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La Mesa, CA

Frequently asked questions

La Mesa, CA 

La Mesa is a city in San Diego County, located nine miles (14 kilometers) east of Downtown San Diego in Southern California. The population was 61,121 at the 2020 census, up from 57,065 at the 2010 census. Its civic motto is "The Jewel of the Hills." 

La Mesa is bordered by the city of San Diego on the west and north, Spring Valley and Lemon Grove on the south, and El Cajon on the east. It includes the neighborhood of Grossmont.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.1 square miles (24 km2). 9.1 square miles (24 km2) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) of it (0.44%) is water. 

Before European colonization, the area that is now La Mesa was home to the Kumeyaay. The Kumeyaay were a Yuman-speaking people who practiced horticulture and hunting and gathering. The Kumeyaay organized themselves into a federation of self-governed bands, or clans. Beginning in 1769, the Kumeyaay of La Mesa and the larger San Diego County region were enslaved by Spanish colonists or later forcibly relocated to reservations.

La Mesa in Spanish means "the table", or alternately "the plateau", relating to its geography. La Mesa was part of a larger tract, Mission San Diego de Alcalá, and was used by Spanish missionaries.

Through the years, the Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers valued La Mesa for its natural springs. In 1868, stockman Robert Allison moved to the area and purchased 4,000 acres of land from the heirs of Santiago Arguello, commandant of the Presidio of San Diego. This land became La Mesa, and the "Allison" natural springs were renamed the "La Mesa Springs." The importance of the springs is still reflected today in the name of the prominent "Spring Street," which passes through downtown La Mesa, and with the preservation of the spring house in Collier Park.

La Mesa places a strong emphasis on health and wellness. Join La Mesa Walks, a community program promoting physical activity and social connections through organized group walks in various neighborhoods. Access comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, emergency services, and wellness programs, at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, serving the La Mesa community. 345 Fit is a state-of-the-art facility furnished with a full range of exercise equipment to improve your cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Massage Therapy Center facilitates deep, long-lasting results in a wide range of modalities, peeling away layers of stress, restoring mobility to injured muscle tissue, and easing stiffened joints and hot spots of pain. Healing Corner incorporates the healing properties of plants, herbs, cremes, oils, and minerals from around the world into a variety of unmatched spa services designed to reduce stress and enhance balance. Enjoy outdoor recreation at Lake Murray, featuring walking and jogging trails, picnic areas, fishing, and boating opportunities amidst scenic surroundings.

Top Sites in La Mesa, CA: La Mesa Depot Museum, Mt. Helix Park, Harry Griffen Park. 

Population: 60,360 (2022). ZIP codes: 91941–91944. Area code: 619. Elevation: 528 ft (161 m). Incorporated: February 16, 1912. Area: 9.1 square miles (24 km2). 
 

FAQs

Is La Mesa, CA a suburb of San Diego?

La Mesa is a suburb of San Diego with a population of 60,888. La Mesa is in San Diego County. Living in La Mesa offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In La Mesa, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

What is La Mesa, CA famous for?

The one-time silent-movie mecca still offers Secret Stairs and a famous climate. Known as the “Jewel of the Hills,” La Mesa embraces its past and retains its small-town character. History: In 1869, rancher Robert Allison bought thousands of acres in the region.

What is the cost of living in La Mesa, CA?

La Mesa's housing expenses are 74% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 13% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 32% higher than the national average. La Mesa has grocery prices that are 12% higher than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of La Mesa

La Mesa Walks

Sharp Grossmont Hospital

345 Fit

Massage Therapy Center

Healing Corner 

Lake Murray

La Mesa Depot Museum

Mt. Helix Park

Harry Griffen Park

Niche

San Diego Tribune

Payscale

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