Life in La Jolla, California

If there's anyplace in California that deserves to be called "The Jewel", it's the community of La Jolla. This gorgeous city located within San Diego County was established in the late 1800's as a popular beach resort and has now grown into a thriving community that is popular with visitors and residents alike. Glistening white beaches, gorgeous San Diego weather, natural terrain, and stunning views of the ocean make La Jolla one of the most sought-after communities to live.

La Jolla consists of many sub-communities including La Jolla Farms, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Heights, La Jolla Village, plus many more. Homes in these communities include beach cottages, various apartments and condominiums, gorgeous million-dollar homes along the beach, and very prestigious multi-million dollar estates. The homes perched high on the cliffs and on Mt. Soledad have the best views of the ocean and the beaches.

Sitting high on the bluffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean, La Jolla has captured the attention of those who enjoy the beach lifestyle. The area lends itself to small-town charm with its beach cottages and relaxed atmosphere. Many residents of La Jolla can walk or ride a bike to the beach. Those who live east of Interstate 5 are only a 5 minute drive away from the beach.

There are those residents who live the "beachy" lifestyle, while other more affluent residents of La Jolla live as if vacationing at a European resort. When you drive down the hills into the heart of downtown, you feel as if you've been transported to Greece or Italy. The ocean waves sparkling in the sun, the architecture of the homes, and the natural surroundings create an elegant, yet very relaxing aura. Celebrities who call La Jolla their home include actors Gregory Peck, Cliff Robertson, Autumn Reeser, and Raquel Welch. Also, many of the Forbes 400 Richest Americans live in La Jolla, including Irwin and Joan Jacobs, Margaret Anne Cargill, David C. Copley, and Audrey Geisel (the widow of Theodore Geisel/Dr. Seuss).

La Jolla attracts many tourists who enjoy activities such as shopping at local boutiques, playing golf at Torrey Pines, or simply laying out at the beach. There are also various parks where people can have a picnic, fly a kite, or just relax and enjoy the views. One of the main attractions is La Jolla Cove, a beach nestled into cliffs that is favored by surfers, divers and snorkelers. Many people come to check out Prospect Street, which has been dubbed as the "Rodeo Drive" of San Diego. High-end boutiques, fine dining, coffee shops, and art galleries line Prospect Street.

Downtown La Jolla isn't the only place that is very active. Many people also visit La Jolla Village, a business and commercial area just off freeway 805 where there are various business buildings, hotels, restaurants, the University Town Center Mall (UTC), shopping centers for groceries, and condominium developments. The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is also located in this area.

La Jolla lies between the beach communities of Pacific Beach and Solana Beach. Downtown San Diego is only a 20 minute drive south. It is also close other San Diego attractions including Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Old Town.