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It's easy to fall in love with the beautiful, accepting neighborhood of Hillcrest in San Diego, California. As a prominent LGBTQ+ community, Hillcrest offers a rich and inclusive culture where vibrant community gatherings are common, and the people are exceptionally kind. From hosting the annual Gay Pride Parade to one of the best restaurant scenes in Southern California, Hillcrest is a hub of diversity and celebration.
The neighborhood is dotted with gorgeous homes along colorful, welcoming streets. You'll find charming cafes, unique boutiques, and lively bars that add to the area's exciting atmosphere. And don't forget the iconic Hillcrest sign, a beloved landmark that proudly marks the heart of this wonderful community.
If living in Hillcrest, San Diego piques your interest, welcome to a place where you truly belong.
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Where Is Hillcrest?
You know of those living in San Diego, a southern California hot spot, but where is Hillcrest in San Diego? Fabulous Hillcrest is centrally located in San Diego, just a few miles north of the bustling downtown San Diego area. Nestled in the Uptown district, this neighborhood is bordered by other incredible San Diego neighborhoods like Mission Hills to the northwest, Bankers Hill and Balboa Park to the south, University Heights to the north, and North Park to the east. With an area of approximately 1.5 square miles, the Hillcrest San Diego zip code is 92103, making it a compact but vibrant community. The Hillcrest San Diego area code is 619.
Directions to Hillcrest in San Diego CA are often simple with its proximity to major thoroughfares like State Route 163 and primary streets such as University Avenue and Washington Street. The neighborhood boasts excellent public transportation options through the San Diego Public Transportation System.
Hillcrest sits among lush canyons and natural features like Vermont Canyon and Richmond Canyon, providing scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The iconic Hillcrest sign welcomes visitors and residents alike, marking the center of this beloved community. With its proximity to both urban amenities and the scenic San Diego Bay, Hillcrest offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, setting it apart from many other San Diego suburbs.
Map of Hillcrest San Diego
From discovering local favorites like the Hillcrest Farmers Market along Normal Street to locating the many restaurants, parks, bars, and nightclubs, this Hillcrest San Diego map is your guide to exploring all that this alluring neighborhood has to offer.
History of Hillcrest San Diego
The area now known as Hillcrest was once a vast, chaparral-covered landscape inhabited by the Kumeyaay people. Significant development began in 1870, spearheaded by Mary Kearney, leading to its transformation into a suburban shopping hub for downtown San Diego by the 1920s. The neighborhood's identity was further solidified with the erection of the world-famous "HILLCREST" sign in 1940, a gift from the Hillcrest Women's Association.
The 1970s marked Hillcrest's emergence as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, highlighted by the first city-permitted gay pride parade in 1975. The installation of the Hillcrest Pride Flag in 2012 at University Avenue and Normal Street reinforced this vibrant community’s spirit.
Today, Hillcrest thrives as a diverse and inclusive neighborhood with a population of approximately 11,118 and a median age of about 38 years. The median household income stands at around $125,000, and many residents are well-educated, with 42% of local residents holding college degrees.
The racial and ethnic composition is diverse, with 56% White, 20.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 5.4% of some other race, 3.3% of two or more races, 3.2% Black, and 2.6% American Indian residents.
What’s It Like Living in Hillcrest?
Curious about what Hillcrest is known for?
Living in Hillcrest, San Diego, feels like being part of a vibrant mosaic, each piece adding to the neighborhood’s colorful, inclusive, and urban charm. This lively area is perfect for those who thrive in an active, social environment. Imagine strolling along tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly streets, surrounded by a mix of trendy cafes, unique boutiques, and various dining spots that cater to every palate. The community is a dynamic blend of young professionals, singles, millennials, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, creating an inclusive and energetic atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. It's also an enticing suburban shopping area!
Hillcrest is a very walkable neighborhood, making daily life a breeze, allowing residents to accomplish errands on foot while enjoying the neighborhood's eclectic charm. Hillcrest San Diego nightlife scene is renowned for being vibrant and fun, with numerous bars, clubs, and live entertainment venues to keep the social scene buzzing. Families are drawn to Hillcrest for its proximity to excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities, making it a great place to raise children.
The neighborhood's strong sense of community is evident in its frequent local events, farmers markets, and endless Hillcrest events, fostering a supportive and close-knit environment. Overall, living in Hillcrest means enjoying the best of an urban environment while being part of a welcoming and diverse community.
Things to Do in Hillcrest – Best Restaurants, Attractions & Shopping
Your new-favorite neighborhood offers a plethora of activities, dining options, and shopping experiences that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's always fun things to do in Hillcrest!
Best Restaurants in Hillcrest San Diego
One of the highlights of Hillcrest is its eclectic dining scene. For breakfast lovers, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery is a must-visit. Known for its creative twists on classic breakfast dishes and its bright atmosphere, it’s a great place to start your
If you're in the mood for Mexican cuisine, Ortega’s Mexican Bistro offers a delightful menu featuring Baja-style fare, perfect for both casual meals and festive gatherings.
For a more upscale dining experience, Hash House A Go Go serves generous portions of American cuisine with a unique twist, making it a favorite for both brunch and dinner. Try out Aladdin restaurant Hillcrest San Diego to delight your taste buds with authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean food.
Additionally, the neighborhood is a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, featuring local breweries where you can enjoy a refreshing pint.
Attractions and Fun Things to Do in Hillcrest
Hillcrest is rich with attractions that appeal to all ages. The famed Hillcrest Farmers Market, held every Sunday on Normal Street, is a local favorite, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisan foods, and unique crafts. It’s a great spot to mingle with the community and support local ven
Hillcrest also hosts the Hillcrest Block Party, an exciting pride event that brings together residents and visitors for a day of fun and entertainment.
For those interested in history and culture, the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Museum of Us provide fascinating exhibits that are both educational and entertaining. If you're looking for outdoor activities, Balboa Park, just south of Hillcrest, is the largest urban cultural park with 1,200 acres of beautiful gardens, museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park, one of the best parks in San Diego, also features numerous performing arts venues where you can enjoy live music and theater performances.
Hillcrest is also known for its vibrant community events. The Hillcrest Cityfest, an annual celebration, draws thousands of visitors for a day filled with art, music, and food. For art lovers, Hillcrest boasts several arts venues showcasing local and international artists.
Shopping in Hillcrest
When it comes to shopping, there’s a variety of stores in Hillcrest San Diego to satisfy any retail therapy need. The Hub Hillcrest Market on University Avenue and Village Hillcrest are modern retail centers with a mix of shops and dining options. For those who love unique and vintage finds, Flashbacks and Buffalo Exchange offer a variety of trendy thrift stores and consignment items.
These diverse offerings make this a dynamic neighborhood with something for everyone. Whether you're exploring its vibrant dining scene, visiting its many attractions, or indulging in a bit of shopping, Hillcrest promises an enriching experience for all.
Here’s where to find the many fun things to do in Hillcrest San Diego:
Hillcrest is served by the San Diego Unified School District. Within the neighborhood borders, Florence Elementary School provides education for younger children. For older students, Roosevelt International Middle School and San Diego High School, located just outside Hillcrest, serve the community's needs. For more information on the school district and its offerings, you can visit the San Diego Unified School District website.
In addition to public schools, Hillcrest also has several private school options such as Francis Parker School and Montessori School of San Diego, providing parents with alternative educational choices.
For students and others in the community, the local San Diego Public Library offers a wealth of resources and programs.
Is Hillcrest Safe?
Hillcrest stands as a generally safe neighborhood, but with a high population density, its crime rate is higher than San Diego crime rate averages as a whole. According to the San Diego Police Department, the neighborhood has reported 151 total crimes against persons, 404 crimes against property, and 106 crimes against society this year, highlighting ongoing improvements in safety with a 13% decrease in crimes against persons and a 22% decrease in crimes against society. Hillcrest typically doesn't make the list of either the most dangerous or safest neighborhoods in San Diego.
From upscale apartments and beautiful single-family homes to mansions featuring ornate Spanish Renaissance architecture, there's a unique variety of housing options. Needless to say, the Hillcrest San Diego real estate market is competitive and rather expensive compared to other U.S. neighborhoods.
As of May 2024, the median sale price of homes for sale in Hillcrest San Diego was $823,000 or $1,000/square foot, showing an increase of 11.9% compared to the previous year. This makes Hillcrest slightly more affordable compared to the broader San Diego area, where the median home price is $980,000.
For those interested in single-family homes, the median price in Hillcrest stands at $1,185,250. Condos and co-ops are also popular options, with a median sale price of $760,000.
The rental market in Hillcrest is also dynamic, offering various options for renters. Hillcrest San Diego apartments average $2,618/month with an average apartment size of 698 square feet. This is slightly lower than the average rent in San Diego, which is $2,934 for an average apartment size of 873 square feet. In comparison to the national average rent of $1,713, Hillcrest's rental prices are significantly higher, reflecting its desirable location and vibrant community.
As you can see, there are many joys to moving to Hillcrest. When your time comes to move to or from our special neighborhood, our team of the best Hillcrest movers is eager to help. We’ll make sure your transition is smooth and stress-free, allowing you to focus on the exciting parts of settling into a new home! Call us today at 619-591-0079 for a free, no-hassle quote.
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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