College Area
The College Area in San Diego offers single-family homes, student rentals, and year-round demand near SDSU. Ideal for buyers, sellers, and investors. Contact Velocity Realty to buy or sell in the College Area.
The College Area in San Diego offers single-family homes, student rentals, and year-round demand near SDSU. Ideal for buyers, sellers, and investors. Contact Velocity Realty to buy or sell in the College Area.
21,481 people live in College Area, where the median age is 27 and the average individual income is $28,535. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
College Area has 6,046 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in College Area do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 21,481 people call College Area home. The population density is 11,436.094 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
There's plenty to do around College Area, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Kazbah Tacos & Catering, Jessie Goose- Certified Personal Trainer, and Divinely Gia.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $ | 4.78 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.92 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.03 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.44 miles | 25 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.1 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.51 miles | 17 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.09 miles | 34 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.59 miles | 28 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.61 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.94 miles | 14 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.05 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.26 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Centered around San Diego State University (SDSU), the College Area — including College East and College West — is one of San Diego’s most active and evolving neighborhoods. Known for its mix of student energy, long-term homeowners, and income-generating properties, this area is ideal for first-time buyers, investors, and families looking for a centrally located community with access to major institutions, transit, and development.
Whether you're buying to live, rent, or flip, the College Area offers year-round demand and long-term upside.
College Area offers strategic central access and walkability.
Bordered by I-8, CA-94, and College Avenue
Minutes to Downtown San Diego, Mission Valley, and La Mesa
Serviced by SDSU Transit Center, MTS bus lines, and trolley access
Walkable to SDSU, restaurants, banks, cafes, and public amenities
15–20 minutes to Naval Base San Diego, Balboa Park, and the beach corridor
Living here means quick commutes, connected campuses, and built-in convenience.
The College Area offers a wide range of properties for both homeowners and investors.
Single-family homes, condos, and multifamily units
Strong market for ADUs, duplexes, and student rentals
Mid-century and ranch-style homes mixed with newer townhome and apartment developments
Average home prices range from mid-$600Ks (condos) to $900K+ (single-family)
High rental demand year-round due to SDSU
Properties with income potential, walkability, and room to upgrade
This is a prime area for house-hackers, portfolio builders, and long-term residents alike.
The College Area balances energy, diversity, and everyday convenience.
College West and East each offer unique sub-vibes — student-friendly to quiet residential
Community feel with block groups, garden clubs, and local business involvement
Shopping, dining, nightlife, and recreation all within walking or biking distance
Active lifestyle with parks, sports fields, and gym access
Cultural events, SDSU Aztec games, and music venues keep the area lively
It’s a true live-work-play neighborhood, with something for every stage of life.
Anchored by SDSU, Viejas Arena, and Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheater
Close to Trader Joe’s, Target, Vons, and a variety of retail options
Dining ranges from local taquerias to upscale cafes
Minutes to Rolando Park, Alvarado Hospital, and SDSU Library
Part of the San Diego Unified School District
Nearby schools include Hardy Elementary, Horace Mann Middle, and Helix High School (La Mesa)
Within walking or biking distance to SDSU
Easy access to City College, Mesa College, and other higher ed institutions
The area is centered around education—making it ideal for students, faculty, and families prioritizing learning access.
Year-Round Rental Demand
Investors benefit from steady SDSU-driven occupancy.
Central Location
Easy access to downtown, freeways, and major job centers.
Variety of Housing Options
Single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and condos.
Cultural and Campus Energy
A youthful, active environment with events and amenities.
Opportunity for Equity Growth
Infill development and transit access drive long-term appreciation.
The College Area is one of San Diego’s most consistently in-demand neighborhoods for buyers and investors. Whether you're house-hacking, upgrading, or preparing to list, Velocity Realty will help you maximize value in this dynamic market.
Contact us now to explore College Area listings or start your personalized selling strategy.
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.
