Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Jolla, CA
Thinking of moving to La Jolla, CA? This coastal community of 37,000 is known for its stunning beaches, top-rated schools, and an enviable climate with 70% sunny days each year. While the cost of living is high—with median home values at $2.2M and average rents around $3,400—La Jolla offers exceptional safety, short 23-minute commutes, and excellent healthcare and education. Its vibrant culture, ocean views, and academic opportunities make it a premier place to live on the Southern California coast.
Demographics - La Jolla, CA
Demographics - La Jolla, CA
La Jolla is a vibrant coastal community of about 37,000 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 47.2 years. The area has a moderate population density and a diverse ethnic mix, with nearly 15% speaking a language other than English at home. This blend creates a welcoming atmosphere for both families and professionals seeking a dynamic yet laid-back environment.
Population:
37,000
Density:
2,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
10.2%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Jolla, CA?
Living in La Jolla comes with a premium, as the median home value stands at $2.2 million and monthly rent averages $3,400. The overall cost of living index is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting elevated housing, transportation, and grocery expenses. Residents benefit from the coastal lifestyle but should plan for substantial monthly costs.
Median House Value:
$2,200,000
Gross Rent:
$3,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$5,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
211.4
Grocery:
124.7
Housing:
335.3
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
139.2
Health Care:
112.5
Miscellaneous:
107.6
Crime
Is La Jolla, CA a safe place to live?
La Jolla is regarded as a safe community, with violent crime rates at just 90 incidents per 100,000 residents and a low chance of violent crime at 1 in 1,111. Property crime is also relatively minimal, contributing to the city's reputation as a secure place to live and raise a family. This safety is a key draw for new residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,140
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,111
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in La Jolla, CA year-round?
La Jolla enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with winter lows around 50°F and summer highs near 76°F. The city receives about 11.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine 70% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Pleasant weather year-round enhances the community’s coastal appeal.
Winter
Min:
50°F
Max:
66°F
Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
La Jolla is an affluent area, where the typical household income is $137,000 and the poverty rate is a low 7.2%. Most residents are highly educated, with nearly three-quarters holding at least a bachelor’s degree and almost all completing high school. The neighborhood offers short average commutes of 23.5 minutes and a low unemployment rate, fostering a prosperous and connected community.
Median Income:
$76,700
Household Income:
$137,000
Family Income:
$172,000
Per Capita Income:
$81,300
Income Male:
$92,000
Income Female:
$65,000
Poverty Rate:
7.2%
Non English Speakers:
14.8%
Rent:
$3,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
73.5%
Education
How are the schools in La Jolla, CA?
La Jolla is home to excellent public and private schools, including La Jolla High School and the highly regarded Bishop’s School, as well as the University of California, San Diego. Public schools offer strong academic programs and competitive student-teacher ratios. The presence of UCSD provides world-class higher education and enriches the community’s academic atmosphere.
Public Schools
Name:
La Jolla High School
Street:
750 Nautilus St
Phone:
619-605-8000
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
23:1
Name:
Muirlands Middle School
Street:
1056 Nautilus St
Phone:
619-605-8400
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Private Schools
Name:
The Bishop's School
Street:
7607 La Jolla Blvd
Phone:
858-459-4021
Students:
800
Colleges
Name:
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
City:
La Jolla
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
41,000
Healthcare
Residents of La Jolla have access to top-tier healthcare, with major hospitals like UC San Diego Health and Scripps Memorial Hospital offering comprehensive services and emergency care. The area boasts a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.7 per 1,000 and nearly 94% health insurance coverage. These resources ensure excellent medical support for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UC San Diego Health – La Jolla
Address:
9300 Campus Point Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone:
(858) 657-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
Address:
9888 Genesee Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone:
(858) 626-4123
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Jolla, CA?
La Jolla’s housing market is robust, with a median home price of $2.2 million and average rents for a two-bedroom at $3,400. About 62.5% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate, reflecting market stability. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, making it a competitive but rewarding real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$2,200,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
La Jolla residents access DMV services through the nearby California Department of Motor Vehicles office in San Diego. The DMV offers standard licensing, vehicle registration, and other transportation services both in-person and online. For more information or to schedule an appointment, residents can visit the official California DMV website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.