If you have ever been to the San Diego CA area for any length of time, you most likely noticed that it has many cool microcosms: La Mesa, Golden Hills, Banker’s Hill, Mission Beach, Del Mar, etc. Big city microcosms, like those in San Diego, Los Angeles and New York City, are some of the most interesting places on the planet. San Diego is home to a variety of these unique microcosms. This is one of the major factors why San Diego area real estate is still a great investment: microcosms and diversity. Also, with so many productive sunny days and being just minutes from the ocean, it really can’t be beat.
La Mesa – About The City:
La Mesa CA is different from all other San Diego suburbs, especially in one major way – it is its own city. There are quite a few satellite cities around San Diego, but they are all either 30-60 minutes away, or have very high crime rates. La Mesa has neither downside, which also helps its homes retain their value over the long term. Locals often have a lot of city pride. This small city pride feels different than community pride in a formal but positive way.
Though its name implies a flat, elevated topography, a large percentage of La Mesa homes are built on hillsides. Many houses have great views of the mountains, valleys, or even the ocean. There is certainly a small town feel, but it’s just a few minutes’ commute from downtown. There is a traditional Octoberfest in the central business district each fall. This is actually the largest Octoberfest west of the Mississippi, and draws people from all over San Diego county.
La Mesa Real Estate:
La Mesa real estate has many of the big city cultural perks, along with true small town charm. Homes for sale vary from small craftsman bungalows, larger tract homes, a range of condos, and sprawling ranch estates. There are plenty of choices for buyers of all types. Homes are listed anywhere from near $100,000 to over $1,000,000, and are well below the prices of 4 years ago. As anyone might imagine all these differences makes for an interesting real estate market.
As far as actual La Mesa home prices, there are currently 3 single family homes on the market listed under $200,000 (as of 10/24/2010). There are 2 other homes priced under $230,000, which could likely go for under $200,000 with the help of an aggressive Realtor. And these are not foreclosures! The surplus of foreclosed homes on the real estate market has driven down the price of traditional-sale homes. 3 years ago, the only residence in the area for under $200,000 was a condo. Things have really changed.
Just like the more popular boroughs of New York or trendier neighborhoods of Los Angeles, La Mesa only has so many square miles. Recently though, some of the less expensive homes in the area have really become a bargain. What was once out of reach to many is now more affordable. La Mesa CA homes for sale are worth a look for both real estate investors and for residential home buyers.
