University City at a glance
- Planning area: about 8,700 acres under the University Community Plan, updated in July 2024 (the earlier plan dated from 1987). UC San Diego and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve sit inside the planning area but outside City jurisdiction. Council Districts 1 and 6.
- ZIP code: 92122. See the 92122 ZIP data page.
- Typical home value: $964,541 in September 2026 (Zillow neighborhood index), up 73.9% in 10 years.
- Median sale price: $1,019,700 across 79 sales in the three months to September 2026, up 4.8% (Redfin, ZIP 92122).
- ZIP 92122 Census figures: population 45,411, median household income $105,177, 34.4% of occupied homes owner-occupied, median rent $2,731 (ACS 2020-2024).
Is University City a good area to live?
Whether it fits depends on what you need, so here are the facts. University City is the lowest-priced of the six San Diego neighborhoods California Housing Prices covers by Zillow's measure, and it is the only one with trolley stations. It is also mostly rented: only 34.4% of homes in ZIP 92122 are owner-occupied, the result of UC San Diego, large apartment complexes and a big condo stock. The southern part of the planning area is where most of the single-family houses are.
Prices have softened since 2024, and condo supply has risen to 4.7 months. For crime, use official data with the method explained; the guide to official California crime data lists the sources.
What University City is known for
University City is known as San Diego's university and research district. UC San Diego, which reported 45,087 students in fall 2026, lies inside the planning area, and the City's plan clusters employment centers in the north and east. Westfield UTC, the regional shopping center, anchors the north side.
The area has two distinct parts. The 1987 plan put most homes in the south, with parks, golf courses and open space in the north and central areas, shops along the main corridors and job centers to the north and east. That is why the north side, around UTC and the trolley, is dominated by apartments, condos and offices. The City's 2024 plan update and a Governor Drive Complete Street Mobility Study look at how streets and transit tie the two parts together.
University City homes and prices
Redfin medians for ZIP 92122, three months to September 2026:
| Home type | Median sale price | Change in a year | Sales | Median days to contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family | $1,674,578 | +0.2% | 33 | 13 |
| Townhouse | $887,001 | -6.6% | 9 | 39 |
| Condo | $612,482 | -9.3% | 37 | 27 |
Single-family homes in University City
Houses are scarce and sell fastest: a median 13 days to contract, 2.0 months of supply and $874 per square foot. Many are original houses several decades old, so check the electrical panel, sewer lateral and any unpermitted additions.
University City condos
Condos are the largest segment, with 37 of the 79 sales, and the median fell 9.3% to $612,482. Supply of 4.7 months is balanced, so buyers can negotiate on price, repairs or closing costs. Ask what share of units are rented, since a high rental share can affect financing.
University City townhouses
Nine townhouse sales at a median $887,001 sit between condos and houses. With so few sales, compare recent prices inside the same complex rather than the ZIP median.
Living in University City
Shops and dining in University City
Westfield UTC holds the main concentration of stores and restaurants. Smaller neighborhood centers serve the residential south side.
Parks and canyons in University City
Rose Canyon and San Clemente Canyon open space parks cross the area. The City also lists Doyle Community Park, Marcy Park, Standley Park and University Gardens Park, with recreation centers at Doyle (8175 Regents Road), Standley (3585 Governor Drive) and Nobel (8810 Judicial Drive). Libraries are at 4155 Governor Drive and 8820 Judicial Drive.
Schools lookup for University City addresses
Public schools are run by San Diego Unified. University City High, Standley Middle and Curie, Doyle and Spreckels elementary schools are located in the community. Assignments go by address, so use the San Diego Unified School Finder and compare results on the California School Dashboard.
Getting around University City
The Mid-Coast extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line opened on November 21, 2021, adding 11 miles of light rail from Downtown to University City, with stations including Nobel Drive, VA Medical Center and UC San Diego Central Campus (SANDAG).
Costs of owning in University City
HOA dues for University City condos
Most condos and townhouses here have HOA dues, which tend to run higher in buildings with elevators, pools and staff. Get the budget, reserve study, insurance certificate and the last year of board minutes; the California HOA law guide lists what the seller must hand over.
Property tax in University City
Prop 13 sets the base at 1% of the price, plus local bonds. On the 92122 condo median of $612,482, that base is about $6,125 a year; on the detached median of $1,674,578, about $16,746. See the San Diego County property tax guide for a full bill, and check the tax bill for any special assessment.
Canyon-edge fire checks
Homes backing onto Rose Canyon or San Clemente Canyon can sit inside a fire hazard severity zone on the City's 2025 map. Look up the address on the City's fire zone map and price insurance before you remove contingencies.
Pros and cons of University City
Pro: Trolley stations in the neighborhood
The Blue Line runs to Downtown and Old Town without a car.
Pro: A lower entry price than nearby coastal areas
Condos with a median of $612,482 cost about half as much as La Jolla's condo median of $1,217,464 next door (Redfin, three months to September 2026).
Pro: Jobs, UTC and the university next door
UC San Diego, the research employers and Westfield UTC are within the planning area.
Con: Values below the 2024 peak
Zillow's index is 6.6% under its July 2024 high, so recent buyers may have little equity.
Con: Few houses for sale
Only 33 houses sold in three months, so detached buyers face competition and fast decisions.
Con: A rental-heavy market
With two in three homes rented, expect more turnover and check condo rental caps and lender rules.
To compare buildings or the south-side streets, talk to our featured local agent for University City.