$714,677Average Value$551Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Big changes in Chula Vista's city center
Though only 5 miles south of San Diego’s city limits, Downtown Chula Vista has a vibrant and evolving identity of its own. The City of Chula Vista’s downtown core has seen a boom in the last 10 years, with businesses flocking to Third Avenue, where there had been limited activity before. According to Tim Parker, a longtime local and founder of Chula Vista Brewery, the street has changed dramatically, now attracting a younger crowd. “Most businesses closed by 5 o’clock,” Parker says. “When I came along, it kind of clicked for the city, ‘OK, this is what we can do for Third Avenue.’” Parker and his wife, Dali Parker, opened the craft brewery in 2017. It’s still the only Black-owned brewery in San Diego.
Downtown Chula Vista is close enough to the San Diego Bay to receive occasional sea breezes, which makes it one of the cooler places to live in the county. Residents can picnic or launch kayaks along the bay or head to beaches less than 10 miles away.
Palm trees proudly punctuate the sun drenched streets of Downtown Chula Vista.
3rd Avenue is the epicenter of activity in Downtown Chula Vista.
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The Third Avenue Boom
Before Chula Vista Brewery, there were no craft breweries in South Bay San Diego, despite an enormous beer culture to the north. “I wanted to change the perception that people of color didn’t drink beer,” Parker says. “I knew I loved craft beer, I knew my friends liked beer, but we always had to travel 20 minutes. Now you’ve got every brewery in San Diego wanting to open up in South Bay.”
Today, the street is lined with breweries, in addition to coffee shops, restaurants and longtime mom and pop shops. “I totally appreciate the new places coming in, but I don’t want to forget the locals that have held this place down,” Parker says. One nearby institution is La Concha Bakery, serving pan dulce and a wide array of sweet treats since 2002. “They’re still there, truly supporting the community. People need to support local places that are truly local.”
In a dining scene rich with Mexican food, Tacos El Gordo manages to stand apart. The Tijuana-based chain opened in Chula Vista in 1998, and in 2018 opened a location on Broadway in Downtown Chula Vista. The no-frills eatery regularly sees lines out the door.
3rd Avenue in Downtown Chula Vista boasts a small town feel while constantly updating.
Public tables and chair are set up for locals and visitors to enjoy in Downtown Chula Vista.
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Celebrating the city's citrus history
The Downtown Chula Vista Association hosts many events throughout the year, including a Dia de los Muertos festival and the Taste of Third culinary event. The annual Lemon Festival is a colorful celebration of Chula Vista’s history as the once-lemon capital of the world. Locals taste lemon-themed bites at local Third Avenue businesses and compete in a lemon costume contest and cook-off.
As a former lemon farm, Chula Vista pays homage to its agricultural past.
Sprouts Market has a gorgeous mural on the side of the wall in Downtown Chula Vista.
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Greater affordability south of San Diego
Though Third Avenue has grown, the neighborhood is predominantly residential with a quiet feel. Home prices are on the rise, though buyers will find greater affordability here than in many neighborhoods within San Diego’s city limits. On the lowest end, single-family homes in need of renovations can sell around $550,000. Much of the area’s construction dates back to the 1950s, and midcentury- and Spanish-style architecture is common. Most builds with two or three bedrooms start at $650,000, and updated homes with four- or five-bedrooms can climb up to $900,000. Buyers should expect small lots close to neighbors, though front and backyards are large enough for kids and canines to play.
Condos range from $350,000 in small, 1980s complexes, to $650,000 for newer units. Condos with resort-style amenities sell up to $750,000, but they’re rare in this neighborhood.
Many ranch homes in Chula Vista are meticulously maintained.
Rustic ranch-style home in the Downtown Chula Vista neighborhood.
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Chula Vista schools in walking distance
Younger children can attend Vista Square Elementary in the Chula Vista Elementary School District, which earns a B from Niche. The school site is shared with the Davila Day School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, operated by San Diego County. Seventh graders move to the Sweetwater Union High School District for Chula Vista Middle, then Chula Vista High, both within walking distance of many homes. The schools receive a B-minus and B, respectively.
A view of the main office entrance at Vista Square Elementary in Chula Vista.
The main entrance to the main office at Chula Vista Middle School.
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Sprawling green space at Memorial Park
Parkland is concentrated near the downtown core of City Hall and Third Avenue. Memorial Park is the largest green space, with room for play and the Sunday farmers’ market. The park’s paved walking paths lead to an outdoor amphitheater where the city hosts summer movie nights and free concerts.
Nearby Friendship Park is more shaded, and a peaceful place to breathe in the scent of eucalyptus. Next door, the Civic Center Branch of the Chula Vista Public Library hosts events for all ages, from bilingual storytime to free tax assistance.
Downtown Chula Vista is a dog walker's paradise with multiple parks.
Memorial Park's amphitheater is a pictureque place to spend outdoor time.
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Shopping at the Chula Vista Center
The Chula Vista Center on Broadway is a walkable outdoor mall with clothing stores, chain restaurants and a movie theatre. Plaza Bonita, a larger indoor mall, is less than 3 miles away. Locals can stock groceries at Albertsons, Sprouts or Mexican grocery stores Carnival Supermarket and Garden Farms Market.
Chula Vista Center has multiple restaurants lined up in Downtown Chula Vista.
Arts and Rec skateshop serves up fresh styles in the heart of Chula Vista.
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A trolley ride from downtown San Diego
Residents can access Interstates 5 and 805 to head north into San Diego or south toward the border. Buses run along many neighborhood streets. Both the E Street and H Street transit centers on the neighborhood’s westside have large parking lots for weekday commuters and weekend thrill-seekers. The trolley platforms become a sea of gold and brown on game days, with downtown and the Padres’ Petco Park a handful of stops away.
Downtown Chula Vista is walkable, though neighborhood blocks are large and rarely shaded. Pedestrians should plan accordingly during the hottest months of the year.
H Street transit center whisks residents throughout greater San Diego.
San Diego Bay has lots of boats on the docks in the Downtown Chula Vista neighborhood.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Deanna Spellman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Memorial Park
Pool
Trails
Parking Lot
Marina View Park
Friendship Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Hilltop Park
Trails
Playground
Bay Boulevard Park
Norman Park
Playground
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
18 min drive
Subway
H Street
Subway
Bayfront/E Street
Bus
3rd Av & I St
Bus
E St & Guava St
Bus
H St & 5th Av
Bus
E St & 5th Av
Bus
Broadway & G St
Bus
4th Av & Scripps Hospital
Bus
Broadway & K St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Chula Vista
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Chula Vista, Chula Vista sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Chula Vista, Chula Vista over the last 12 months is $687,365, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of the highly sought-after Castle Park neighborhood in Chula Vista! This stunning single-story residence has been completely remodeled from top to bottom, offering modern luxury and timeless comfort in a prime location. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious 2-car attached garage, this home sits on an expansive 7,000 sq ft lot, perfect for
Lovely home in the heart of West Chula Vista! This beautiful & bright detached home is both spacious yet intimate. The ample living area features large windows & plenty of storage space. The kitchen has SS appliances & quartz countertops for your culinary delights. Rear lot is fully fenced and ready for your visions of gardening, entertaining or even future pool or ADU. Located conveniently to
In the heart of a prime Chula Vista neighborhood, this sunlit corner home offers a spacious, open design and a bright, cheerful energy throughout. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful touches throughout—starting with a remodeled master bathroom and a spacious new walk-in closet in the primary suite. The heart of the home features a cozy kitchen nook, perfect for morning coffee or casual meals, adding
Unlock Premier Investment! Seize this meticulously maintained 4-plex, boasting a new roof (installed 2025), and poised to deliver substantial returns of $120,000 annual gross income potential. Enjoy streamlined management thanks to individual water sub-meters allowing tenants to pay their own water/sewer, plus tenants directly paying their own trash, minimizing your responsibilities to property
FIRST TIME ON THE MARKET! Charming Cottage on a Rare 9,000 Sq. Ft. Corner Lot! This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home exudes cozy cottage charm with warm wood flooring and inviting living spaces, all surrounded by award-winning landscaping. Sitting on an oversized 9,000 sq. ft. lot, this property features dual driveways from separate streets, offering RV parking, extra vehicles, or future expansion
Welcome home! This charming home features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Great central location, with an amazing lot! With a detached garage and driveway that leads to the backyard, there is lots of potential for the property! Don't miss out!
Located at 376 Center St, Unit 120, in Downtown Chula Vista, this unfurnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers a comfortable living space with modern features. The living area has updated vinyl plank flooring, and the carpets in both bedrooms have been newly replaced. The unit includes a private balcony, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The kitchen is equipped with a gas oven and
Chula Vista Gem: Experience this upgraded 2BR home walking distance to downtown Chula vistas parks schools restaurants and nightlife. Located near new 10 Billion dollar bayfront project at the marina, freeways, schools, shopping, and dining. Enjoy modern fixtures, new cabinets, stove, laminate flooring, and a spacious patio in a peaceful 4-unit complex. The large patio features washer and dryer
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Deanna Spellman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
29,504
Median Age
37
Population Density
19 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$55,797
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$71,244
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
71.9%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
15.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.6%
% Population in Labor Force
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
47°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
53/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
78/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
54/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
