San Diego Photo

College East, San Diego,CA

Neighborhood Data
Proximitii Score score
? /100
Amenities Score Amenities Score Locked
Transit Score Transit & Commute Score Locked
Schools Score Schools Score Locked
Health & Safety Score Health & Safety Score Locked
City Crime Score Crime (City) Score Locked
Location Crime Score Crime (Location) Score Locked
Economy Score Economy Score Locked
Housing Score Housing Score Locked

College East in San Diego is a charming neighborhood that perfectly blends a lively college-town vibe with a welcoming residential feel. Known for its close proximity to San Diego State University, this area buzzes with youthful energy, making it a great choice for students, young professionals, and families alike. The neighborhood offers a variety of eateries, coffee shops, and bookstores that cater to the diverse tastes of its residents. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at a local taco joint or enjoying a casual coffee at a cozy café, there’s always something to explore around every corner in College East.

One of the standout features of College East is its accessibility and convenience. Just a short 7-mile drive northwest of Downtown San Diego, residents benefit from relatively easy access to the city’s vibrant urban core without the hustle and bustle of living right in the center. The neighborhood also boasts several parks and recreational spots, such as the lively Alvarado Park, where community events and outdoor activities are common. For those who enjoy cultural experiences, the nearby San Diego State University campus hosts a variety of performances, lectures, and sporting events that add a dynamic cultural flavor to the neighborhood.

Living in College East means you’re never far from the essentials or entertainment. The area has several grocery stores, local boutiques, and fitness centers, making everyday errands a breeze. Public transportation options are readily available, offering easy routes to downtown and other parts of San Diego, which is especially convenient for commuters. With its friendly atmosphere, vibrant community, and convenient location, College East is an inviting neighborhood that offers a great balance of city access and neighborhood charm—ideal for anyone looking to settle in a spot that’s full of life and opportunity.

College East Demographics

Population 12,713
Density (People/sqml.) 10,201
Median Age 29.5
Married Couples
29%
29% of the population of College East aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
16%
16% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

About 29% of the College East population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 16% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Age Breakdown

College East neighborhood age breakdown chart

Exploring College East demographics can reveal a lot about its character, pace, and overall lifestyle. College East has a population of 12,713, which is larger than many other San Diego neighborhoods, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere. Its size brings an abundance of amenities, entertainment options, and community activities, while still offering spaces to unwind and enjoy the neighborhood’s unique character.

Boasting a population density of 10,201, College East is more densely populated than many other San Diego neighborhoods, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The higher concentration of residents contributes to a lively street scene, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and urban amenities just steps from home.

With a lower-than-average age of 29, you're likely to find a noticeably youthful energy and vibrant atmosphere. This younger population brings a dynamic mix of activity, innovation, and community involvement, shaping a neighborhood that feels lively, forward-thinking, and full of opportunity — making it an especially appealing choice for younger adults looking for an active and engaging community.

Crime in College East

Crime Safety Index Score Locked 1 2 3 4 5

 

Total Crime Incidents
Try for free within 1 mile
Score Locked per 100k people

Types of Crime

College East neighborhood crime breakdown chart

College East Crime Map

The College East crime map provides an in-depth look at crime rates throughout the community, using block group data to reveal both safer pockets and places with more frequent incidents. By visualizing these patterns, the crime map helps residents and newcomers alike better understand the dynamics of neighborhood safety. It’s worth noting that higher-crime areas on the map aren’t always indicative of danger — spots near busy commercial centers, transportation hubs, or popular attractions may naturally show more reports due to increased activity.

Housing

? /10
Home Price $655,380
Median Rent $1,837
People/Household 2.8

Home Price Breakdown

College East neighborhood home price breakdown chart

Rent vs Own

Rent 67% Own 33%

Year Moved In

Before 2010 49% After 2010 51%

Types of Homes in the Area

Market Trends

Year-over-Year Home Prices YoY data

 

Housing costs often reflect the desirability and overall character of a neighborhood. In College East, home prices come in around $655,380, which is higher than many other areas. This elevated pricing points to a sought-after location with strong demand, well-maintained properties, and access to premium amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. Historical home price trends and appreciation rates in College East can serve as a window into the neighborhood’s economic strength and future potential. By understanding how the market has performed in the past, buyers and investors can better evaluate whether the area offers promising opportunities for growth and long-term value.

With an average rent price of $1,837, rental rates in College East are higher than many other neighborhoods. This reflects the area’s desirability and strong demand, often accompanied by well-maintained properties, premium amenities, and a high quality of life.

Walkability & Lifestyle

Coffee Shops

Starbucks
Coffee Shop
min.
min.
Big City Bagels
Coffee Shop
min.
min.

Entertainment

SDSU Open Air Theater
Theatre Arts
min.
min.
Museum
Museum
min.
min.

Food & Drink

Great Wall Express
Bar
min.
min.
Java Joes
Bar
min.
min.

Groceries

Ralphs
Grocery Store
min.
min.
Aztec Market & Convenience Store
Grocery Store
min.
min.

Parks

Playground
Playground
min.
min.
Language Academy Joint Use Field
Park
min.
min.

Shops

7-Eleven
Convenience Store
min.
min.
Looks Better on Me
Clothing
min.
min.

Getting Around

Transit Stops

Bus Stop
Bus Stop
min.
min.
Bus Stop
Bus Stop
min.
min.

Transit Stations

Alvarado Station
Transit Station
min.
min.
SDSU Transit Center
Transit Station
min.
min.

Health & Safety

Medical Facilities

Alvarado Hospital
Hospital
min.
min.
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
min.
min.

Health Care

SDSU Sports Medicine
Doctor
min.
min.
Dentist
Dentist
min.
min.

Safety

San Diego City Fire Station 10
Fire Station
min.
min.
S.D.S.U. Police Department
Police
min.
min.

Top Rated Schools

Name Category Grades Rating
Christian Elementary School - West Campus
211 S 3Rd St, El Cajon, CA
Elementary School KG - 6 School Score
Diego Hills Central Public Charter
4260 54Th St., San Diego, CA
High School KG - 12 School Score
Thrive Public
4260 54Th St., San Diego, CA
High School KG - 12 School Score
Helix High
7323 Univ Ave., La Mesa, CA
High School 9 - 12 School Score
Harriet Tubman Village Charter
6880 Mohawk St., San Diego, CA
Elementary School KG - 8 School Score
City Heights Preparatory Charter
3770 Altadena Ave., San Diego, CA
High School 6 - 12 School Score
Helix High
7323 Univ Ave., La Mesa, CA
High School 9 - 12 School Score

Education Level Achieved

School ratings in College East combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in College East can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.