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Are you looking for a centrally located, walkable neighborhood in San Diego, CA, close to everything the city has to offer? You'll fall in love with University Heights! This community offers the quintessential Southern California lifestyle near downtown, the beach, Balboa Park, and San Diego State University. It's one of the most popular neighborhoods in San Diego for millennials!
Here's what you're going to love about living in University Heights, San Diego.
Table of Contents
Where Is University Heights in San Diego?
University Heights is located in Central San Diego, just north of the downtown San Diego. It's bordered by the neighborhoods of Hillcrest to the west, North Park and Normal Heights to the east, and Mission Valley to the north. Residents enjoy easy access to major highways, including California 163 (the Cabrillo Freeway) to the west, I-805 to the east, and I-8 to the north.
Adams Avenue and Park Boulevard are the main thoroughfares in the neighborhood. It's bounded by Texas Street on the east and Lincoln Avenue on the south. The community is well-served by public transportation including MTS Rapid 215 route between SDSU and Downtown via Park Blvd and El Cajon Blvd. It’s also served by MTS Bus 11, originating from the SDSU Transit Center, and MTS Bus 6, originating from 30th Street.
It's less than four miles from University Heights to Downtown San Diego. It’s also within five minutes of the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
University Heights San Diego Map
University Heights History & Overview
University Heights boasts a rich history dating back to the 1880s when it was established as a streetcar suburb of San Diego'. This historic district is one of the oldest in San Diego, CA. The neighborhood was named after a plan to build a new university in the area, which ultimately did not materialize. However, the name stuck, and the community grew around this early vision. The land intended for the new university was later used for the State Normal School, a predecessor to the San Diego State College (SDSC).
The University Heights Historical Society has helped ensure many historical landmarks in the community have received historical designations, including:
Trolley Barn Park, where a large trolley car barn was built in 1913 to store and service hundreds of trolleys.
Mission Cliff Gardens landmarks such as the 700-foot-long cobblestone wall with dozens of six-foot masonry piers, the lily pond wall, and the former entrance
Old Trolley Stop drinking fountain, the former waiting station for streetcar number 11 that came from downtown.
The San Diego Cable Railway opened a five-mile park called The Bluffs at Park Boulevard and Adams Avenue. For decades, the area was known for its greenery and streetcars. The park at the end of Adams and North was used by the San Diego Cable Railway beginning in 1888 and then by the Citizen’s Traction Company, and the San Diego Electric Railway to get riders from downtown to University Heights.
When the railway company was sold, The Bluffs became Mission Cliffs Garden, an impressive attraction that eventually included a shooting gallery. There was even an ostrich farm where people rode ostriches and bought their feathers.
The entire park became housing after the development of nearby Balboa Park. In 1929, the ostriches were transported to the San Diego Zoo. Today, you'll see “hidden” ostriches on plaques and signs throughout the neighborhood.
Today, the University Heights neighborhood is home to 16,500 people in 8,800 households. The community has a very low share of children and older adults: young adults between 25 and 34 account for 34.5% of the population. The median age is 36 with a median household income of $56,031. The racial and ethnic composition of the neighborhood is 59% white, 24% Hispanic, 6.5% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 4.4% two or more races.
University Heights is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood offering historic charm, unique character, a welcoming atmosphere, and a central location close to the best attractions in San Diego. Mission Beach is just a short drive away and Balboa Park is easily within reach by bike. University Heights is a laidback area that’s very walkable and bicycle-friendly. Most of the activities happen along Park Blvd and Adams Ave.
The community has more than a convenient location to offer; it's home to many local boutique shops, eateries, and coffee shops. The University Heights Community Association (UHCA) organizes community events, publishes a local paper, and hosts free concerts in the summer with local artists. Paid memberships, business advertising, donations, and grants support the association’s efforts to beautify the neighborhood and support its residents.
You'll find plenty to do while living in University Heights, San Diego. The community has a vibrant local dining and cafe scene, with great restaurants serving everything from gourmet cuisine to casual bites. It's also home to many locally owned boutiques and places to shop for unique finds.
Shopping
La Loupe Vintage is a vintage clothing store where you can always find something fun and unique. The Cave of Wonders is another unique local shop. This metaphysical curiosity shop has jewelry, minerals and crystals, tarot cards, and other cool finds.
Eden is a plant nursery and gift shop with interior and exterior plants and pots plus landscaping and garden maintenance services. They recently closed their University Heights location and now operate out of a nearby North Park location.
One of the main things the area is known for is its food scene. You can walk down Park Blvd and check out great places to eat or grab a drink. Park & Rec is a quirky hipster hangout with cocktails and bean bag toss. Bahn Thai is a fantastic Thai spot known for its fresh ingredients and authentic dishes. The Kairoa Brewing Company is affiliated with several New Zealand restaurants in the area and has a large rooftop deck.
There are many local cafes where you can grab a coffee and small bites before work or after a jog. Two of the most popular are Meraki Cafe, with matcha or lavender lattes and acai bowls, and Lestat's, which is open 24/7 and features live entertainment and poetry readings.
The Old Trolley Barn Park is one of two main parks in the community, and it's the main gathering spot for neighbors. There's a new playground and free concerts every Friday during the summer. You'll always see families and young adults in the park doing yoga, enjoying the sunshine, or reading a book.
After moving to University Heights, families are served by the San Diego Unified School District. The area is zoned for three neighborhood schools:
Birney Elementary School
Roosevelt Middle School
San Diego High School
Students can attend a school other than their assigned neighborhood school through the School Choice program. You can explore San Diego schools here with information about magnet programs, charter schools, and choice priorities.
The Charter School of San Diego (CSSD) is just outside the neighborhood in the North Park community and serves grades 6 to 12. Families can also choose from a variety of nearby private schools, such as:
San Diego State University (SDSU) and Higher Education
San Diego State University (SDSU) is just eight miles east of University Heights. Many people living in University Heights are SDSU faculty, students, or graduates. The large public university has had a prominent role in the neighborhood for 125 years.
Is University Heights, San Diego Safe?
University Heights is one of the safest places to live in San Diego. In 2023, there were only 429 crimes reported in the neighborhood, according to the San Diego Police Department. The most common offenses in the neighborhood were:
Destruction of property: 60
Other larceny or theft: 57
Theft from a motor vehicle: 52
Motor vehicle theft: 47
Simple assault: 38
Burglary: 32
Aggravated assault: 29
Impersonation: 19
Driving under the influence: 17
301 of the 429 offenses in 2023 were property crimes. There were 75 crimes against persons and 53 crimes against society.
Our complete guide lets you learn more about the San Diego crime rate and crime by neighborhood.
Prospective buyers will find University Heights has a range of housing options including upscale single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments. The median home price in the neighborhood is $1.04 million. It’s one of the most expensive neighborhoods in San Diego; million-dollar homes are the norm. You’ll pay about $867 per square foot.
As a renter, you’ll pay an average rent of $2,639 in University Heights, according to Rentcafe, lower than the San Diego average of $2,935. Apartments in the area include Parkline North Park and One Mississippi.
Is moving to University Heights in your future? Republic Moving & Storage can help with a stress-free moving process and a full-service team of friendly movers. Call the best University Heights movers today at (619) 591-0079 for a free moving quote and 5-star customer service!
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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