miles of hiking trails at this state reserve.
One of the most striking features of La Jolla is underwater. The La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve is a protected marine sanctuary stretching over 6,000 acres, where snorkelers, scuba divers, and kayakers can see colorful fish and the occasional dolphin or seal. Folks studying at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography commonly come here to study sea lions and other marine life.
For those seeking a tranquil retreat, Kellogg Park is a local favorite, offering grassy areas, playgrounds, and easy beach access for folks living in La Jolla Shores.
Varied real estate market
If you are looking for captivating home styles set against a classic coastal retreat backdrop, you will love the neighborhoods of La Jolla. But depending on what communities you tour, the home styles range.
For instance, in the beachfront community of La Jolla Shores, you can find beach bungalows and single-family cape cod homes exemplifying the west coast surfer lifestyle. Folks who look for homes in Bird Rock will find cottages and Mediterranean-style villas with terracotta roofs and beautiful tile work.
La Jolla Village, which is a different neighborhood than the Village of La Jolla, also features a Mediterranean theme, with many buildings featuring stucco exteriors and red tile roofs.
But some of the most architecturally defined homes in La Jolla are in the Muirlands, where contemporary compounds offer commanding views of the Pacific.
Even if you live inland, there is plenty of beauty to be found. For instance, Hidden Valley provides tranquility from the crashing waves and heavy traffic, as this wooded neighborhood has ranch homes sitting on large plots of land surrounded by lush greenery.
Vibrant arts and culture
Considering the beauty of La Jolla and the homes dotting this coastal landscape, it is no surprise that residents hold the arts in high regard.
There are many art galleries, museums, and performing arts spaces. The centerpiece of the arts community is the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on Prospect Street in the Village of La Jolla. If you want art to fill your home, Quint Gallery on Gerard Avenue presents contemporary art for sale by established and emerging artists.
The nearby Athenaeum Music and Arts Library is another cultural gem, with varied art installations, concerts, and lectures covering the intersection of music and visual arts.
Most residents head out to the La Jolla Playhouse for the performing arts, which presents thought-provoking performances that attract actors and audiences from California and beyond.
For the best blend of natural beauty and artistic creation, it is hard to top the La Jolla Kiwanis Concerts by the Sea Series, where local musicians play for locals each Sunday in July and August at Scripps Park.
Strong science and technology industry
Do not let the beach resort feel fool you. La Jolla is an industrial powerhouse rivaling other economic centers in Southern California.
Whether you want to teach the next generation or sow the seeds of your career, La Jolla is the perfect place to grow your craft.
The University of California San Diego is in La Jolla, attracting some of the top minds in the nation. When those graduates enter the workforce, there are plenty of employers just north of the university in Torrey Pines.
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute are two prestigious biotech research institutions that hoover up graduates. Retirees move to La Jolla, citing the resort-like town and the top-of-the-line medical care. Pfizer also has a huge campus in the area and is a leading firm in La Jolla’s economy. But you do not need to work in biotech to find a career.
La Jolla also has a strong aerospace and defense tech presence, with General Atomics leading the field in government contracts.
Happening shopping and entertainment
While Downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter promises a fun night out on the town, folks living in La Jolla can have good time in the Village of La Jolla.
This district offers an upscale fashion scene, with boutique designers and name-brand retailers like Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren. After a day of retail therapy, you can find locals grabbing a bite at George's at the Cove or Eddie V's Prime Seafood.
But if you're looking for a down-to-earth dining experience, Cody's La Jolla has a great brunch.
Sometimes there's nothing better than reading a good book on the beach, and the best place to find a book is Warwick's, the oldest operating bookstore in San Diego. In addition to books, Warwick's sells furniture, too, so you can deck out your reading room while finding some books to fill the shelves.
Of course, if you are looking for a relaxing day, there are several day spas and massage specialists in the Village of La Jolla, like La Jolla Cove and Spa and The Spa at The Grande Colonial.
Close to Downtown San Diego
Despite La Jolla having almost everything a homeowner can need, sometimes you need to leave these stunning shores to reach other parts of San Diego.
Interstate 5 runs along the coast, connecting La Jolla to Downtown San Diego and other parts of SoCal. One of the most popular corridors is La Jolla Scenic Drive, which winds along the cliffs and provides an unrivaled view for commuters.
If you don't feel like driving, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System has several bus routes connecting La Jolla to the rest of San Diego.
Frequent fliers can take advantage of La Jolla’s proximity to San Diego International Airport, making it easy to fly out of town for pleasure or work.
