University City has a loose boundary that sometimes gets confused with La Jolla. UCSD (University of California San Diego) straddles Interstate 5 with La Jolla on the west and University City on the east, so many surrounding merchants use ‘La Jolla’ to describe their locale. This village is bordered on the west by Interstate 5 and on the east by Interstate 805. The northern border is roughly La Jolla Village Drive and the southern border is Highway 52, making this neighborhood of San Diego rather compact.

A good 35% of University City real estate are single family homes with foliage and well kept streets. Governor Drive introduces older University City homes in pleasant neighborhoods which spill out onto a canyon, giving many streets dead ends and views. Schools are individual to University City and rank among the top in the state. Private schools are also available for kids.

Shopping surrounds La Jolla Village Drive, with a large Westfield mall and other wide variety shopping centers. Many restaurants are of high quality, catering to the local business parks that dominate this community. Several hotels also host professionals who visit on business and cater to fine living. The northeast border is decorated with a large, striking Mormon Temple with two towers and stained glass, visible from the highway and the hills of La Jolla. Commute to other areas is convenient with three local freeways. Many residents choose to work locally in the many office parks surrounding La Jolla Village Drive.