Much like other parts of Southern California, San Diego’s coastal neighborhood of La Jolla continues to see an increase in activity during the pandemic, as affluent buyers buoyed by record-low interest rates compete for the shrinking inventory available.
To get a sense of La Jolla’s housing market, I took a look at five properties currently for sale at various price points. From a Mediterranean mansion in Muirlands to a well-kept starter home in La Jolla Summit, here’s a look at the highs and lows of La Jolla’s real estate market.
1330 Inspiration Dr.
Located on the western slopes of Mt. Soledad, the Muirlands area of La Jolla gets its name from John Muir, the early explorer and conservationist who helped shepherd the idea of a national parks system. Today, the community is home to some of the most expensive properties in the region. Homes range from large ranch estates to newer construction, with prices ranging from the low millions to upwards of $20 million.
This trophy estate on a one-acre lot is anchored by a recently renovated Mediterranean home of more than 12,000 square feet. Elsewhere are two attached garages, a swimming pool and a freestanding bonus structure.
Price: $16.995 million
Neighborhood: Muirlands
Size: 5 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms
Year built: 1990
Features: A gated courtyard and outdoor fireplace mark the entrance to the two-story home. Beyond arched front doors is a marble-clad foyer that opens directly into the living room. An adjacent formal dining room is embellished with gold-leaf trim and decorative wallpaper. Designed for entertaining, a wet bar with a custom aquarium sits off the great room. The second-story main suite, accessed via multiple staircases or by elevator, has an ocean view.
5270 Chelsea St.
Located on the south side of La Jolla, the Bird Rock neighborhood is a charming seaside community known for its boutique shops, casual dining spots and some of the best ocean views. According to local lore, the neighborhood gets its name from an offshore rock thought to resemble a bird.
Set on a private and gated lot overlooking the ocean, this Spanish hacienda-inspired house has been owned and lovingly maintained by the same family for more than half a century.
Price: $7.7 million
Neighborhood: Bird Rock
Size: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Year built: 1963
Features: Character details abound — the house features Saltillo tilework, hand-carved doors from Mexico and a dining room topped with barrel-rolled ceilings. Large bay windows in the sunroom frame sweeping ocean views. In the backyard, there’s a patch of lawn and a swimming pool. An enclosed patio with a firepit sits off the front.
1405 Al Bahr Dr.
Located near the downtown business district of La Jolla, the Village neighborhood is a vibrant beach hub filled with boutique shops and restaurants. Access to picturesque La Jolla Cove, the small deepwater bay known for its swimming and snorkeling, is another draw to the area.
A modern interpretation of the farmhouse style, this two-story home sits on a corner lot features a classic white-walled aesthetic and an open-concept floor plan that brings indoor and outdoor spaces together.
Price: $4.475 million
Neighborhood: Village of La Jolla/Country Club
Size: 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms
Year built: 2018
Features: Pocketing walls of glass seamlessly connect the chef’s kitchen and family room to a landscaped backyard comprising a flagstone patio, outdoor fireplace and lawn. A total of five bedrooms include a primary suite on each floor. Wide-plank wood floors and custom millwork and moldings run throughout the floor plan.
1381 Rodeo Dr.
Exposed brickwork, overhanging eaves and lap siding lend to the classic curb appeal of this Muirlands residence. A classic three-bedroom, three-bathroom offering, the single-story home has been updated to turnkey condition.
Price: $2.195 million
Neighborhood: Muirlands
Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Year built: 1958
Features: From the entry are living and family rooms, the former of which holds a fireplace. French doors in the common areas and two bedrooms open to patio space in the backyard. In the main suite, the bedroom has been updated with dual closets and sinks as well as a soaking tub.
7150 Caminito Cruzada
The resort neighborhood of La Jolla Summit sits in the foothills above the La Jolla Country Club area. The area is known for its multimillion-dollar estate homes and lush landscaping. Views of the ocean and golf course are in full supply, while community amenities include two pools, lighted tennis courts and a clubhouse.
An open, light-filled floor plan highlights this single-story home. Wrap-around decking and a cozy atrium create additional living space outdoors.
Price: $1.85 million
Neighborhood: La Jolla Summit
Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Year built: 1958
Features: A massive skylight at the heart of the home brings natural light into the upgraded, two-island kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen area is a vaulted-ceiling living room and a breakfast nook. The main suite, which has an updated bathroom, takes in an ocean view. A whole-house water filtration system and automatic blinds are among other details of note.
