Hillcrest
To Downtown San Diego: 10 minutes
ZIP CODE 10977
For Sell $7.99K - $2M
For Rent $795 - $10K
Local information
School
1 Middle School
Crime
Commute
Shop & Eat
28 Groceries
80 Nightlife
General Description
The great vibe of Hillcrest
Hillcrest, California is a welcoming, progressive community that is home to a large LGBTQ+ population and hosts one of the most impressive Pride parades in the nation each year. In addition, The San Diego LGBT Community Center is located just blocks away on nearby Harvey Milk Street for more support and resources. The neighborhood’s unique identity makes it a desirable place to live, yet rents are reasonable and the average mortgage sits around $701,427 (nearly 200K lower than San Diego’s average).
This Uptown neighborhood is located just north of Downtown San Diego and the famed Balboa Park. The area was mostly developed during the 1910s and 1920s before briefly declining after WW2. Prior gentrification of the area began in the 1970s primarily by the local gay and lesbian community. Today, Hillcrest continues to have a high population density and a lively, vibrant culture that accepts everyone.
In addition to the Pride Festival, Hillcrest is known for various other street festivals including the annual Taste of Hillcrest event, Hillcrest “CityFest”, and Mardi Gras. Other community events include a weekly farmer’s market, a monthly classic car show, and a monthly art market.
Most local businesses are located along the major thoroughfares of University Avenue, Washington Street, and 5th Avenue. Trendy boutiques, restaurants, and bars line the streets and patio dining is popular. This walkable village is pedestrian-friendly with a walk score of 85, and the area is also well-connected via public transportation. Commuters will enjoy a short trip to work in Downtown San Diego and many other commercial hubs, as well as easy access to the nearby San Diego International Airport.
Like most of Southern California, the weather in Hillcrest is mild, and residents enjoy warm, sunny temperatures for the vast majority of the year. Outdoor spaces in the area like West Lewis Street Pocket Park and Morley Field Dog Park provide the perfect place to throw a frisbee, walk the dog, or have a picnic with your partner. Nearby hiking options include Cabrillo Canyon, Arroyo Canyon, and Camelot Canyon for those who love to stay active.
In addition to being a great place to work and play, Hillcrest is also a foodie’s paradise. Local favorites include Ortega’s Bistro, Hash House, Bronx Pizza, and Crest Café. The area is well known for its diverse nightlife, and the local bar scene includes community staples such as Urban MO’s, The Wine Lover, Brass Rail, Alibi, and The Lamplighter. There is no shortage of things to do, places to go, and people to meet at any hour of the day in Hillcrest.
Other notable local landmarks include the Hillcrest Brewing Company, the historic Hillcrest sign, and the Hillcrest Pride flag. Overall, this tiny little neighborhood packs a powerful (and colorful) punch and serves as a major hub for local arts and culture. This unique vibe makes Hillcrest one of the best places to live in all of Southern California. In fact, in 2007 the neighborhood made The American Planning Association’s list of top Ten Great Places in America: Neighborhoods.
More Features
Best of all, Hillcrest residents are invested in the health and well-being of their fellow citizens, and community participation is high. There are many ways to get involved in the community, including:
Hillcrest Business Association
https://www.hillcrestbia.org
Hillcrest Town Council
https://www.hillcresttc.org
Plan Hillcrest
https://www.planhillcrest.org
Hillcrest History Guild
https://www.hillcresthistory.org
Save Hillcrest
https://www.savehillcrest.com
Hillcrest Youth Center
https://thecentersd.org/programs/youth-services/hillcrest-youth-center
The San Diego LGBT Community Center
https://thecentersd.org
Whether you’re seeking a friendly community, looking for a closer commute to downtown, or enjoy the unique appeal of a historic gentrified area, Hillcrest checks all the boxes. Give this vibrant town a visit today to experience the magic for yourself.
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