La Jolla – University Town Center (UTC)

While most of the La Jolla community has a laid-back, hometown ambience, University Town Center (UTC) has more of a metro feel due to the skyscraper office buildings, big-name hotels, and the plethora of shopping centers. 

UTC  is a popular residential area with many affordable condo complexes and apartments.  Many UCSD students reside in this area because the university is nearby. 

The allure of UTC lies in the accessibility to supermarkets, incredible shopping destinations, movie theaters, eateries, and other amenities.  UTC has the only mall in La Jolla.  UTC has departments stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Sears, plus many other retail stores.  It’s also the only mall in San Diego with an indoor skating rink. 

Residents of UTC have easy access to both freeways 805 and 5.  Take La Jolla Village Drive heading east and you’ll come across the Miramar area and the Miramar Naval Station.  The San Diego design district is also in this area with many home decorating stores and warehouses.