Livability Score

74
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (9) A+
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Public Square Coffee House
Coffee Shop
Lightbulb Coffee
Coffee Shop
Jitter's
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
CAFÉ a gogo
Coffee Shop
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
The Hamlett
Coffee Shop
Cafe Royale
Coffee Shop
Gladly Coffee
Coffee Shop
Memo's Golden Bagel
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Grecian Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Prince Hookah Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Big City Bagels
Coffee Shop
Cream
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
BCB Coffee
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (3) F
La Mesa Memorial Fine Arts Center
Theatre Arts
Reading Cinema
Cinema
Little Darlings Showgirls
Nightclub
Mabel P. Bryan Amphitheatre
Theatre Arts
Mt. Helix Amphitheater
Theatre Arts
Unknown Name
Theatre Arts
Young Actors Theatre
Theatre Arts
Unknown Name
Museum
Unknown Name
Theatre Arts
SDSU Open Air Theater
Theatre Arts
Historical Archaeoloyg and Maya Research (HAMR) Lab
Museum
Stagehouse Theatre
Theatre Arts
Parkway Bowl
Bowling Alley
Amphitheater
Theatre Arts
Unknown Name
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (46) A+
El Pollo Loco
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Panda Express
Fast Food
Hoffer's Cigar Bar
Bar
Petes Place
Bar
The Regal
Bar
Trolley Stop Deli
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Pick Up Stix
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Johnny Bs
Bar
Chipotle
Fast Food
Domino's
Fast Food
Carl's Jr.
Fast Food
Chick-fil-A
Fast Food
The Habit Burger Grill
Fast Food
Norma Jeans
Bar
Vallarta Express
Fast Food
Filibertos
Fast Food
El Azteca Taco Shop
Fast Food
Hearth House
Bar
La Esquina Mexican Grill
Fast Food
Candy Me Up
Sweets
Jersey Mike's Subs
Fast Food
Jack in the Box
Fast Food
Fitness (6) A+
La Mesa Civic Center
Community Centre
Werk Fitness
Gym
Orangetheory Fitness
Gym
San Diego Yoga Center
Gym
Chuze Fitness
Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Gym
Planet Fitness
Gym
24 Hour Fitness Super Sport
Gym
SD Weight Loss
Gym
Aztec Recreation Center
Gym
Boxing
Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Gym
Groceries (9) A+
Vons
Grocery Store
Vine Ripe Market
Grocery Store
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Frasier Farms
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Ralphs Supermarket
Grocery Store
Vons
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Valley Farm Market
Grocery Store
Ralphs
Grocery Store
Food 4 Less
Grocery Store
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Albertsons Supermarket
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Windmill Farms
Grocery Store
Smart & Final
Grocery Store
Smart & Final
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Bagatelle French Bakery
Bakery
Vons 2352
Grocery Store
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Aztec Market & Convenience Store
Grocery Store
Albertsons
Grocery Store
Parks (27) A+
MacArthur Park
Park
MacArthur Park Recreation Center
Park
Porter Park
Park
Unknown Name
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Aztec Park
Park
Collier Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Highwood Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Jackson Park
Park
Sunset Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Briercrest Park
Park
Eucalyptus Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Sunshine Park
Park
Unknown Name
Park
La Mesita Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Dan Kunkel Park
Park
Northmont Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Park
Unknown Name
Park
Shops (33) A+
La Mesa Lumber & Hardware
Home Improvement
Mr. D's
Convenience Store
Blumenthal Jewelers
Fashion
Crow Salon
Hairdresser
La-Z-Boy
Furniture
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Dixieline Lumber and Home Centers
Home Improvement
Coconuts Hair Salon & Day Spa
Hairdresser
Food Mart
Convenience Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Dollar Tree
Discount Store
Performance Bicycle
Bicycle
Paradise Nails and Spa
Beauty
Kids Hair Salon
Hairdresser
Trek Bicycle Superstore
Bicycle
Macy's
Department Store
Ross
Department Store
Petco
Pets
Blo blow dry bar
Beauty
Target
Department Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Zales
Fashion
Walmart
Department Store
Barnes & Noble
Books
American Freight
Department Store
See more La Mesa amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 2.9% take public transportation in La Mesa.
Public Transit Stops (50)
Stops & Stations A+
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
La Mesa Boulevard
Transit Station
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Spring Street
Transit Station
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
2.9% F
See more La Mesa commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in La Mesa is 159/100 - which is 14% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc. F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax F
See more La Mesa cost of living data

crime C

La Mesa crime rates are 2,387 per 100k, which is 16% lower than California
Property Crime
2,082 crimes per 100k D+
Violent Crime
305 crimes per 100k C+
See more La Mesa crime data

employment B+

The median income in La Mesa is $71,287 - which is 12% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$71,287 B-
Unemployment Rate
4.3% D
See more La Mesa employment data

health C-

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (15)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc. A+
La Mesa Fire Dept Sta. #11
Fire Station
Unknown Name
Fire Station
La Mesa Pharmacy
Pharmacy
La Mesa Medical Group
Clinic
Grossmont Family Dental Center
Dentist
Kind Dental of La Mesa
Dentist
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
San Diego Dental Center
Dentist
Grossmont Orthopaedics
Doctor
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
Hospital
La Mesa Fire Sta. # 13
Fire Station
Alvarado Parkway Institute Behavioral Health System
Hospital
Cardinal Dental
Dentist
La Mesa Fire Department Station 12
Fire Station
La Mesa Fire Department Sta. 12
Fire Station
SDSU Sports Medicine
Doctor
Alvarado Hospital
Hospital
Walgreens
Pharmacy
San Diego City Fire Station 34
Fire Station
Dental Expressions
Dentist
El Cajon Family Dental
Dentist
Unknown Name
Fire Station
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
San Diego City Fire Station 10
Fire Station
Palm Dental Group
Dentist
Air Quality
Median Air Quality F
See more La Mesa health & safety data

housing B-

La Mesa home prices are $564,900 - which is 38% higher than California
Home Price
$564,900 A+
Home Appreciation Rate
25% A+
Home Affordability
7.9x (home price to income ratio) F
See more La Mesa housing data

schools B

The La Mesa graduation rate is 89% - which is 12% higher than California
School Test Scores
51% D-
High School Grad. Rates
89% B+
Elementary Schools (23) A+
Christ Lutheran Early Childhood Center
St Martin Of Tours Academy
Taproot Montessori-La Mesa
Jcs - Manzanita
College Preparatory Middle - East County
College Preparatory Middle - East County
Lemon Avenue Elementary
La Mesa-Spring Valley Home Independent Study
Warren-Walker School-La Mesa
La Mesa Dale Elementary
Learning Choice Academy
National University Academy Sparrow
The Learning Choice Academy - East County
Sparrow Academy
Maryland Avenue Elementary
La Mesa Arts Academy
Murray Manor Elementary
Rolando Elementary
Trinity Christian School
Harriet Tubman Village Charter
Harriet Tubman Village Charter
Christian Elementary School - West Campus
Benchley/Weinberger Elementary
Mt Helix Academy - Tiee
Lemon Grove Academy For The Sciences And Humanities
High Schools (6) F
Jcs - Manzanita
Learning Choice Academy
The Learning Choice Academy - East County
Helix High
Helix High
Grossmont High
Brookshire International Academy
Foothills Christian High School
Henry High
Diego Hills Central Public Charter
Heartland Christian
Mount Miguel High
Grossmont Middle College High
Crawford High
City Heights Preparatory Charter
Diego Hills Central Public Charter
Thrive Public
Monte Vista High
Excelsior Academy
See more La Mesa education data

ratings A-

La Mesa has an overall rating of 80% from 16 reviews.
User Reviews (3)
From AreaVibes B+
User Surveys (13)
From AreaVibes A+
See more La Mesa user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings

La Mesa, CA Area Guide

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Photo of La Mesa, CA
( 16 Ratings )

Living in La Mesa, CA

Ranks better than 74% of areas Follow

La Mesa Area Facts

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La Mesa Reviews

Write a review about La Mesa Tell people what you like or don't like about La Mesa…
It’s okay, but the crime.. 2.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 10, 2024) It’s a nice looking city with lots to see and do, but I’ve been here for only half a year and I’ve had three experiences with people trying to break into my house. Two of those times were only a couple weeks apart. ...Read More Read Less
I really like La Mesa 4 rating By OctoberRose ( Sep 27, 2014) I'm a San Diego native and I always enjoyed going to La Mesa, its such a quaint area. Cosmos Cafe is probably my all time favorite coffee shop and I really miss it after moving away from the city. Out of all the towns in SD I would definitely consider living here. It's probably e ...Read More xpensive but then again so is all of San Diego. Great place to visit for the day. They have a lot of mom and pop stores, cafes, and restaurants that you won't see elsewhere. Its just a cute area, I can't really explain it! It is on the smaller side though, it doesn't have a "city" vibe or anything like that. Read Less
Fun Things About La Mesa CA City Review 5 rating By Anonymous ( Feb 16, 2012) I have lived in La Mesa, CA for a few years now. The weather is what brought me to this wonderful city because it is warm here year round. The people are part of the reason that I decided to stay because this is one of the friendliest cities you can visit. This is a great place f ...Read More or all ages too. There are many fun activities to do such as visiting the La Mesa Depot Museum or the La Mesa Village Farmer's Market. The La Mesa Walkway of the Stars is another interesting place to visit too.

There are plenty of nice places to shop in this area along with some really good restaurants like the Village Garden Restaurant. You can find big chain attractions and also many locally owned businesses that offer unique items. The Grossmont Center is a nice place to shop or eat. You can visit Hooley's Irish Pub and enjoy live music on the weekends or take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza.

La Mesa also holds an annual festival called Oktoberfest throughout October. In the summertime, car enthusiasts can enjoy a classic car show weekly. There is always something going on in this city, but it is still a quiet and nice place to live. If you are looking for a family friendly city that is safe and welcoming, then you should consider moving to La Mesa California. If you do not want to move here, then be sure and visit this city at least once. It really is a fun and relaxing type of place. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Fun Things About La Mesa CA City Review 5 rating By Anonymous ( Feb 16, 2012) I have lived in La Mesa, CA for a few years now. The weather is what brought me to this wonderful city because it is warm here year round. The people are part of the reason that I decided to stay because this is one of the friendliest cities you can visit. This is a great place f ...Read More or all ages too. There are many fun activities to do such as visiting the La Mesa Depot Museum or the La Mesa Village Farmer's Market. The La Mesa Walkway of the Stars is another interesting place to visit too.

There are plenty of nice places to shop in this area along with some really good restaurants like the Village Garden Restaurant. You can find big chain attractions and also many locally owned businesses that offer unique items. The Grossmont Center is a nice place to shop or eat. You can visit Hooley's Irish Pub and enjoy live music on the weekends or take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza.

La Mesa also holds an annual festival called Oktoberfest throughout October. In the summertime, car enthusiasts can enjoy a classic car show weekly. There is always something going on in this city, but it is still a quiet and nice place to live. If you are looking for a family friendly city that is safe and welcoming, then you should consider moving to La Mesa California. If you do not want to move here, then be sure and visit this city at least once. It really is a fun and relaxing type of place. Read Less

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Compare La Mesa, CA Livability

      vs

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in La Mesa? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      MacArthur Park
      MacArthur Park Recreation Center
      Porter Park
      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      Aztec Park
      Collier Park
      Unknown Name

      Entertainment

      La Mesa Memorial Fine Arts Center
      Reading Cinema
      Little Darlings Showgirls
      Mabel P. Bryan Amphitheatre
      Mt. Helix Amphitheater
      Unknown Name
      Young Actors Theatre
      Unknown Name

      Food & Drink

      El Pollo Loco
      Subway
      Panda Express
      Hoffer's Cigar Bar
      Petes Place
      The Regal
      Trolley Stop Deli
      Subway

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in La Mesa? Of all people who commute, 2.9% take public transportation in La Mesa.
      Drive to Work
      77%

      1% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      3%

      2% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      F Cost of Living

      What is the cost of living in La Mesa? The cost of living in La Mesa is 159/100 - which is 14% higher than California.
      La Mesa
      159

      59% more expensive than average

      California
      140

      40% more expensive than average

      United States
      100

      National cost of living index

      C Crime

      What is the crime rate in La Mesa? La Mesa crime rates are 2,387, which are 16% lower than California
      Total Crime
      2,387 per 100k people

      3% higher than the US average

      Chance of being a victim
      1 in 42

      3% higher than the US average

      Year-over-year crime
      10%

      Year over year crime is up

      B+ Employment

      What is the median income in La Mesa? The median income in La Mesa is $71,287 which is 12% higher than California.
      Median household income
      $71,28729% higher than the US average
      Income per capita
      $36,77523% higher than the US average
      Unemployment rate
      4%

      7% lower than the US average

      A Health & Safety

      Is La Mesa a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Sharp Grossmont Hospital
      Alvarado Parkway Institute Behavioral Health System

      Pharmacies

      La Mesa Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      Grossmont Orthopaedics

      B- Housing

      What are La Mesa home prices? La Mesa home prices are $564,900 - which is 38% higher than California
      Median home value
      $564,900206% higher than the US average
      Median rent price
      $1,60769% higher than the US average
      Home Ownership
      43%

      33% lower than the US average

      B Schools

      Does La Mesa have good schools? The La Mesa graduation rate is 89% - which is 12% higher than California
      High school grad. rates
      89%

      7% higher than the US average

      School test scores
      51%

      5% higher than the US average

      Student teacher ratio
      22:1

      36% higher than the US average

      A- User Ratings

      Is La Mesa a good place to live? La Mesa has an overall rating of 80% from 16 reviews.
      Overall user rating
      80%

      16 total ratings

      User reviews rating
      77%

      3 total reviews

      User surveys rating
      86%

      13 total surveys

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