Living in Chula Vista

Chula Vista is the ideal destination to live, work, and play, thanks to its beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes.

The city is aptly named for its scenic location between the two downtowns of San Diego and Tijuana in the South Bay.

If you're considering calling Chula Vista your new home, this article will explore the best of Chula and discuss everything you need to know about living here.

Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to buy a second home, or an investor seeking a vacation rental, Chula Vista has something for everyone. Contact us to schedule a home tour or visit our website for more information.

Key Takeaways

•          Convenient to downtown San Diego and the Mexico border
•          A plethora of shopping and dining options
•          Home to a variety of schools, including public, private, and charter schools
•          A diverse population
•          Low crime rate
•          A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts
•          High cost of living

Location

Only 10 miles from downtown San Diego, Chula Vista is situated in the southernmost region of San Diego County. San Diego to the north and east, National City to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west all border Chula Vista.

Proximity to Downtown and the Gaslamp District will make commuting to work or school super convenient as you're only a seven or eight-mile drive away. To add on, Chula Vista is a popular destination for people looking to cross the nearby Mexico border for a variety of activities including shopping and dining.

Shopping and Dining

Both locals and visitors will find a plethora of shopping and dining options in Chula Vista. The city boasts a variety of shops for everyone including national chains and local boutiques. With more than 120 retail outlets, including department stores, local and nationally-owned boutiques as well as specialty shops, the Otay Ranch Town Center will not disappoint.

In addition, there are many dining options available at the mall including a food court, sit-down restaurants, and fast-food eateries. For a more unique retail therapy, Third Avenue Village is a quaint downtown area with a range of independent stores and restaurants. The village also plays host to a Farmers Market on weekends.

Educational Opportunities

One of the main reasons Chula Vista real estate is attractive to families is the availability of numerous public, private, and charter schools. The Chula Vista Elementary School District and the Sweetwater Union High School District serve the city's public education needs.

The districts offer a range of programs to assist students to succeed and have a high emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. According to Niche.com, the performance of Chula Vista schools often receive an A-minus rating. And with an average grade of 8 out of 10, schools in Chula Vista are in the top 30% of all California public schools.

Demographics

Over 270,000 people live in Chula Vista, most of whom identify as Hispanic or Latino. Additionally, there are a sizable number of White, Asia, and African-American residents. With a median age of 32 and a median household income of $73,000, Chula Vista is the second-largest city in the county.

The major employers in the area include AT&T, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Walmart, and Apple. The average household income in Chula Vista is about $106,000, with over 80% of households comprising three or four people.

Crime

Whether you're an empty-nester or you have a family, crime is going to play a significant role in why and where you choose to live in Chula Vista. With a rating of C minus, the city’s crime rate is not favorable. Despite the low rating, the crime rate in Chula Vista is lower than in other cities in San Diego County.

Overall, the city's crime including its violent crime rate is lower than the national average. As the premier firm in real estate, our agents can help you navigate the San Diego market and help you identify a safe, secure neighborhood.

Plenty of Things to Do

Outdoor aficionados find Chula Vista attractive thanks to the perfect year-round weather. The pleasant climate attracts hikers, cyclists, and exercise enthusiasts from the bay to the beaches. With over 52 square miles of coastal landscape, trails, canyons, golf courses, parks, and marinas for boating and ocean tours, Chula Vista is a paradise for outdoor recreation.

Kayakers and boaters can enjoy water sports at the Chula Vista Marina and Yacht Club, while cyclists on the Bayshore Bikeway can take in the views of San Diego Bay. Otay Lakes is ideal for boating and a picnic, while East Lake is perfect for walking or cycling around the lake.

Cost of Living

Despite its reputation for having a high cost of living, San Diego is still regarded as a desirable city to live in. Housing costs make up the majority of San Diego’s cost of living index, which is nearly 30% more than the national average You can expect listings overlooking the San Diego Bay to cost anywhere in the several-million-dollar range.

This doesn't mean there are no affordable options that VIP Realty can help you find. That said, the current median sales price in Chula Vista is $785,000, going up 10% between 2021 and 2022. However, the comparatively high median pay in San Diego helps to balance off the city's high cost of living.

Final Thoughts

Chula Vista is renowned for being a great place to live, work, and play as well as for its beautiful beaches and picturesque views. Buyers looking for property in the area will find suburban neighborhoods as well as beachfront properties that cut across different needs and budgets. If you're ready to buy or sell a property, call 877-352-8657 to schedule an appointment or visit our website for more information.