The Village Within a City

Clairemont Mesa is an established community in San Diego, California with San Clemente Canyon to the north and Telecolote Canyon running through the middle of the area. The area combines residential and commercial development with natural landscape. Much of the neighborhood sits atop high mesas, and thus enjoys lovely views of the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. Clairemont Mesa is subdivided into North Clairemont, South Clairemont, Clairemont Mesa East and Clairemont Mesa West. The combined area boasts a population of 80,000 people.

 

Telecolote Canyon is a major natural staple of the area. Visitors and locals alike enjoy running, hiking and mountain biking through the various trails that run about six and a half miles throughout the canyon. A fairly new Nature Center within Telecolote Canyon provides wonderful animal exhibits to check out as well as an opportunity to participate in classes and workshops.

 

A majority of the homes built in Clairemont Mesa were built after World War II in the 1950s and 1960s. It was originally labeled “The Village Within a City,” and people began residing in the area in 1951 after the developers, Carlos Tavares and Lou Burgener, invested a large sum of money towards off-street improvements. Unlike a classic neighborhood layout, Clairemont Mesa takes advantage of the natural topography. The streets are aligned with the bluffs and hillsides to provide the best scenic views. Today, Clairemont Mesa remains a safe and quiet area with many things to do nearby in addition to continuing plans for further building and development.

 

Clairemont has many local amenities from coffee shops, to shopping centers, to restaurants, parks, libraries, and more. The walkability of the area is nice and convenient for the neighborhood’s occupants. Geographically speaking, Clairemont Mesa is centrally located and therefore in close driving to proximity to most other areas in San Diego and San Diego county. This makes for easy trips to the beach, downtown San Diego, and other major local attractions.

 

Numerous schools are located in Clairemont, including the Child’s Primary School, the Creative Performing Media Arts School, and San Diego Mesa College. The Clairemont Certified Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday, offers community members a chance to get out and buy fresh, local food. Clairemont Mesa is primarily warm and sunny all year-round. A popular springtime event is the Annual Claremont Garden Tour. Each May, residents enjoy live music, refreshments and crafts, while touring beautiful private gardens. Other events such as an annual Easter egg hunt, an annual family day celebration, and the Clairemont Day at the Bay keep community spirit alive and thriving.