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Sorrento Valley

Sorrento Valley

Suburban Neighborhood in San Diego, California

San Diego County 92121

$1,357,813 Average Value
$707 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Scenic blend of homes and commercial centers surrounded by canyon views

In north San Diego, residential-commercial Sorrento Valley was developed just south of the 4,000-acre Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve, which is Spanish for "little cliffs." Quiet streets with canyon views loop into cul-de-sacs, and most of the residential footprint rests on ridges flanking Sorrento Valley Boulevard. Centuries ago, the site was a manufacturing and trade center for Kumeyaay Native Americans in the region, and today it retains a similar role as a thriving marketplace for research and industrial companies. Most of Sorrento Valley is occupied by expansive business parks, while upscale Spanish-style homes along its northern edge sit in sight of nature trails. Life's daily needs are within the neighborhood, including schools, parks, shopping centers and employers, and Sorrento Canyon Boulevard connects directly to interstates 5 and 805. "A big part of Sorrento Valley's appeal is that it's a peaceful community that's not as densely populated as other parts of San Diego," says David Calhoun, Realtor with eXp Realty, who's been selling homes in the area since 2018. "But you're still so close to the freeways and everything downtown."

Sorrento Valley has lush green landscape and is conveniently close to most freeways.
Sorrento Valley has lush green landscape and is conveniently close to most freeways.
Sorrento Valley is a safe place to walk the dog and enjoy the private streets.
Sorrento Valley is a safe place to walk the dog and enjoy the private streets.
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Trek through Los Peñasquitos Canyon, practice at Sorrento Canyon Golf Center

Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve, just north of the neighborhood, is one of the nation's largest urban parks, featuring a 7-mile loop trail that passes by remains of Native American structures dating back thousands of years. Golfers practice at the Sorrento Canyon Golf Center driving range amid views of the rolling hillsides and cliffs. It’s a dog-friendly center that hosts popular school-age PGA summer camps and the occasional corporate team-building event. Scripps Golf pro shop at the center stocks closeout, discount and secondhand golf gear. Indoor and outdoor recreation options at Lopez Ridge Park on the neighborhood's northeast edge include a rec center, playground, sports courts and covered shelters for playdates, picnics and celebrations.

Sorrento Canyon Golf Center sits in the middle of Sorrento Valley for locals to practice.
Sorrento Canyon Golf Center sits in the middle of Sorrento Valley for locals to practice.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon sits in the middle of Sorrento Valley and has many trails to enjoy.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon sits in the middle of Sorrento Valley and has many trails to enjoy.
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Canyon views from condos, townhouses and single-family homes

Condos, townhouses and single-family homes have sweeping views of the canyon and mountains surrounding. Architectural styles feature a blend of contemporary touches and iconic Spanish-revival trademarks such as red tile roofing, smooth stucco facades and spacious outdoor patios. Townhouse and condo amenities include community parking structures, playgrounds, pools and picnic areas. Spanish-style stucco condos built in the late 1990s through 2000 range from $990,000 to $1.1 million, while two-bedroom townhouses built between 2000 and 2013 ask from $870,000 to $900,000. Single-family homes ranging from 1,400 to nearly 3,000 square feet can fetch between $970,000 and $1.9 million, depending on size and location. The neighborhood has a CAP Index score of 2 — substantially lower than the national average of 4. It's also within the flight path of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, so residents working from home during the day may hear jet and plane noise overhead.

This a sample of the many newly built homes in Sorrento Valley.
This a sample of the many newly built homes in Sorrento Valley.
These homes have a view of Los Penasquitos Canyon in Sorrento Valley.
These homes have a view of Los Penasquitos Canyon in Sorrento Valley.
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A-grade San Diego Unified School District schools

San Diego Unified School District gets an A on Niche, as do all three schools in the community's public school pipeline. Kids start at Hickman Elementary, move on to Challenger Middle and graduate from Mira Mesa High. Mira Mesa High is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School, crediting its overall academic excellence. Just 5 miles west, the University of California San Diego has been deemed a "public Ivy" due to its outstanding educational programs and an alumni roster that includes several National Medals of Science, Pulitzer and Nobel prize recipients.

An entrance view of Hickman Elementary School located in Mira Mesa
An entrance view of Hickman Elementary School located in Mira Mesa
The Mira Mesa High School in Mira Mesa.
The Mira Mesa High School in Mira Mesa.
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Bustling business parks, counter-serve Cargo Café, French cuisine at WineSellar & Brasserie

The UPS Store, Genesee Scientific, Illumina and other major companies fill Sorrento Valley business parks such as the San Diego Tech Center, Sorrento View Business Park and Sorrento Vista Industrial Park. "The neighborhood has tons of really great jobs,” says Calhoun. “Biotech and IT companies like Qualcomm and Pfizer are just a few of the companies who have their headquarters here.” In Pacific Corporate Park, the walkup Cargo Café is a go-to coffee stop for business park employees, stationed in a brightly painted repurposed shipping container. Plaza Sorrento Shopping Center offers more restaurant options, including Charminar Indian Restaurant, Pho Kitchen for authentic Vietnamese dishes and the Urbane Café for sandwiches. An Aldi grocery store anchors the plaza. Just down the road from Plaza Sorrento, The WineSellar & Brasserie stocks a nice selection of wines and entertaining goods downstairs, and serves French dishes from duck confit to artisanal cheese plates upstairs.

Sorrento Valley is home to many business parks and large companies.
Sorrento Valley is home to many business parks and large companies.
Grab a fresh cup of joe at the Cargo Café in Sorrento Valley.
Grab a fresh cup of joe at the Cargo Café in Sorrento Valley.
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Hop on the freeway or opt for Coaster Connection

Immediate access to the 805 and 5 freeways puts Sorrento Valley commuters quickly in touch with downtown San Diego and San Diego International Airport, both about 20 miles south and usually around a 30-minute drive. In mid-2024, North County Transit District restored and expanded its Coaster Connection Service in Sorrento Valley to make commuting to work by train easier. San Diego Metropolitan Transit System bus Route 921 connects Sorrento Valley with area resources such as the Lopez Ridge Recreation Center.

Sorrento Valley is easily accessible from the Coaster station on Sorrento Valley road.
Sorrento Valley is easily accessible from the Coaster station on Sorrento Valley road.
The 5 freeway is close by Sorrento Valley.
The 5 freeway is close by Sorrento Valley.
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Monthly canyon hikes, Halloween Spooktacular

Every month, residents can join group hikes hosted by The Friends of the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Each hike explores a different facet of the canyon and its range of flora and fauna. Every fall, locals meet in the Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve parking lot decked out in costumes for the annual Sorrento Valley Halloween Spooktacular. This free event includes crafts, games, face painting and balloon creations for kids of all ages.

Lia Girard
Written By
Lia Girard
Matt Brown
Photography Contributed By
Matt Brown
Melinda Anselmo
Video By
Melinda Anselmo

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Anne Gold, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

22 min drive

Bus

Morehouse Dr & 5510 (Fs Morehouse Tech Ctr Drvwy)

Bus

Barnes Canyon Rd & Lusk Bl

Bus

Barnes Canyon Rd & 10030

Bus

Mira Mesa Bl & Pacific Heights Bl

Bus

Mira Mesa Bl & Flanders Dr

Bus

5807 Oberlin Dr

Bus

Lusk Bl & Telesis Ct

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Sorrento Valley US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,040,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,600,000
Median Townhouse Price
$690,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$662,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$469,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$707
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
38
Months of Supply
2.50
Median List Price
$1,095,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-33%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,087
Median Year Built
1998
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,459
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,306
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,079
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
755
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Anne Gold, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,262
Median Age
41
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
20.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$170,670
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$196,651

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
82.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
44.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

42 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

36 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

31 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Sorrento Valley