$938,858Average Value$624Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
As San Diego State University grows, so does College East
As the name suggests, College East borders the east side of San Diego State University's campus. The university's culture dominates College East, evident in the neighborhood's recent development trends. "The college has said that it wants to add 15,000 students by 2030, so it has become the most popular place for investment," says Daniel Sipher with JLM Real Estate, who's been selling in San Diego since 2018. "Developers are buying up a bunch of the single-family homes and turning them into multifamily units and apartment buildings for students." So, while College West — the neighborhood's cross-campus counterpart — remains a residential haven for professors, College East has progressively gotten more student-centric. Even with this outlook, much of College East is still a residential community of single-family homes.
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.
College East is growing upward and outward with a rise in ADU additions throughout the neighborhood.
College East features charming ranch-style homes with spacious yards and timeless appeal.
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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.
Lewis Middle School in San Diego's Allied Gardens neighborhood fosters academic excellence for grades 6-8.
Patrick Henry High School stands as a cornerstone of education and community engagement in San Diego.
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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.
"Start your morning right at The Daily Grind Café, a College East staple for coffee and comfort.
Ralphs in College East offers fresh produce and everyday essentials for the community.
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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.
Montezuma Park brings open space and fresh air to the vibrant College East neighborhood.
Cowles Mountain combines a challenging hike with stunning views of San Diego’s vast beauty.
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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.
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
Are you familiar with the College East neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
College East Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in College East, San Diego sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in College East, San Diego over the last 12 months is $760,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great investment opportunity in the College area, near San Diego State University, come and see this great home/property per the city zoning department is OZM3-7. Home buyers, developers, investors the property has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2,455 sq ft. and 7,420 Sq. Ft. Lot, Come and see this property with great possibilities to upgrade.
Carolina Juarez
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Rare opportunity near SDSU! Ideally located within walking distance to the university and trolley station, this licensed, move-in–ready multi-level property is perfectly suited for investment or specialized housing use. Home was generating over $300k in annual revenue. Originally configured as 8 beds / 5 baths per tax records, the home currently offers 11 bedrooms and 6bathrooms, including three
4 Bed | 2 Bath | Huge Lot | ADU & SB-9 Ready | Turnkey College Area Investment An exciting mid-century single-story gem in San Diego’s thriving College Area, just minutes from SDSU and walkable to shops, restaurants, and public transit. This 4 bed, 2 bath home sits on an expansive lot with ADU drawings posted in the MLS to save you time and money - contact listing agent for them. A great
Welcome to Atlas Alvarado-a modern retreat in the heart of the San Diego College Area, where luxury meets balance. We know you have ambitious goals but also value a fulfilling work-life lifestyle, so we've designed a home that blends elegance with tranquility. With high-end finishes, and thoughtfully designed spaces, our studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments provide the perfect
Inviting Single-Level Home in the College Area. Step inside to discover a light-filled interior with original hardwood floors and thoughtful upgrades throughout. The spacious main living area offers an easy flow—perfect for comfortable everyday living as well as relaxed entertaining. The kitchen has a bit of the original charm with some added modern upgrades. Each bedroom is well-sized, and the
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