La Jolla Real Estate Market Intelligence
La Jolla is a prestigious coastal community in California, known for its dramatic cliffs and upscale atmosphere. The local housing market reflects its exclusive nature, with a median home value of $1,839,900. The average home size is reported at 1,300 square feet, and the homeownership rate stands at 61.8%, indicating a majority of residents own their homes. For the rental market, the median gross rent is $2,327 per month, with a renter-occupied rate of 38.2%.
Recent mortgage lending activity shows significant volume, with 5,148 total HMDA loan originations. The vast majority of these were conventional loans, totaling 5,031 originations. Other loan types were far less common, with 54 VA loan originations and 63 FHA loan originations recorded. The primary ZIP code for the area is 92037.
Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 9 neighborhoods in La Jolla.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,839,900 |
| Median Gross Rent | $2,327/mo |
| Median Household Income | $136,601 |
| Population | 47,000 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 58 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $1,150 |
| Average Home Size | 1,300 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 61.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.2% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 35.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 6.0% |
| Year-over-Year Change | +2.5% |
| Inventory Level | Low |
| Market Type | Balanced |
History
Name likely means 'the jewel' in Spanish.
Developed as resort 1890s.
UCSD established 1960.
Salk Institute completed 1965.
Life in La Jolla
La Jolla has an affluent, cultured character where academic excellence meets beach lifestyle. The community supports world-class research institutions while maintaining village charm.
Buyer Profile
Ultra-affluent beach seekers. UCSD faculty and researchers. Those wanting premium coastal. Retirees seeking prestige.
Market Trends
Median around $2.2-3.5 million. 50-70 days on market. Ultra-premium coastal.
Local Insider Tip
The Salk Institute, designed by Louis Kahn, frames the Pacific perfectly between its buildings, with free architectural tours revealing its genius.
Why People Move to La Jolla
La Jolla Cove: Pristine swimming.
UCSD Campus: Research university.
Salk Institute: Iconic architecture.
Village Shopping: Upscale boutiques.
Selected Real Estate Professionals (11)
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 11 agents serving La Jolla who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 11 Agents
- Gregg Galen Whitney (5 stars, 200+ reviews, listed)
- Andrew E Nelson (5 stars, 100+ reviews, listed)
- Amena Quaidzoher Dhilla (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Aodhan Monroe James (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Benjamin Ryan Crosby (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Amber Marie Anderson (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Behnam Ben Tashakorian (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Gregory James Von Herzen (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Barbara Bartolme Leinenweber (4.9 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Alison Sorley Atwood (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Alexa Rachel Devaney (4.8 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
Contact
Phone: (858) 204-6161
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.viewsandiegorealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Gregg%20Whitney
38+ years experience
620+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $334K to $17.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement as the owner of a prominent local firm, combined with over 38 years of specialized luxury market experience and a proven record of high-profile, repeat clientele.
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, Luxury Homes[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (858) 215-3739
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://nelsonbrothersrealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/NelsonBrothersTeam
21+ years experience
420+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $420K to $17.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his significant community leadership, including supporting Scripps Health and coaching La Jolla Youth Baseball. He combines this with a perfect 5-star rating across 112 reviews and recognition as a RISMedia Newsmaker.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
supporter at Scripps Health[6]
supporter at San Diego Hospice[6]
supporter at La Jolla Community Foundation[6]
member at La Jolla Country Club[6]
coach at La Jolla Youth Baseball[6]
Notable Achievements
Over $1.3 billion in total sales volume
$132 million in 2024 sales
RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker
U.S. Navy Flight Officer
Over $1.3B Team Sales Volume
$132M in 2024 Sales
$1.3B Career Sales Volume
USC Finance Degree
RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker 2020
BS in Finance and Business Economics with Real Estate concentration
5-star rating across 112 reviews
Bachelor of Science in Economics
San Diego Union-Tribune Recognition of Excellence Silver Individual Producer
USC Finance and Business Economics Degree
Marshall School of Business Program
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Investment Properties, Luxury Homes, luxury real estate, coastal properties, investment property, high-value transactions, coastal luxury real estate, waterfront properties, independent brokerage operations, waterfront homes[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 370-1344
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://realtornickrogers.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/nickrogersre
7+ years experience
90+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $329K to $1.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her perfect 5-star rating across 59 reviews and her recognized market expertise featured in HousingWire and RealTrends.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
<UNKNOWN> at <UNKNOWN>[6]
Notable Achievements
5+ yearsof Service
Real Estate Professional Since 2018
59 Five-Star Reviews
5-Star Rating Achievement
5-Star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Military/Veterans, Luxury Homes, Buyers, Market Innovation, Client Service[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 929-6546
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://monroeherington.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/MonroeHerington
10+ years experience
150+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $460K to $6.9M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his active support of local business development programs and industry education initiatives. He maintains a perfect 5-star rating across 55 reviews and over $250 million in career sales.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
supporter at Local business development programs[6]
participant at Industry education initiatives[6]
Notable Achievements
Years of Experience
Perfect Client Rating
Client Review Rating
Client Satisfaction Rating
Perfect Client Review Rating
Perfect Review Rating
Career Sales Volume
Total Sales Volume Achievement
Career Sales Volume Achievement
Industry Experience
Verified Specialties
Appraisal, Investment Properties, New Construction, luxury homes, short-term rentals, coastal real estate, high-end transactions, 1031 exchanges, vacation rental assets, waterfront properties, vacation rental investments[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 250-9184
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://bencrosbysells.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/BenCrosbySells
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community involvement through volunteer work and local engagement. He maintains a perfect 5-star rating across 40 reviews and achieved a 2024 RealTrends award for $39.53M in team sales volume.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Volunteer at Community volunteer work[6]
Notable Achievements
RealTrends Verified Top Team by Volume
Over 100 Homes Sold
Perfect 5-Star Rating
Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) Designation
Verified Specialties
Relocation, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Military/Veterans, Luxury Homes, Buyer representation, Home selling, Market analysis, First-time buyers, seller representation, first-time homebuyers[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 840-3400
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.amberanderson.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AmberAndersonSD
24+ years experience
260+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $278K to $11.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community influence as one of the region's 500 Most Influential People. She combines this with a perfect 5-star rating across 35 reviews and over two decades as the #1 agent in her luxury market.
Notable Achievements
San Diego's 500 Most Influential People
#1 Agent in La Jolla
Verified Specialties
Luxury Real Estate, Video Marketing, Property Management, residential sales, buyer representation, high-end properties, premium market segment[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 481-4600
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://thetashteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/theashteam
24+ years experience
180+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $890K to $3.6M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her extensive community involvement and leadership roles. She combines over 20 years of experience with a strong work ethic and specialized knowledge in interior design to deliver superior client service.
Verified Specialties
Luxury Property Specialist, Residential Sales[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 884-2697
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.vhproperties.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/vhproperties
Why selected: Selected for his deep community roots, including board positions and local engagement. He combines a 2009 broker's license with extensive professional designations and a strong performance history since 2005.
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Investment Properties, Luxury Homes[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 981-0002
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.barbarasellslajolla.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/BarbaraLeinenweber
17+ years experience
40+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $1.3M to $9.6M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her sustained top-tier performance, ranking in the top 3% of Coldwell Banker agents nationwide for eight consecutive years, and her exceptional 4.9-star client rating.
Notable Achievements
Top 3% Coldwell Banker REALTORS® Nationwide
2014 International Sterling Society Award
Diamond Society Award
Global Luxury Real Estate Professional
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Luxury Homes, Senior Communities, luxury real estate, sellers, buyers, negotiation, market analysis[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 200-0801
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.alisonsorleyatwood.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Alison%20Sorley%20Atwood
20+ years experience
200+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $425K to $5.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her 24-year career and 21 five-star reviews, Alison Sorley Atwood is distinguished by her Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) and Short Sale (SFR) credentials for handling complex transactions.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Board President at Connections For Adults Living Independently Inc[6]
Board President at Southern Regional Resource Center[6]
Notable Achievements
Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)
Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR)
21 Five-Star Reviews
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, Investment Properties, Luxury Homes, luxury properties, negotiation, short sales, foreclosures[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (619) 519-0683
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://sandiego.ogroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/alexadevaney
10+ years experience
110+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $550K to $3.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for dedicated community service and professional excellence, demonstrated through performance, including 21 client reviews averaging 4.5+ stars over 9 years. Her certification is based on quantifiable results and a decade of dedicated market expertise.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Committee Member at San Diego Association of Realtors[6]
Volunteer at Local Homelessness or Housing Charity[6]
Member at San Diego Chamber of Commerce[6]
Mentor at Real Estate Industry Group[6]
Notable Achievements
9 Years Real Estate Experience
4.5-star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation[4]
Cities Served
La Jolla, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).