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Allied Gardens neighborhood guide
Bill Lovejoy

Allied Gardens San Diego Neighborhood Guide 🌴 | What it's Like Living in Allied Gardens

Last Updated On: 5th March 2026, 08:02 am

Looking for the ideal Southern California neighborhood? You should consider moving to Allied Gardens in San Diego, CA. Allied Gardens is a residential neighborhood in San Diego with a rich history and welcoming atmosphere. It's known for its abundance of parks, green space, central location, and family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood gets its name from Allied Contractors, the business name used by the contractors who developed the community. Today, Allied Gardens is a good place to live for families, young professionals, and anyone looking for low crime and easy access to amenities.

Where Is Allied Gardens, San Diego

Allied Gardens is in the eastern Navajo community of San Diego, a hilly area that encompasses 14 square miles between I-8 and the San Diego River. Neighborhoods that border Allied Gardens include San Carlos to the east, Del Cero to the south, College area to the northeast, and Grantville to the southwest. The Allied Gardens zip code is 92120, and the neighborhood covers about 1,000 square acres. The community is surrounded by parks and nature preserves, including the Navajo Canyon Open Space, the Rancho Mission Canyon Open Space, and Mission Trails Regional Park. It's also very close to major thoroughfares such as I-8 and I-15 for easy access to downtown San Diego, which is about 10 miles away or a 20-minute commute. The community is accessible via San Diego's MTA bus system, and the Allied Gardens area code is 619.

Allied Gardens, San Diego Map

Explore the community with this Allied Gardens, San Diego map.

Allied Gardens History and Overview

The development of the Navajo community began with the relocation of the San Diego Mission de Alcalá from Presidio Hill in 1774. However, residential development did not begin until over 100 years later. In 1874, the Junipero Land and Water Company commissioned the development of a 1,500-acre community, which was meant to be used for residential housing as well as a retirement community for Civil War veterans. That later became the neighboring community of Grantville, which took its name from the Union war general Ulysses S. Grant.

The housing project largely failed, and the region remained a small community on the San Diego River until the 1940s, when it was annexed by the City of San Diego. The large military presence in the city during WWII led to population growth and a higher demand for housing. So, the community of Allied Gardens was developed in 1955 by two contractors, L. Kelton and Walter Bollenbacher, who had purchased the land from the Waring Estate. Today, Allied Gardens is a safe, family-friendly community that offers a suburban atmosphere within a big city.

Allied Gardens Demographics: 

  • Population: 10,767
  • Median household income: $83,200
  • Educational attainment: 95.7% of residents have a high school diploma, while 51.1% have a bachelor's degree or higher
  • Median age: 38.1 years old
  • Foreign-born population: 10.1%
  • Racial and ethnic breakdown: 66% white (43% non-Hispanic), 17.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 3.3% Black or African American, 3% two or more races.

What's It Like Living in Allied Gardens?

Allied Gardens is a picturesque community that has plenty to offer families and young professionals alike. Its close proximity to San Diego State University also makes it a good place for college students as well. It's a quiet, safe area with tree-lined streets and plenty of parks and hiking trails nearby.

Living in Allied Gardens offers the peace of a small town with plenty to do close by. It's a welcoming community with friendly neighbors who actively participate in local organizations and events. The neighborhood also hosts fun events for residents every year, such as an annual 4th of July parade. 

Although it's primarily a residential community, you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants along Mission Gorge Road or Waring Road. Plus, it's a quick community into downtown if you're looking for more fun things to do. The Recreation Center is the social epicenter of the community and offers a wide range of resort-style amenities. So, moving to Allied Gardens offers the serenity of the suburbs with all the excitement of San Diego at your fingertips.

It's only a short drive from shopping, museums, beautiful beaches and nightlife. But it's still secluded enough that you don't have to deal with any crime, noise, or tourists. It's a very walkable neighborhood with paved streets and clean sidewalks. But you also have easy access to major highways that can take you anywhere you need to go. Plus, the Allied Gardens San Diego weather is fantastic year-round and offers mild winters and plenty of sunshine.

Allied Gardens offers a high quality of life for residents of all different backgrounds and features a diverse community full of energy and culture. Those who want to be in the heart of the action and nightlife scene may be better off looking closer to downtown. But those searching for a peaceful community with world-class attractions close by will love living in Allied Gardens.

Things to Do in Allied Gardens - Best Restaurants, Attractions and Shopping

Moving to Allied Gardens offers the best of what San Diego has to offer right at your fingertips. You'll find plenty of fun things to do, shopping, restaurants, and more in and around the community, plus more attractions are just a quick walk or drive away.

Brothers Family Restaurant is a local hotspot serving diner-style food and classic American dishes like prime rib in a laid back setting. The King of Thai Cuisine on Mission Gorge Road is one of the best restaurants in Allied Gardens if you're in the mood for a curry with delicious home-style Thai cooking and a comfortable atmosphere. If you're in the mood for authentic Mexican food, El Rodeo Taco Shop is another one of the top restaurants in Allied Gardens. 

The Allied Gardens Rec Center San Diego, CA is the main attraction in the community and features a park, sports fields, a skate park, a golf course, and other lifestyle amenities. Right next door is the Allied Gardens swimming pool San Diego, CA, which features changing rooms, 11 swimming lanes, a diving board, and more. Allied Gardens Park is also nearby and offers a great place for birthday parties and community events. Hiking through Navajo Canyon is another popular pastime of residents living in Allied Gardens.

You can also find plenty of shopping at Village Square, Friar's Village Shopping Center, or Allied Gardens West, which all feature a mix of major retail outlets, local boutiques, and service businesses.

Here is where to find fun things to do in the Allied Gardens San Diego zip code:

Schools in Allied Gardens

Allied Gardens is zoned for the San Diego Unified School District, and the area is served by some of the best schools in the city. There are two elementary schools in Allied Gardens, Foster Elementary School and Marvin Elementary School, as well as Lewis Middle School. All the schools within the neighborhood are highly rated by parents and teachers and offer a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities.

Students in grades 9 through 12 will attend Patrick Henry High School, which is located in between the San Carlos and Del Cerro neighborhoods on Wandermere Ave. With a 98% graduation rate and an AP participation rate of 68%, Patrick Henry High School ranks among the top 300 high schools in California and #1622 in the country, according to US News and World Report. Several well-respected private schools in the area include the Nazareth School and Mission Valley Academy.

San Diego State University is also very close by in the College Area neighborhood on the opposite side of I-8. In addition to the schools, residents can visit the Allied Gardens San Diego library for books and community events.

Is Allied Gardens Safe?

Yes, Allied Gardens is one of the safest neighborhoods in San Diego. The total crime rate is 1,564 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 33% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate is even lower at 183 crimes per 100,000 residents, or 53% lower than the rest of the country. Even the property crime rate is relatively low, with 1,381 crimes per 100,000 residents, making it safer than 29% of communities in the US.

In comparison, the total crime in San Diego is 6% lower than the national average, while the violent crime is 3% lower. Allied Gardens is patrolled by the City of San Diego Police Department. Their website offers more in-depth crime statistics, maps, and other resources.

Allied Gardens, San Diego Real Estate

The Allied Gardens real estate market offers something for everyone, including starter homes and multi-million dollar estates. According to Redfin, the median listing price of homes for sale in Allied Gardens, San Diego is $876,000, with recent sales ranging from $245,000 to $1.2 million. The median price per square foot of Allied Gardens real estate is $596.

You'll also find plenty of options when it comes to Allied Gardens apartments in San Diego, and about 65% of homes are owner-occupied, while tenants occupy 35%. Rentcafe states that the average monthly price of apartments for rent in Allied Gardens San Diego is $2,878. Allied Garden apartments in San Diego, CA, start around $1,200 for a studio and go up to $4,500 for a four-bedroom.

Those planning on moving to Allied Gardens will find a wide range of housing options, including condos, townhomes, and single-family homes in ranch, Spanish revival, and Mid-century modern architectural styles.

Ready to make your upcoming move smooth and stress-free. Trust our award-winning team of skilled movers in Allied Gardens, San Diego to make your journey simple and painless. Call Republic Moving at 619-591-0079 today for a free, personalized moving estimate.

Bill Lovejoy
Bill Lovejoy is the president of Republic Moving and Storage. Purchasing the assets of Republic Relocations in May 2008. In 2008, Republic did $700K of business and today is over $15 Million. Republic was named AMSA’s 2010 Agent of the Year for Service Excellence after only two years in business. Bill is proud that he grew up doing every facet of the business from a local mover, over the road driver, salesperson, operations manager, and general manager. (and just about everything else in between) Before purchasing Republic, Bill was with Bekins Moving and Storage where he served as a Senior Vice President and was a partner. He was responsible for three HHG companies as well as two logistics companies. A proud Father of six children, and a lovely wife, Carol, Bill constantly works to keep a balance between work and family Life. Bills “stress relieving” hobbies include racket ball, basketball, tennis, and golf.
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