LandlordsStudents
A modern four-story apartment building, 8181 Allison Apartments in La Mesa, features balconies and large windows. People walk on the sidewalk below, shaded by trees, all beneath a clear blue sky.

$2,071+/unit

Fees may apply

8181 Allison Apartments - La Mesa

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A landscaped apartment complex with light-colored two-story buildings, outdoor staircases, green lawns, bushes, and mature trees, connected by winding concrete walkways under a bright sky.

$2,258+/unit

Fees may apply

Adagio

3.6 (5)
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A modern outdoor swimming pool area at Array La Mesa, lined with palm trees, lounge chairs, and umbrellas, surrounded by multi-story buildings at dusk with soft lighting.

$2,856+/unit

Fees may apply

Array La Mesa

5.0 (5)
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A white stucco wall features CASA LA MESA in teal letters beside a sun symbol, surrounded by lush green plants and small purple flowers—a welcoming touch at Casa La Mesa.

$2,202+/unit

Fees may apply

Casa La Mesa

3.6 (5)
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A sunny courtyard at Comanche Hills features a gated outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by trees and shrubbery. Beige stucco buildings with red tile roofs, a walkway, and a black metal fence complete the inviting scene.

$1,999/unit

Fees may apply

Comanche Hills

3.8 (5)
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The Cove La Mesa leasing office is housed in a single-story building with a stone and white exterior, glass doors, clear signage, and a ramp. Accessible parking sits in front, while trees and blue sky form the backdrop.

$2,340+/unit

Fees may apply

Cove La Mesa

4.4 (5)
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Modern row of three-story townhouses at FiftyOne Baltimore with balconies, surrounded by trees and landscaped greenery; a walking path and a small patio with a red umbrella and chairs are visible in the Crossroads area.

$2,551+/unit

Fees may apply

FiftyOne Baltimore at the Crossroads

3.4 (5)
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A two-story beige apartment building with large windows is surrounded by green lawns, bushes, rocks, and tall trees under a clear blue sky.

$1,995+/unit

Fees may apply

Heatherwood

3.4 (5)
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La Cuesta Apartments is a beige two-story building with large windows, surrounded by palm trees and greenery, sitting alongside a sloped street under a clear blue sky.

$1,895/unit

Fees may apply

La Cuesta Apartments

2.5 (2)
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A landscaped courtyard at Lake Murray Villa features curved walkways, green lawns, palm trees, and single-story buildings with red-tiled roofs under a partly cloudy sky. An American flag stands near the center of these inviting villa rentals by Lake Murray.

$2,000+/unit

Fees may apply

Lake Murray Villa

4.8 (5)
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Mohawk Gardens features a two-story beige apartment building with a red-tiled roof, metal railings, and multiple windows. Palm trees line the sidewalk and a well-kept green lawn stretches along the front beneath the clear blue sky.

$1,925+/unit

Fees may apply

Mohawk Gardens

2.0 (4)
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A modern apartment complex with palm trees, a swimming pool, lounge chairs, and umbrellas under a clear blue sky. The buildings are three stories with balconies and light-colored exteriors.

$2,561+/unit

Fees may apply

SETA

5.0 (5)
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A sunny outdoor scene at Shasta Lane Apartments shows tall pine trees casting shadows on green grass, with a fenced swimming pool, lounge chairs, and buildings in the background. Blue sky is visible through the trees.

$2,095+/unit

Fees may apply

Shasta Lane Apartments

4.2 (5)
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A two-story motel with white exterior walls, exterior staircases, palm trees in front, and an empty parking lot under a bright blue sky.

$2,095/unit

Fees may apply

The Flats

4.2 (5)
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Aerial view of The Village at La Mesa, a sunny residential neighborhood featuring a swimming pool, modern low-rise buildings, palm trees, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

$2,195+/unit

Fees may apply

The Village at La Mesa

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Outdoor swimming pool with clear blue water, lounge chairs, and umbrellas beside the Tierra Del Rey building with large windows. Palm trees and a clear blue sky complete this relaxing retreat.

$1,895/unit

Fees may apply

Tierra Del Rey

3.4 (5)
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Modern three-story Trio Townhomes feature a beige and light gray exterior, large windows, and palm trees along the walkway. A picnic table sits on the patio to the left, with lush green landscaping welcoming you at the entrance.

$470+/unit

Fees may apply

Trio Townhomes

1.0 (5)
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A modern building with tall, arched columns at the entrance, Veranda La Mesa features drought-tolerant landscaping and stone planters. Concrete steps with a handrail lead up to glass doors, while balconies are visible on the left.

$1,933+/unit

Fees may apply

Veranda La Mesa

5.0 (5)
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A small outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a metal fence sits in the courtyard of Villa Knolls Apartments, with lounge chairs and blue umbrellas nearby under a sunny sky.

$1,895+/unit

Fees may apply

Villa Knolls Apartments

3.7 (3)
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A beige stucco building displays a “VILLA MOROCCO APARTMENTS & TOWNHOMES” sign in blue letters, with palm trees and a bright blue sky, capturing the serene charm of Villa Morocco.

$2,095+/unit

Fees may apply

Villa Morocco

1.8 (5)
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A stone fountain sits beneath a white pergola in the landscaped garden at Village Apartments, surrounded by blooming red flowers, green bushes, and trees on a sunny day. Paths and buildings are visible in the background.

$1,975+/unit

Fees may apply

Village Apartments

4.0 (5)
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About Student Housing in La Mesa

La Mesa is a San Diego suburb east of Mission Valley, primarily a residential community that functions as affordable overflow housing for SDSU students and San Diego-area commuters. The trolley Green Line runs through La Mesa with the Grossmont station, providing a direct connection to SDSU and downtown San Diego without a car. Rents are lower than SDSU's College Area and significantly cheaper than Mission Valley, making it worth considering for budget-conscious students who do not mind a slightly longer commute to campus.

Best Neighborhoods for Students in La Mesa

Near Grossmont Transit Center

The most practical location — walking distance to the trolley and local buses. The Grossmont shopping center provides daily errands without a car.

Spring Street / Downtown La Mesa

La Mesa's small walkable downtown is charming and has some apartment options. A short trolley ride from SDSU.

Getting Around La Mesa as a Student

Here's what you need to know about getting around La Mesa.

Public Transit

The Green Line trolley connects Grossmont station in La Mesa to SDSU and downtown San Diego. MTS buses cover local La Mesa routes. Near the Grossmont station, going car-free is genuinely viable for SDSU students.

Walking and Biking

Near Grossmont transit center and downtown La Mesa, the area is walkable for errands. The rest of La Mesa is hilly and suburban — biking requires route planning.

Parking

Easy in most residential areas. Near Grossmont, more limited during peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in La Mesa

Common questions from students searching for housing.

La Mesa typically runs $800-$1,100/mo per person — cheaper than SDSU's College Area and Mission Valley. Good value for students willing to take the trolley to campus.

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