Home
The unique neighborhoods of San Diego each have something different to offer.
Here below are my top picks for pedestrian friendly neighborhoods with an interesting mix of businesses and restaurants, close to public transportation, and they all have the cool factor.
Find San Diego homes for sale
Points of interest around San Diego
Articles for buyers and sellers
Surf Reports
San Diego Central Neighborhoods
Hillcrest
New York has Greenwich Village. San Francisco has the Castro. Vancouver has the West End. And San Diego has Hillcrest, our closest thing to a diverse, lively, hip and colorful neighborhood. This gay-friendly ‘hood’ just north of Balboa Park is a mix of apartments and bungalows mixed with a pedestrian-friendly business district.
Kensington
This upscale enclave on the southeast rim of Mission Valley is picturesque, with attractive (and pricey) Spanish-styled homes for upwardly mobile yuppies. It’s a peaceful pocket amid the hubbub of the inner city. There’s a tiny business district along the single main artery Adams Ave.
North Park
This trendy urban neighborhood is popular with young professionals and young families who want to live near downtown. There are cozy, tidy pockets of Craftsman and Spanish influence homes on the north edge of Balboa Park, less than 3 miles to the center of downtown San Diego.
Mission Hills
As you head west on Washington Street, Hillcrest turns into Mission Hills, and the aura becomes more staid and low-key. With its grand homes with manicured lawns and winding hilltop streets, Mission Hills is for the decidedly well-to-do, yet it doesn’t have the snooty essence of La Jolla. Yes, I could picture myself living here.Best Bets: Mission Hills Nursery, Phil’s BBQ. Bus Routes: 3,908,16
University Heights
University Heights is located between Hillcrest and North Park. Similar in ways to both (not as lively as Hilcrest; not as worn as North Park), it is a mix of Craftsman bungalows and apartments. Its small retail area is at the north end of Park Blvd. where it turns into Adams Ave.
Normal Heights
Or “Abnormal” Heights, as it’s sometimes referred to. Bookended on the west by University Heights and Kensington on the east, Normal Heights completes the Adams Avenue ‘hood trifecta along the main drag. Crowded, diverse apartment dwellings on the south side of Adams, quiet single-family homes on the north side.
Little Italy
Litte Italy has always been a neat ethnic enclave within downtown, but only in the past year or so has it become a bonafide “cool” neighborhood, thanks to the addition of new condo highrises. Plus, the business district has been refurbished, including it’s own nifty street-spanning neighborhood sign.
Golden Hill
With its once stately old mansions, quaint bungalows and apartment buildings, Golden Hill is enjoying a rejuvenation. On the southeast end of Balboa Park, Golden Hill (and adjacent South Park) has some fine views of downtown and pockets of really cool neighborhoods, like Burlingame.
South Park
With same zip code as North Park, this little neighborhood has developed it’s own personality and image. It is trendy, upscale and diverse with a definite “artsy” feel. Find some really fun restuarants and boutique shops here. Home of Mama’s Kitchen. Located just to the East of downtown San Diego.
Ocean Beach
O.B is more like a small town within the city, but I’ll include it here because it has a little business district and it truly does have a neighborhood feel, albeit one steeped in the ’60s and ’70s. Ocean Beach has resisted gentrification, and for that it should be commended. Because it wouldn’t be O.B. if it didn’t have it’s funky charm.
Point Loma 
This very charming and upscale onclave is a very desirable part of town. Many homes here sit viewing either the Pacific Ocean or The San Diego Bay. The navy has a big presence on the Point including the National Cemetary and the Cabrillo National Monument offers sweeping views across San Diego and into the Laguna Mountains and down to Mexico.
Pacific Beach
One of the most famous and well visited beaches in the world. Long walkable stretches of beach offer a great people sighting adventure as well as picturesque ocean vistas. Town offers large numbers of bars, restuarants and shops. Endless entertainment will be found here.
Mission Beach
Mission is an Isthmus of land situated between two bodies of water, the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego Bay. Surrounded by water and always steps from the sand, this lively beach community has a unique charm all it’s own.
Clairemont
Clairemont Mesa is one of the first post-World War II suburban developments in the City of San Diego, with many of its homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. Developed areas of Clairemont Mesa sit primarily atop mesas punctuated by several major canyon systems, with San Clemente Canyon to the north and Tecolote Canyon weaving through the center of the community. Many of the neighborhoods in the western portion of the community enjoy views of Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Close to downtown and Pacific Beach this neighborhood is offers nice family homes at a still reasonable price.
Linda Vista
Bay Park
City Heights
East of North Park is San Diego’s true melting pot, City Heights. One of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Drive down stretches of University Ave. and watch the storefront signs change from Spanish to Vietnamese to Ethiopian.
