$1,183,035Average Value$567Average Price per Sq Ft41Homes For Sale
A San Diego suburb with urban energy
La Mesa’s lively dining scene and eclectic charm make it stand out among the suburban cities of East San Diego County. “I like to say La Mesa is where urban meets suburban. It has a lot of urban amenities that suburbs don’t normally have, like tons of cool restaurants and bars in the Village,” says Realtor Emily Benito with Real Broker, who’s been selling in the area since 2020. Its charming downtown — known as La Mesa Village — and variety of neighborhoods offer a more active alternative to the typical suburban lifestyle while still providing the added living space. “People choose La Mesa because they can get more room to grow, but it’s close to downtown San Diego, so it still has a lot going on,” says Benito. Downtown San Diego is just 10 miles west, but the restaurants and events in La Mesa Village offer plenty of activity right in the city.
Public Square in La Mesa offers artisan coffee, delicious food, and a relaxed vibes.
Discover homes in La Mesa with hilltop views and the convenience of a downtown lifestyle.
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Buzzing activity in La Mesa Village
La Mesa Village — locally called “the Village” — is the source of the city’s urban energy. This small downtown offers a contrast to the strip malls and chain eateries of a typical suburb. La Mesa Boulevard — its main artery — is packed with restaurants and cafes like Farmer’s Table and Public Square, along with small shops like Meet Cute Bookshop and Re-Animated Records. There are even late-night drinking spots like The Hills Pub. The Village is also the meeting ground for La Mesa’s many community events. “La Mesa is really community-centric,” says Benito. “There’s always something going on; it’s a super festive environment.” These include weekly occasions like the La Mesa Farmers Market, held on La Mesa Boulevard every Friday afternoon, and the annual autumn Oktoberfest celebration. There’s plenty of essential shopping at the Grossmont Center, just north of the Village. This large mall has department and grocery stores like Walmart, Target and Trader Joe’s.
Farmer's Table in La Mesa offers farm-to-table dining with fresh, local ingredients.
Fall in love with books again at Meet Cute Bookshop in La Mesa, a charming literary escape.
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Suburban communities and spacious homes in the hills
La Mesa’s median home price is around $900,000. Still, its mix of neighborhoods offers price points and living options for different lifestyles. Living around La Mesa Village provides walkability to all the action. Its midcentury cottages and ranch-style homes are on the smaller side of La Mesa’s single-family options and cost around the median price. The city’s traditional suburban developments are around Lake Murray, north of Interstate 8. Homes in these communities are slightly larger and newer than those in the Village and can cost just over $1 million. The Hillside communities south of the Village offer the most living space. In neighborhoods like Mt. Helix and La Mesa Highlands, large Spanish Revivals and other mansions can sit on up to half an acre overlooking the city. They can cost upwards of $2 million.
Midcentury cottages in La Mesa feature stylish designs and a welcoming nostalgia.
Hillside homes in La Mesa provide breathtaking views and a peaceful escape from city life.
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Community parks and activities at Lake Murray
There are a few community parks dotted throughout the city. MacArthur Park — on the east side of the Village — is the largest and most frequented. It has a few acres of hilly lawn space, a public pool and a community garden. The city’s northwest suburbs border Lake Murray. The lake is surrounded by park space and paved walking paths. At the Lake Murray Recreation Area, folks can fish and launch paddleboards and kayaks. Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego, is only a few miles north. Hikers can follow multiple trailheads to the peak to be rewarded with panoramic views. Cowles Mountain is part of Mission Trails Regional Park, which offers 60 miles of trails across over 8,000 acres of the Peninsular Ranges. The city’s Mt. Helix neighborhood has a hidden path: the La Mesa Secret Stairs. The stairs were built when this hilly community was developed so residents could cut through the winding roads. Today, they’re almost exclusively used for quick workouts. La Mesa’s sunny climate is more than friendly to outdoor activity, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s in the summer and mid-50s in the winter.
MacArthur Park in La Mesa is perfect for Little League games, swings, and community fun.
Enjoy peaceful walks by Lake Murray, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife.
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La Mesa’s Walkway of the Stars and Oktoberfest celebration
The city’s artistic culture and spirit of volunteerism are celebrated on the Walkway of the Stars. The walls of this La Mesa Village breezeway are painted with murals dedicated to volunteers who have completed over 10,000 hours of community service for the city. The La Mesa Village Farmers Market takes place right next to the walkway on La Mesa Boulevard.
La Mesa’s biggest event is its Oktoberfest celebration, held each year in September. It’s one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in California. It completely takes over the Village for three days, filling the streets with vendors, multiple beer gardens and concert stages.
Explore La Mesa’s Walkway of the Stars, a tribute to those who make the community shine.
Enjoy live music and entertainment at the vibrant Main Stage of La Mesa Oktoberfest.
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Top rated public and charter schools
The city’s public school pipeline involves two different school districts. La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools serves students from kindergarten to eighth grade and earns an overall B-minus rating from Niche. Students move on to the A-rated Grossmont Union High School District for ninth through 12th grade. Many La Mesa students go to Grossmont High School, graded an A. La Mesa is also home to Helix Charter High School, Niche’s No. 1 charter high school in the San Diego Area.
Grossmont High School emphasizes leadership, growth, and achievement for every student.
Helix High School prepares students for success with rigorous academics and programs.
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Commute on Interstate 8 or the San Diego Trolley
La Mesa has large employers, such as Sharp Grossmont Hospital, but most residents commute to downtown San Diego. Downtown is only 10 miles west on Interstate 8, which runs east to west through La Mesa’s heart. San Diego International Airport is 15 miles west on the 8. Car commuters can also head downtown on state Route 125, running down the city’s east side. The San Diego Trolley’s Orange Line travels through La Mesa Boulevard Station in La Mesa Village, offering an hour ride to downtown San Diego. Even with the city's activity, crime rates in La Mesa tend to be lower than state averages, according to FBI statistics.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Cammell
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in La Mesa, CA sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in La Mesa, CA over the last 12 months is $1,100,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Over $400k in upgrades since 2020! The stunning, remodeled, 2,152 sqft main house has 4 BR / 2 BA and office (5th BR?) and offers a separate & private fully detached, permitted, 487 sqft. studio ADU w/ washer/dryer, exclusive use yard & driveway. Paid for solar. Designer eat in kitchen, huge outdoor deck and fully fenced outdoor area including a 17' x 10' outdoor kitchen equipped with
Welcome to Cerro Vista! This beautifully remodeled ground-level condo in the sought-after Del Cerro/College area offers modern upgrades and an unbeatable location. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home has been fully updated with brand-new stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, fresh paint throughout, recessed lighting, new light fixtures and ceiling fans, and
Priced to Sell! Welcome to this spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bath home offering 2,108 sq ft of living space in a sought-after neighborhood. This property features important updates including a newer tile roof & windows, providing peace of mind for the next owner. Inside, you’ll find generously sized rooms, a functional floorplan, and great natural light throughout. The large living areas create an
Over $400k in upgrades since 2020! The stunning, remodeled, 2,152 sqft main house has 4 BR / 2 BA and office (5th BR?) and offers a separate & private fully detached, permitted, 487 sqft. studio ADU w/ washer/dryer, exclusive use yard & driveway. Paid for solar. Designer eat in kitchen, huge outdoor deck and fully fenced outdoor area including a 17' x 10' outdoor kitchen equipped with
Over $50,000 price reduction! Beautiful, one-story, 1st floor, pristine 2 bedrooms, 2 baths condo in Lake Murray. Steps to the pool, sauna, and jacuzzi. New windows, 2 balconies, and a cozy fireplace. Clubhouse, gym equipment, pool table, sauna, and laundry facilities. Bike, fish, Hikes just around the corner. About 2 miles from SDSU and Grossmont College. 2 parking spots, one of them is a
Picture this: the satisfying glide of your car down your impressive 150-foot private driveway, culminating at your personal gate. As it smoothly opens, your dream home comes into view, perfectly positioned on a sprawling half-acre in the coveted heart of La Mesa. Imagine the daily pleasure of this grand entrance, offering both privacy and prestige yet close to all the conveniences of city life
Ready to soak in the sun with this well sized 3 bed/2bath pool home on cul-de-sac in La Mesa? Living room w/fireplace & hardwood flrs. Kitchen has granite ctrs, SS appliances inc fridge. Dining area leads to well sized family room. Primary bed w/ ensuite bath. Ceiling fans in bedrooms. Central Heat & A/C. Dual Pane Windows. 2 car garage w/longer driveway & extra parking on side inc W/D. Updated
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this updated 2 bedroom, 1 bath La Mesa home. Inside, you’ll find a modern kitchen with upgraded appliances, beautiful hardwood floors, and bright, welcoming spaces. Step outside to your own private retreat with a fully fenced yard, mature fruit trees, and a spacious patio made for relaxing or entertaining. Laundry is conveniently located on the
Casa de Oro-Mount Helix is a mountainous suburban neighborhood inside San Diego County. A commercial district in the southern part of the neighborhood gives way to low-density single-family housing in the foothills. Mount Helix Park, nicknamed the Crown Jewel of East County, and its surrounding peaks are the site of luxurious ranch-style homes and large mansions with pools and tennis courts. The park also brings the community together with a variety of events hosted throughout the year. “You have everything you need here. You’re close to shopping, schools, good restaurants and local markets,” says Rita Kurkies, a local Realtor with Keller Williams. “It’s a strong community with beautiful views.”
Housing prices increase as buyers move towards the mountains and as the elevation rises the homes become more extravagant, ranging from $430,000 to $3,000,000. Square footage can be anywhere from 900 to upward of 6,000. Lot sizes vary from 3,000 square feet up to 2 acres. Most homes were built between the late 1940s and the early 2020s. There are about 8,400 total homes in the neighborhood and the average number of days on the market for Casa de Oro-Mount Helix is about half the national average.
Mount Helix Park, the neighborhood's namesake, is known for the 35-foot Christian Cross erected on its mountainside. The largest park in the neighborhood is Estrella County Park, a 7-acre green space with a native plant and tree garden, amphitheater and a playground made of natural materials. Eucalyptus County Park is filled with the sweet-smelling trees for which it's named and offers grills and pavilions where residents can host birthday parties or Sunday barbecues. The smallest park is a peaceful respite in the center of the business district called Lonny Brewer County Park which offers picnic tables under California Live Oaks within its 5 acres.
Along with hiking, biking and birdwatching, Mount Helix Park is also a popular event space thanks to its 1,600-seat amphitheater, which was erected in 1925 near the summit of the mountain. Residents can attend weekly lectures on sustainable living by various academics and naturalists, an Easter sunrise service, family stargazing nights held in conjunction with the San Diego Astronomy Association and various outdoor education programs for students. The Mount Helix Park Foundation also hosts a food and wine festival every year and a charity event called heART. Helix Yoga holds yoga classes in the park once a week. The Young Actor's Theater offers theater camps for children and college students and produces several productions a year.
Students in the neighborhood can attend Murdock Elementary School, which received an A-minus rating from Niche and serves about 570 students with a student-teacher ratio of 27-to-1. Hillsdale Middle School is another option that received a B-plus rating from Niche and serves about 1,400 students with a student-teacher ratio of 23-to-1. Grossmont High School received an A rating from Niche and serves about 2,300 students with a student-teacher ratio of 23-to-1. A recipient of the California Distinguished School award, Grossmont High has been recognized by the state board of education as having exemplary programs, an honor given to only a handful of California schools each year.
There are various dining options in the commercial district including a wealth of Mexican food, in keeping with the Spanish colonial history of the area. A notable standout is Rana's, a cocina serving authentic cuisine from the owner's birthplace in Mexico City. The De Oro Mine Co. is a pub that hosts karaoke and live music weekly. Locals can pick up their groceries from Albertsons.
The San Diego Trolley light rail leads to neighboring Santee, the University of San Diego, downtown San Diego and the border of Mexico. San Diego beaches are less than 20 miles away.
Property Mix - Square Feet
La Mesa Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
60,318
Median Age
40
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$80,362
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$101,643
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.8%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.2%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.9%
% Population in Labor Force
69.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
31/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®®
82/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®®
49/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
