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Morena

Morena

Suburban Neighborhood in San Diego, California

San Diego County 92110, 92111

$929,050 Average Value
$642 Average Price per Sq Ft
12 Homes For Sale

San Diego's sleepier university neighborhood

Most San Diego residents know Morena as that neighborhood around the University of San Diego. However, this isn't the stereotypical college town with all-night parties and beer cans in the street. "USD has a very academic environment. The partying is a few miles east at San Diego State," says Realtor Seth Robinson with Red Tree Realty, who lives in the community. "The campus is actually one of the more beautiful spots in San Diego." Residents enjoy walking among its Spanish-style buildings, palm-lined pathways and world-class gardens. The college may not be rowdy, but it has invited plenty of coffee shops and bars to the commercial streets in the neighborhood's southwest corner. These are a short walk or drive from the blocks of condos to the east and winding streets of single-family homes to the north.

A view from above Morena highlights its close proximity to the scenic Mission Bay.
A view from above Morena highlights its close proximity to the scenic Mission Bay.
Garden of the Sea at USD offers a reflecting pool, sculptures, and 
views of Mission Bay.
Garden of the Sea at USD offers a reflecting pool, sculptures, and views of Mission Bay.
Smaller single-family homes in Morena offer cozy living with easy access to local amenities.
Smaller single-family homes in Morena offer cozy living with easy access to local amenities.
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Condos near campus or single-family homes in Overlook Heights

The central part of the neighborhood is anchored by Linda Vista Road, with the campus to the north and residential blocks to the south. Condos make up most of the housing stock, ranging from $500,000 to $700,000. They often share the streets with apartment buildings, which might be rented to students. Friars Village townhouse community covers the neighborhood's east side. Residents enjoy a clubhouse, community pool and garage spaces underneath their homes. These can range from $700,000 to $900,000. Mediterranean-inspired townhouses in nearby Park Place Estates fall in the same price range. The community west of campus is called Overlook Heights. It offers a much more suburban vibe, with single-family homes on grassy lawns. "Overlook feels so different than the city area right next to it," says Robinson. "It's one of the few communities where people still hang out on their front porch and say hi to each other." As the name suggests, homes on its elevated streets have views of Mission Bay. The 1970s ranch-style and Spanish-inspired homes here range from $1.5 million to $3 million.

Overlook Heights single-family homes in Morena offer a suburban vibe and hilltop views.
Overlook Heights single-family homes in Morena offer a suburban vibe and hilltop views.
Townhouse communities like Friars Village in Morena offer homes from $700k to $900k.
Townhouse communities like Friars Village in Morena offer homes from $700k to $900k.
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Different schools east and west of Linda Vista Road

The neighborhood is part of the San Diego Unified School District, which is rated an A overall by Niche. Students follow different pipelines on the east and west ends of Linda Vista Road. Kids to the east begin at B-minus-graded Carson Elementary and continue at Montgomery Middle, given a B. They finish at Kearny High, which earns an A. Kearny is formally known as Kearny High Education Complex, comprised of four autonomous high schools, including the Schools of Biomedical Science and Digital Media. Students west of Linda Vista start at A-rated Bay Park Elementary and move on to A-minus-graded Marston Middle. They finish at Clairemont High, which gets a B-plus for its innovative academies, such as the Academy of Business, which has its own building with a simulated trading floor.

Bay Park Elementary’s welcoming entrance near Morena offers a glimpse of school spirit.
Bay Park Elementary’s welcoming entrance near Morena offers a glimpse of school spirit.
Marston Middle School near Morena provides daily exploration and elective courses for students.
Marston Middle School near Morena provides daily exploration and elective courses for students.
STEM murals and words decorate the Clairemont High School office entrance near Morena.
STEM murals and words decorate the Clairemont High School office entrance near Morena.
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Scenic campus gardens and Tecolote Canyon hiking

The University of San Diego is considered one of the prettiest spaces in the city, and residents can walk to its gardens. Most notable is the Garden of the Sea, which sits outside the grand Spanish-style architecture of the Joan Kroc Institute. This ornate promenade of flowers, trees and hedgerows overlooks Mission Bay to the west. Tecolote Canyon Natural Park offers more vigorous recreation in the neighborhood's northwest corner. Along with Little League fields and playgrounds, the park has hiking trails leading through the trees of Tecolote Canyon, a natural area along the north side of Morena. Edward Tyler Cramer Park is a community recreation space on the east side with plenty of grassy lawn space and paved walking paths. Mission Bay is just west of the neighborhood. It offers recreation areas like Fiesta Island, a giant island on the bay covered with green space and surrounded by beaches.

Enjoy stunning views of Mission Bay from the Garden of the Sea at USD in Morena.
Enjoy stunning views of Mission Bay from the Garden of the Sea at USD in Morena.
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park near Morena is a favorite spot for family walks and outdoor fun.
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park near Morena is a favorite spot for family walks and outdoor fun.
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Locally owned cafes and restaurants on Morena Boulevard

Commercial activity is focused in the neighborhood's southwest corner around Morena Boulevard. The neighborhood has a variety of dining, from locally owned Sardina's Italian, open since the 1970s, to bars and restaurants that cater to students and those looking for a night out. Residents and students fuel up at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters. The Cordova Bar is a dimly lit cocktail joint for date nights or dancing to live music. Across the street, Sidecar Bar is a lively drinking establishment with a long list of beers on tap, arcade games and an outdoor food shed serving tacos and elevated bar fare. Surfers head to Bird's Surf Shed, one street over on West Morena Boulevard, to pick out a new board from one of many hung on the walls and ceilings. The east end of Linda Vista Road has a strip of chain restaurants, but some are San Diego favorites, like White Rice, which serves authentic Filipino street food. There's a Ralphs and Target 2 miles south for necessities.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Morena offers freshly brewed coffee to energize your day.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Morena offers freshly brewed coffee to energize your day.
Target, located in Midway, is just a short distance from Morena for all your shopping needs.
Target, located in Midway, is just a short distance from Morena for all your shopping needs.
Buta Japanese Ramen in Morena offers authentic, flavorful ramen in a cozy setting.
Buta Japanese Ramen in Morena offers authentic, flavorful ramen in a cozy setting.
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Take Interstate 5 or the light rail downtown

Residents might work at the University of San Diego in the neighborhood, only a short walk or bus ride from most homes. Still, most drive downtown on Interstate 5, which runs along the neighborhood's west side. Downtown San Diego is 6 miles south and San Diego Naval Base is almost 10 miles in the same direction. Folks can also take the San Diego Green Line Trolley from Morena/Linda Vista to these destinations and San Diego International Airport, 5 miles south. North Island Naval Air Station is also about 10 miles south, across the bridge from downtown. Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center is another large employer, 8 miles northeast on Highway 163.

MTS transportation provides easy access to and from Morena, connecting the community.
MTS transportation provides easy access to and from Morena, connecting the community.
The MTS trolley in Morena offers convenient and efficient transit to Downtown San Diego.
The MTS trolley in Morena offers convenient and efficient transit to Downtown San Diego.
Morena offers easy access to the 5 Freeway, connecting you to San Diego and beyond.
Morena offers easy access to the 5 Freeway, connecting you to San Diego and beyond.
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Beach closures around Mission Bay

Mission Bay's beaches, along with several other San Diego beaches, have experienced occasional closures due to high bacteria levels from toxic waste leaks near the U.S.-Mexico border. Residents should stay updated on the bacteria levels to ensure it's safe to swim.

Ed Coombs
Written By
Ed Coombs
Stephen Cammell
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Cammell
Maurice McNeil
Video By
Maurice McNeil

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to KC Rentfro, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

9 min drive

Subway

Morena/Linda Vista

Bus

Morena Bl & Sherman St

Bus

Linda Vista Rd & Goshen St

Bus

Linda Vista Rd & Napa St

Bus

Linda Vista Rd & Mildred St

Bus

Morena Bl & Viola St

Bus

Morena Bl & Buenos Av

Bus

Linda Vista Rd & Brunner St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Morena US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$752,500
Median Single Family Price
$1,358,750
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$640,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$449,999
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$642
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Last 12 months Home Sales
64
Months of Supply
2.30
Median List Price
$744,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,339
Median Year Built
1974
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,622
Below the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,537
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,061
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
676
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
536
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to KC Rentfro, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
11,171
Median Age
29
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$75,827
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$86,892

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.8%
College Graduates
45.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.7%
% Population in Labor Force
48.5%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

40 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

72 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

53 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Morena
KC Rentfro
Swell Property
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