Metro & Central San Diego
The neighborhoods of Downtown San Diego, North Park, South Park, Kensington, Mission Hills, Hillcrest, University Heights, Normal Heights, Golden Hill, and Bankers Hill are often collectively called “the San Diego metro area” or just Metro. Vintage craftsman-style bungalows dot the walkable landscape in many metro San Diego neighborhoods. A historic richness coincides with the trendy, modern vibe found in these areas. It’s very easy to see why so many people love the San Diego metro lifestyle.
Some Favorite Neighborhoods Include:
North Park | South Park | University Heights
Hillcrest | Mission Hills | Banker’s Hill
Normal Heights | Kensington | Linda Vista | Clairemont
North Park
Highly-walkable hipster capitol North Park is loaded with tons of breweries and trendy restaurants. Vibrant Morley Field, a part of Balboa Park, occupies the southwestern corner of North Park and features a pool, tennis courts, a dog park, canyon trails, ball fields, a velodrome, 2 playgrounds, frisbee golf, and an archery range.
North Park is sort of in two different halves: above University and below it. Below it are many single family residences, built in the 1920’s and 1930’s, and it has more of a pedestrian orientation. Above University is heavy with multi-family residences and it has more car-intensive commercial areas. It continues to gentrify and is getting cuter by the minute. All of North Park is HOT real estate market.
South Park
South Park is a sort of sister community to North Park, separated by Switzer Canyon. Built out even earlier than North Park, South Park has some real beauties in the way of grand old homes, many build in the 19-teens. A lot of the old homes started falling into disrepair around the 1980’s but the entire region has gentrified incredibly in the past 20 or so years.
As you head more toward Golden Hill, the homes become even more stately and grand. It was a very upscale community when it was first built, and seeing these lovely homes restored to their original beauty is a sight to behold. If you see a large bronze, oval plaque on the front of any of these old homes that means they have ‘Mills Act,’ they have been declared historic.
South Park has a strong sense of identity and a fun commercial district. Don’t miss their quarterly South Park Walk-About! Four times a year the shops stay open late and people come from all over the country to shop, eat, and listen to garage bands playing right on the street. So fun.
University Heights
North of North Park is University Heights, another fun, vibrant, largely walkable community. A key topographic feature of University Heights is that at its north end is the rim of a central valley of San Diego– Mission Valley to be exact. University Heights is also home to Trolley Barn Park, a park with an interesting history. It’s where the trolley car station was! And next store was an ostrich farm specializing in feathers for ladies’ hats.
Today University Heights boasts a very exciting commercial district running along Park Blvd. Lots of great restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
Hillcrest
West of North Park is Hillcrest, and what a delightful history it has. People from the LGBTQ community can comfortably live most anywhere in the county these days, but it wasn’t always the case. Once upon a time Hillcrest was San Diego’s gay mecca, a place where everyone, gay and straight, could be themselves. In July, Hillcrest hosts one of the largest gay pride parades in the country, drawing in some 200,000 parade watchers.
Hillcrest enjoys an eclectic mix of housing styles, from lovely single family residences to large and stylish super-condos. You will also find lots of walkable streets, many fun shops and sassy clubs. Hillcrest has something for everyone! (Okay, except kids. It’s not a kid-oriented place – short on playgrounds and kid menus at restaurants).
Mission Hills
West of Hillcrest is the elder statesman of the metro area, glorious Mission Hills. It is home to popular farm-to-table restaurants, coffee shops, Venissimo specialty cheeses (my favorite) in a neighborhood with a strong sense of community and many stunning California bungalows in elegant, leafy neighborhoods. Really, the homes are incredible and so many styles of bungalows can be found here: craftsman, Spanish, Prairie, Colonial revival. There are also a number of very modern redos.
Mission Hills is also home to the famous Mission Hills nursery. Mission Hills Nursery was founded in 1910 by the ‘Mother of Balboa Park’ Kate Sessions. Kate Sessions began it, and it was just a house with a little yard that she sold her plants out of. It still stands today, a favorite little spot to find plants of every kind in a charming, unpretentious setting that retains its original charm.
Banker’s Hill
Adjacent to Mission Hills, on the west side of Balboa Park is Bankers Hill, which interesting for so many reasons. Bankers Hill is close enough to play footsies with Downtown San Diego, but… it is not downtown. It has neither the density nor the tenor of downtown. It has an exciting energy, and many interesting places to discover, but a little more relaxed than downtown.
A lot of the Bankers Hill condos have views because it’s so hilly and canyon-y around there. A lot of the condos look out over the lovely canyons of Bankers Hill. There is a mix of housing stock—you have the condos alongside very elegant old homes. A number have been knocked down as the urban plan allows for a lot of density in the area, but it is not hard to find an old original house, standing where it has always stood, charming evidence of a bygone era.
Normal Heights
Roughly between the 805 and the I-15 freeways lies Normal Heights, another walkable, upbeat community. Adams Avenue has really come alive these past 10 years or so with tons of great restaurants, pubs and coffee houses. Many of the homes were built in the 1930’s and retain that vintage charm.
Kensington
Normal Heights’ upscale sister community of Kensington shares Adams Avenue as the main drag. Gracious and stately 1930’s Spanish-style homes are the hallmark of Kensington, a number of them built by notable architect Richard Requa (pronounced REE-kwa).
With its curving streets and tidy front yards, Kensington stands alone. Friendly, fun, and with a small but charming commercial zone, Kensington is a first choice for discerning home buyers and architecture lovers everywhere.
Linda Vista
Linda Vista is a found in the central part of San Diego, just north of Fashion Valley. The neighborhood is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums. It is known for its diverse population, which includes many immigrants and refugees. The community is home to a variety of ethnic restaurants, grocery stores, and markets, reflecting the area's multicultural character.
Linda Vista has a diverse mix of housing options, including apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. The neighborhood has a mix of both older and newer housing stock. There are several apartment complexes in the area, ranging from small buildings with just a few units to larger complexes with several hundred units. Many of these apartment buildings were constructed in the 1960s and 1970s and offer affordable housing options for renters.
Single-family homes in Linda Vista vary in size and style, from small bungalows to large, multi-story homes. Many of the older homes in the area were built in the 1950s and 1960s and feature mid-century modern architecture. However, there are also newer homes in the area, built within the past few decades. Townhomes are another popular housing option in Linda Vista. These properties are typically two or three stories tall, with attached garages and small yards or patios. Some townhomes in the area were built in the 1980s and 1990s, while others are newer construction.
Skateworld, a San Diego institution, is the well-known rollerskating rink in LV. It has been in operation for over 40 years and is a popular destination for families, teens, and anyone who loves to roller skate. The rink offers public skating sessions, birthday party packages, private event rentals, and even roller derby leagues. It has a classic and retro feel, with neon lights, disco balls, and a vintage arcade area. It's a fun and affordable way to spend an afternoon or evening with friends and family. The rink also hosts themed skating events, such as '80s night and disco night, adding to the fun and nostalgia of the experience.
Linda Vista is also home to Linda Vista Community Park, which features sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas, and also hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year, making it a hub for recreational and social activities in the neighborhood.
Another main attraction is the University of San Diego, a private Catholic university. Voted one of the most attractive college campuses in the nation, it sits high on a hill overlooking San Diego. Other notable landmarks include the Linda Vista Branch Library, which was recently renovated, and the San Diego Trolley station, which provides easy access to other parts of the city.
Overall, Linda Vista offers a vibrant and diverse community with easy access to the rest of San Diego's attractions and amenities.
Clairemont
Clairemontis a neighborhood located in the north-central area of San Diego, California. The neighborhood is known for its suburban character, hillside homes, nearby shopping, and convenient location near the bay. The neighborhood of Clairemont is often divided into North and South Clairemont, with Balboa Avenue as the dividing line between the two.
North Clairemont is generally considered to be the older and more established part of the neighborhood, with many of the homes and businesses dating back to the 1950s and 60s. This part of Clairemont is known for its hilly terrain, winding streets, and ocean views. It also includes fabulous Tecolote Canyon Natural Park, which offers hiking trails, scenic views, and recreational opportunities.
South Clairemont, some say, has more of a suburban feel, with a variety of residential and commercial areas, including the Clairemont Town Square shopping center.
Overall, both North and South Clairemont offer a range of housing options, recreational opportunities, and convenient access to other parts of San Diego.
On the west side of Clairemont are the communities of Bay Park and Bay Ho.
Bay Park is a residential neighborhood situated on a hill overlooking Mission Bay, which offers beautiful views of the bay and surrounding areas. The neighborhood is known for its diverse mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses, and its convenient location to downtown San Diego, beaches, and other major attractions.
Bay Ho is a little more suburban and family-friendly, with many single-family homes and quiet residential streets. It is known for its good schools, parks, and easy access to shopping and dining options. Both neighborhoods have a strong sense of community.
Clairemont is also close to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), University of San Diego (USD), and other higher education institutions. But one of Clairemont’s most famous schools is actually a high school!
Clairemont High School is the subject of 1980’s hit comedy film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. It was written by Cameron Crow who attended school there. (I haven’t seen this movie in forever and have no idea how it has held up over time. If you see watch it, please share your review of it!)
Overall, Clairemont offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle, with easy access to other parts of San Diego via nearby freeways and public transportation. Very popular part of San Diego.