University City is located in the Golden Triangle area defined by the three freeways that border it and Rose Canyon.  Rose Canyon is named for Louis Rose, an early settler and entrepreneur who purchased the canyon in the late 1800s. 

The canyon was a thriving place when Rose owned it. He had two creeks, a tannery, a brickyard and he tried to mine for coal. Today the canyon is open space used by runners and walkers.  They share the brush and trails with an assortment of rabbits, snakes and other wildlife.  The train runs down the middle of the canyon offering rustic views to its riders.

The canyon offers a contrast to the sleek office buildings and shopping areas of University Town Center.  The residential area was originally conceived of in the 1960s as a place for those involved with the University of California San Diego to live.  It has evolved into a middle-class, close knit neighborhood of families and kids. 

Excellent freeway access and the mixed use development of the area makes University City an attractive place to live.  UCSD Medical Center, La Jolla Playhouse, Birch Aquarium and many other attractions are close by.  Condominiums and apartments are now part of the landscape on the northern edge of the area.

The Mormon Temple with its twin 190 foot steeples rises close to the I-5 gracing the area with its striking architecture.