College East
Condo units, single-family streets and multi-family investments
Despite many homes being converted for multifamily use, the neighborhood's streetscape hasn't significantly changed. Ranch-style homes with grassy lawns line the streets north and south of El Cajon Boulevard and Montezuma Road — the neighborhood's main thoroughfares. Many were built between the 1950s and 1980s, ranging from $750,000 up to $1 million for those with modern interior and exterior renovations. More of these homes are being rezoned for multifamily use because of the rental opportunity. "From an investment perspective, this is the best place for rental income in San Diego because of all the students and faculty looking here," says Sipher. These ranch-style turned roommate-friendly homes can cost $1 million to nearly $2 million. Condos and townhouses range from $350,000 to $750,000.
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San Diego State University and an A-rated public school district
The neighborhood borders the east side of San Diego State University. The campus is compact by major university standards but serves almost 40,000 students. The school has also gained notoriety for its basketball prowess as a mainstay in the NCAA March Madness tournament. So, big crowds can be expected around game times. SDSU employs almost 7,000 faculty and staff, making it the area's largest employer.Naturally, education is a priority for many residents. The neighborhood is served by the San Diego Unified School District, which is rated an A by Niche. Most kids begin at Hardy Elementary, located next to SDSU and rated an A-minus. Depending on their address, students might continue at Lewis Middle, given an A-minus, and A-rated Patrick Henry High to the north. The other pipeline could be B-minus-rated Mann Middle and B-rated Crawford High to the south.
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Eateries on EL Cajon Boulevard
The area has plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to cater to the residents and the local student body. Along El Cajon Boulevard, one of the neighborhood's central thoroughfares, there are casual Mexican eateries, juice shops like Yummy Yummy, cafes like the Daily Grind and college dives like Dirty Birds. There's also a Ralphs for essentials and as well as other markets. On the neighborhood's west side, bordering campus, there's a Trader Joe's and more spots to grab a bite on College Avenue.
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City parks, community gardens and nearby hiking and paddling at Lake Murray
Besides natural canyons between residential streets, there isn't much open space in the neighborhood. Montezuma Park, on the south side, has a spacious lawn with a walking path and shady trees. Local plant enthusiasts can tend to a plot in the College Area Community Garden on the west side, near campus. This organic garden has ample bed space and communal supplies for master and novice gardeners. They also host educational events and expos for gardeners in the community. Lake Murray provides abundant outdoor recreation just 2 miles north of many homes. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and paddling, and it's surrounded by natural space, walking trails and a community park. Cowles Mountain is on the north side of Lake Murray. Cowles Mountain is the highest point in San Diego, and trailheads begin less than 4 miles north of the neighborhood.
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Take Interstate 8 or the light rail to downtown San Diego
Of course, SDSU is a dominant employer in the area, along with its associated entities like the East Campus Medical Center on the neighborhood's north side. Healthcare professionals might also work at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, the area's largest hospital, 3 miles east. Aside from working at these nearby institutions, many residents commute to downtown San Diego. With Interstate 8 along the neighborhood's north side, downtown's military and biotech industries are just 10 miles west. Downtown commuters can also take the light rail train from stations at the medical center on the north side and on SDSU's campus. The 8 and the light rail also lead to San Diego International Airport, just over 12 miles west on the north end of downtown.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Cammell
Video By
Anne Sheridan
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Andrea Flint-Gogek
Andrea Flint-Gogek
Tranquility Real Estate Services
(619) 613-2567
142 Total Sales
2 in College East
$368K - $495K Price Range
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Joe Carta
Joe Carta
Joe Carta Realty
(858) 757-8271
81 Total Sales
2 in College East
$740K - $795K Price Range
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Jim Stengel
Jim Stengel
Palisade Realty Inc
(619) 489-6378
17 Total Sales
1 in College East
$365,000 Price
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Bernetta 'Star' Bourgoyne
Bernetta 'Star' Bourgoyne
Bourgoyne Realty
(951) 433-7895
24 Total Sales
1 in College East
$655,000 Price
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Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas
California Lending & Realty
(858) 302-4363
73 Total Sales
1 in College East
$480,000 Price
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Jeff Davidson
Jeff Davidson
The Agency
(619) 604-4977
71 Total Sales
1 in College East
$948,000 Price
Schools
Source:
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Parks in this Area
Montezuma Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Playground
College Area Community Garden
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
18 min drive
Subway
Alvarado Medical Center
Bus
Montezuma Rd & 63rd St
Bus
70th St & El Cajon Bl
Bus
Montezuma Rd & Catoctin Dr
Bus
El Cajon Bl & 73rd St
Bus
El Cajon Bl & 67th St
Bus
Montezuma Rd & Reservoir Dr
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | College East | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 4 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 5 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 6 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
College East Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in College East, San Diego sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in College East, San Diego over the last 12 months is $610,000, up 63% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$625,000
Median Sale Price
$610,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$610,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$542,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
32
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
63%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$345
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,838
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1954
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,497
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,647
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,134
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
583
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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$2,624 - $4,634 per month
- Atlas Alvarado
- Studio-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 529+ Sq Ft
- 6535 Alvarado Rd
- San Diego, CA
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Condo Buildings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
12,244
Median Age
28
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$43,734
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,951
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.9%
College Graduates
44%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15%
% Population in Labor Force
52.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
49
/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
81
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
49
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Rolando
Historic, charming community with a walkable shopping plaza close to SDSU
El Cerrito
Eclectic, culturally diverse neighborhood in Mid-City close to SDSU
Del Cerro
A desirable hillside community with excellent schools and outdoor amenities
Colina Del Sol
Diverse community near Interstate 15, centered around Colina del Sol Park
Talmadge
Multi-cultural neighborhood near SDSU and a vast nature preserve
Allied Gardens
Centrally located to La Jolla Shores, Mission Trails and Downtown San Diego
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