Chula Vista

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Chula Vista, CA

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Beautiful views, drenched in sunshine

Beaches Coast Mountains College

Stretching from Silver Strand State Beach to the mountains of the Otay Open Space Preserve, Chula Vista lives up to its name, which is Spanish for “beautiful view.” In between the Pacific coast and the mountains, you’ll discover hills, canyons, and miles of hiking trails. This city celebrates its diversity and its history, which dates back before Spanish exploration in the 1500s. The area that is now Chula Vista was part of a land grant in 1795, and eventually became a part of the US (with the rest of California) in the mid-1800s. The city finally incorporated in 1911.

Lemons play a role in Chula Vista’s history, as it became the world’s lemon-growing hub in the late 1800s and is still known as the “Lemon Capital of the World.” While you likely won’t find too many lemon trees today, you will discover more than 60 beautiful parks and a variety of outdoor activities ranging from swimming and surfing to hiking and mountain biking. In addition, just outside of Chula Vista you’ll discover Border Field State Park, International Park, Pacific Gateway Park, and Otay Valley Regional Park. The spectacular San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, home to the Living Coast Discovery Center, sits at the northwest corner of Chula Vista.

Today, California’s southernmost city is flourishing beneath the endless sunshine. Chula Vista is home to Southwestern College, Aquatica San Diego, the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Chula Vista provides a variety of shops and restaurants, from the businesses lining E H Street to the Chula Vista Center, a popular shopping mall. Venture just outside Chula Vista to shop the deals at Las Americas Premium Outlets. Residents can also venture to San Diego, located about eight miles north, or to Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, just 10 miles south.

Explore the City

Bayside Park provides great views along with picnic areas, hiking trails and a fishing pier

Chula Vista Center opened in 1962

The outdoor shopping mall Chula Vista Center is home to more than 79 stores

With its beautiful views, Chula Vista Marina is a popular destination

Memorial Park, located in downtown Chula Vista, has an amphitheater, a playground, and a gym

12-acre Mountain Hawk Park features a splash pad, a playground, picnic areas, and trails

Rent Trends

As of December 2024, the average apartment rent in Chula Vista, CA is $1,812 for a studio, $2,071 for one bedroom, $2,582 for two bedrooms, and $3,571 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Chula Vista has increased by 1.0% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$2,071/month
646 Sq Ft
House
$4,010/month
1,393 Sq Ft
Condo
$3,232/month
922 Sq Ft
Townhome
$3,785/month
1,444 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Chula Vista, CA

Transportation

70

Very Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.

40

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

51

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Wolf Canyon Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

833 Students

8
out of 10

Veterans Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

792 Students

8
out of 10

Heritage Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

743 Students

8
out of 10

McMillin (Corky) Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

720 Students

8
out of 10

Liberty Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

599 Students

8
out of 10

Eastlake Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

1,611 Students

7
out of 10

Bonita Vista Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

839 Students

7
out of 10

Rancho del Rey Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

1,606 Students

6
out of 10

Hilltop Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

869 Students

4
out of 10

Castle Park Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

724 Students

4
out of 10

Eastlake High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,783 Students

9
out of 10

Olympian High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,341 Students

9
out of 10

Otay Ranch Senior High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,491 Students

8
out of 10

Bonita Vista Senior High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,140 Students

8
out of 10

Hilltop Senior High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,885 Students

7
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Sweetwater Regional Park
  • Otay Valley Regional Park
  • Living Coast Discovery Center
  • San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge
  • Otay Lakes County Park

Airports

  • San Diego International

Top Apartments in Chula Vista

Houses for Rent in Chula Vista

Property Management Companies in Chula Vista, CA

Living in Chula Vista

Shopping

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With extensive shopping within an easy drive to San Diego, it would be easy to imagine that Chula Vista would rest on its laurels. Still, the city has a quaint downtown area with enough shops and restaurants to keep you busy for a weekend, and the nearly-new Otay Ranch Town Center. Chain and independent restaurants stand side-by-side and major department stores resides next to charming one-of-a-kind shops. With movie theaters galore and a new hotel being built nearby, Otay Ranch Town Center is the kind of place you will want to share with guests from out of town.

Although those unfamiliar with the area can be a bit intimidated by the idea of driving across the border into Tijuana, locals understand that with proper planning, trips into “TJ” (as the locals call it) can be quite enjoyable. Great cuisine, affordable medical care, and friendly people offer a great afternoon of fun. The trick, of course, is to do your homework. Check police and State Department sites for advice prior to traveling, and if possible, ask a native Spanish speaker to make the trip with you. Don’t forget your passport as Americans are no longer able to get back into the U.S. without a passport or Sentry pass.

One of the first things new residents to Chula Vista notice is the city’s love for dogs. They are welcome pretty much everywhere – from outdoor cafes to home improvement stores. In fact, many store owners leave a fresh bowl of water just outside their entryway so that pooches (and their owners) feel welcome. If your pet is an important part of your family you will find few places more accommodating that Chula Vista, CA.

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