Welcome to Our Neighborhood!
The Americana development is located in the heart of Otay Mesa West, situated in the southern end of San Diego County. It traces its roots back to the late 19th Century when it was a rural farming community in San Diego County. Despite limited water resources, residents practiced dry farming through much of the early 20th Century.
Considering a move to Otay Mesa West, California? You’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. This article aims to provide valuable insights into this neighborhood to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
The Otay Mesa West community is bounded by Otay Valley Regional Park and the City of Chula Vista to the north, Interstate 805 to the east, SR 905 to the south, and Interstate 5 to the west. Its proximity to Mexico allows easy access to delicious Mexican cuisine without having to travel far. Moreover, it’s just a short drive from downtown San Diego. This means that residents can easily access all of the city’s attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter. Furthermore, Otay Mesa West is located close to popular beach destinations, such as Imperial Beach and Coronado Island.
Real estate in Otay Mesa West comprises single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The median home value in Otay Mesa West is $487,500, which is slightly lower than the median home value in San Diego as a whole. This means that you may be able to get more house for your money in Otay Mesa West.
Beyond real estate, Otay Mesa West boasts a friendly, welcoming community and abundant outdoor spaces like Palm Ridge Neighborhood Park and Montgomery Waller Community Park, great places to take a walk, have a picnic, or play with your kids.
City Services
Otay Mesa is in San Diego, District 8. San Diego City Council Member Vivian Moreno is our representative and Robert Broomfield is Community Representative for Otay Mesa, Nestor, Egger Highlands rbroomfield@sandiego.gov 619-236-6688. Keep Otay Mesa looking beautiful, Potholes? Weeds? Items on the sidewalk? If you see a pothole, weeds on medians, items on City streets, please help us report them through the City of San Diego Get it Done App. It’s very simple. If you can, send us the report and we will follow up with Councilwoman Vivian Moreno’s office to make sure they are addressed. Just email us the report to at operations@otaymesa.org.
History
The history of Otay Mesa West dates back to the early 1900s, when the area was primarily used for agriculture. The neighborhood was located on the outskirts of San Diego and was home to a few small farms and ranches.
The Otay Mesa West area was used by John J. Montgomery for his experimentation with manned gliders in the 1880s. The Montgomery family ranch was located in the Otay River valley below. On August 28, 1883, John Montgomery is said to have become the first person to achieve controlled flight when he launched his glider aircraft from a hillside in Otay Mesa. In 1950, a silver 90 foot wing from a World War II Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber was placed in Montgomery-Waller Park in dedication of his flight. In 1964, the family of Luckie Waller donated a parcel of land next to the site for a park named after her son. Montgomery has the high school, middle school and an elementary school named in his honor, the Montgomery-Waller Park and Montgomery Field airport in San Diego.
In the 1950s, the community began to see some development as the military expanded their presence in the area. The US Navy established the Naval Air Station at nearby Brown Field, which brought jobs and economic growth to the area. As a result, more people began moving to the Otay Mesa West neighborhood to be closer to work. The area which now includes Otay Mesa West was annexed from San Diego County along with other portions of South San Diego in 1957.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the neighborhood continued to grow and develop. The Americana development was built in the mid 1970s. New homes and businesses were built, and the community began to take on a more suburban feel. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that Otay Mesa West really began to experience a boom in growth and development.
During this time, the City of San Diego began investing in infrastructure projects in the area, including new roads and utilities. Additionally, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed, which helped to spur economic growth and development in the region. This led to an increase in demand for commercial and industrial space, which further fueled the growth of Otay Mesa West.
Location and Accessibility
Transportation options in Otay Mesa West are plentiful, making it easy for residents to commute to work or explore nearby areas. The neighborhood is located near major highways, including the I-5 and I-805 and I-905, which provide easy access to other parts of San Diego and beyond. Additionally, the Otay Mesa Port of Entry is located just a few miles away, making it easy for residents to travel to Mexico or beyond. The San Diego International Airport is just 25 minutes away.
For those who prefer public transportation, Otay Mesa West is served by several bus routes that provide access to downtown San Diego and other nearby areas. The 929 bus route stops on Picador at Caminito Quixote. That bus goes down 3rd Ave in Chula Vista, through the business district and down Highland Ave in National City downtown to Broadway at Horton Plaza, leaving every 15-30 minutes. The San Diego Trolley has a stop at Palm Avenue, only 5 minutes from Americana, offering light rail transit downtown and all over San Diego County. Read more about the stops on the Blue Line Trolley. Otay Mesa West is a bike friendly area with bike lanes and bike paths clearly marked for safety.
Restaurants
Within a short walk or drive from Americana you’ll find many terrific restaurants! Lots of delicious homemade food and mom and pop type gems. Here are some of our favorites:
Mike’s Giant New York Pizza – 1270 Picador Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154. Specializing in 28-inch NYC-style pizza, plus calzone, cheesesteaks & fried seafood. Order online. Pickup or delivery
Baja Giant Pizza – 750 Beyer Way, San Diego, CA 92154. Save yourself some money with one of the regular deals at Baja Giant Pizza. Pizza, salads, sandwiches.
Tacos El Gordo – 3265 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Tijuana Style tacos with handmade corn tortillas and made from scratch guacamole and salsas. (picture on the right)
Luizita’s Taco Shop – 2933 Beyer Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154. California burritos a specialty.
Golden House – 4370 Palm Ave Ste N, San Diego, CA 92154. Delicious Chinese food. Treasured recipes passed down through countless generations
Sweet Revenge Bakery – 3319 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Beautiful custom cakes, cupcakes, macarons, cookies and ice cream. Menu changes daily.
Pepe’s Grill – 2937 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Mexican grilled chicken a specialty.
Teresita’s Fruiteria – 4370 Palm Ave Suite S, San Diego, CA 92154. Shopping center juice bar known for chamago & smoothie drinks, plus quick breakfasts & sandwiches.
Tomodachi Sushi Bar – 4390 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Relaxed space serving familiar sushi rolls & Japanese entrees, plus lunchtime bento specials. Check out their happy hour.
Gloria’s Bakery Restaurant – 2511 Coronado Ave San Diego, CA 92154. Stuffed bolillos, pan dulce, machaca, chorizo and beans. Plus freshly made the most softest mexican traditional bread
El Pez Seafood – 3404 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Happy Hour beers and appetizers, live music, fresh sushi, Japanese favorites with a Mexican twist.
U Dessert Eats Restaurant – 4370 Palm Ave suite i, San Diego, CA 92154. Large variety of boba drinks and toppings. Monthly specials. Try the yummy sea salt iced coffee.
Hoppy Daze Tap House Brewery – 1280 Picador Blvd Ste 5, Chula Vista, California 92154. Craft beer, happy hour every weekday 3-6pm. Live music, karaoke. Pool, bumper pool and foosball.
Beyer Deli – 3065 Beyer Blvd # A105, San Diego, CA 92154. Great sandwiches, great prices and super friendly staff.
Jilberto’s Mexican Food – 3305 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. You can’t find a taco shop that taste anything like the South Bay taco shops especially Jilberto’s Mexican food. Five stars!
La Chula Pizza – 3325 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Delivery, take out, Wheelchair accessible.
Burros & Fries Palm – 3404 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Counter-serve grill with a menu of classic Mexican eats such as tacos & tostadas, plus fries.
Plus these well known fast food franchises:
Church’s Chicken
Subway Sandwiches
Popeyes Louisiana Chicken
Domino’s Pizza
Pizza Hut
Groceries, Shops, Amenities and Facilities
In terms of shopping and retail options, Otay Mesa West is home to several shopping centers and grocery stores, including the Walmart Supercenter and the Otay Mesa Shopping Center. Additionally, the Las Americas Premium Outlets, which features a variety of high-end retailers, is located just a short drive away.
When it comes to healthcare facilities, Otay Mesa West is located close to several hospitals and clinics, including the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and the Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista and Kaiser has a large office complex with urgent care on Palm Ave. There are also several other urgent care centers and medical clinics located within the neighborhood, making it easy for residents to access healthcare services when they need them.
Northgate Market – 2909 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Offering Hispanic groceries & premade Mexican meals, tortilleria in store, fresh ceviche and guacamole. Curbside pickup available. (picture on the right)
7-Eleven Convenience store – 3295 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Close by, at the corner of Palm and Picador.
Vons – 620 Dennery Rd, San Diego, CA 92154. Supermarket staple for groceries, produce & deli items, plus personal care, home goods & more.
Walmart – 710 Dennery Rd, San Diego, CA 92154. Big box store offering everything you need.
Costco – 1130 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Members-only warehouse selling a huge variety of items including bulk groceries, electronics & more.
Home Depot – 950 Dennery Rd, San Diego, CA 92154. Home improvement retailer for tools, appliances & other products.
AMC Palm Promenade 24 Movie Theater – 770 Dennery Rd, San Diego, CA 92154. Movie house shows current releases, IMAX & 3-D films in theaters with stadium seating.
Border View Family YMCA – 3601 Arey Dr, San Diego, CA 92154. Group exercise classes, gym, nursery, camps for kids, gymnastics, pool with lessons and lap swim. Affordable fees.
AutoZone Auto Parts – 3321 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Auto parts, just up at the corner of Beyer and Palm.
CVS Pharmacy – 3350 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Right up at the corner of Beyer and Palm in Palm Plaza.
Otay Mesa-Nestor Public Library – 3003 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Variety of resources for residents: books, movies, and special programs. Homework help. Reading room. Lovely patio.
Lavanderia Laundromat – 2929 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. Open from 5am till 9:30pm. Drop off and pick up available.
Las Americas Premium Outlets – 4211 Camino De La Plaza, San Diego, CA 92173. 150 Outlet stores, largest in San Diego. Designer and name brand stores with savings of 25% to 65% every day.
Sesame Place – 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Large water park with season passes.
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre – 2050 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Massive outdoor concert venue for various music genres offering 20,500 chairback & lawn seats.
Outdoor Parks and Recreation
Along the Otay Mesa West’s northern boundary you will find one of San Diego’s most unique open spaces, the Otay Valley Regional Park, 2155 Beyer Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154. The Otay Valley Regional Park’s open space provides residence and visitors alike with a variety of recreational opportunities, while protecting native wildlife and archaeological resources. It offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting along the Otay River and around Fenton Pond. (picture on the left)
Montgomery-Waller Community park has a distinctive big silver aircraft wing monument. Outdoor facilities include two lighted basketball courts and multi-purpose athletic fields used for baseball, softball, soccer and Pop Warner. There are also small family picnic areas and areas for large special events. Indoor facilities include a gymnasium used for basketball, indoor soccer, and volleyball, along with a kitchen, a room for Tiny Tots classes, an arts and crafts room and meeting rooms.
Another popular park in the area is the Palm Ridge Park. This park offers a variety of amenities, including a playground, basketball court, and picnic areas. It has plenty of parking and a lovely view.
Silverwing Park, 3737 Arey Drive San Diego, CA 92154, includes a multipurpose field, a tot lot area, a basketball court, and picnic areas. Programs are offered at the recreation center.
Additionally, there are several golf courses located within a short drive of the neighborhood, including the Eastlake Country Club and the Chula Vista Golf Course.
For those looking for a beach day, the neighborhood is conveniently located just a few miles from the coast. Imperial Beach is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, with its wide sandy beaches, scenic pier, and beachfront restaurants and cafes 15 minutes away, down Palm or Coronado Avenue to the Imperial Beach Pier.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous outdoor activity, the nearby mountains offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The Otay Mountain Wilderness Area is just a short drive from Otay Mesa West, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Education and Schools
The neighborhood is served by several public, private, and charter schools, giving families plenty of choices when it comes to selecting the right educational setting for their children.
One of the most notable public schools in the area is the Howard Pence Elementary School, which has received high marks for academic achievement and student performance. Other public schools in the area include Montgomery Middle School and Montgomery High School (picture on the right), both of which offer a range of programs and extracurricular activities for students.
In addition to public schools, there are also several private and charter schools located in the neighborhood, including the Mater Dei Catholic High School, which offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, and the Feaster Charter School, which has a strong focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education.
Montgomery Adult school offers English as a second language classes, High School Equivalency, Citizenship prep, Career Technical Education and Digital literacy.
Overall, the quality of education in Otay Mesa West is considered to be quite high, with many of the local schools receiving accolades for their academic performance and student outcomes. Additionally, several schools in the area have implemented innovative programs and initiatives designed to enhance the learning experience for students.
For those looking to pursue higher education, there are several nearby colleges and universities, including Southwestern College, San Diego State University, and the University of California, San Diego. These institutions offer a range of programs and degree options, making it easy for residents of Otay Mesa West to continue their education and pursue their career goals.
Safety and Crime
When it comes to Otay Mesa West, residents can rest assured that the neighborhood is generally considered to be safe and secure.
Crime rates in Otay Mesa West are relatively low, especially when compared to other neighborhoods in San Diego. According to recent statistics, the overall crime rate in the area is lower than the citywide average, with a relatively low incidence of violent crimes.
One reason for the neighborhood’s low crime rates may be the strong sense of community that exists among residents. There are several community initiatives and programs that aim to promote safety and security in Otay Mesa West, including neighborhood watch groups, community policing programs, and crime prevention initiatives.
In addition to community programs, the local police department also plays an important role in maintaining safety and security in the area. The San Diego Police Department has a strong presence in Otay Mesa West, with officers regularly patrolling the neighborhood and responding to any incidents or concerns.
Community and Lifestyle
The community and lifestyle of Otay Mesa West is vibrant and diverse, with a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere. The neighborhood is home to a mix of families, professionals, and retirees, creating a diverse demographic makeup that adds to the area’s unique character.
One of the things that sets Otay Mesa West apart is its strong sense of community. Residents take pride in their neighborhood and are actively involved in community events and initiatives. There are several local organizations and groups that residents can join, which host regular events and gatherings.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an affordable neighborhood with convenient transportation options and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, Otay Mesa West in Otay Mesa, San Diego may be worth considering. With its diverse community, range of housing options, and proximity to major highways, the neighborhood offers a lot of potential for those looking to buy real estate or relocate to the area.
If you’re interested in learning more about Otay Mesa West, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Local real estate agents can provide valuable insights into the housing market and available properties, while community organizations and events can give you a sense of the neighborhood’s vibe and culture.
You can also research the neighborhood online, looking for information about schools, parks, and other amenities, as well as crime rates and safety initiatives. By doing your due diligence and gathering as much information as possible, you can make an informed decision about whether Otay Mesa West is the right place for you to call home.
Otay Mesa West is a unique and vibrant neighborhood with a lot of potential for those looking to buy real estate or relocate to the area. With its affordable housing options, convenient transportation routes, and diverse community, it’s definitely worth further consideration if you’re in the market for a new home.
Summarized from an article by Scott Taylor