The Aspens, a three-story condominium complex built in 1984, offers a tranquil living experience in the vibrant El Cerrito neighborhood of San Diego. With 57 units spread across its modest footprint, this gated community provides a blend of comfort and convenience. Located just minutes from San Diego State University, The Aspens caters to a diverse mix of residents, from students to young professionals and small families. The building's simple stucco exterior belies the thoughtful amenities and spacious layouts within, making it a hidden gem in this bustling college area.
Spacious layouts with modern upgrades
The Aspens offers a range of floor plans to suit various needs, from cozy one-bedroom units to more spacious two-bedroom layouts. The one-bedroom units, approximately 800 square feet, provide a comfortable living space with one bathroom. For those requiring more room, the two-bedroom units range from 1,123 to 1,200 square feet, each featuring two bathrooms and selling for $480,000 to $494,000.
Many units have undergone recent renovations, boasting modern touches that elevate the living experience. Kitchens in updated units feature white shaker cabinets with self-closing drawers, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Some homes showcase elegant upgrades like Italian marble countertops and wood laminate flooring throughout, with Italian tile in the bathrooms.
The open-concept layouts maximize space and light, with generous-sized bedrooms often situated on opposite ends of the unit for enhanced privacy. Large closets with sliding doors and ample hallway storage add to the practicality of these homes. Most units come equipped with in-unit laundry, central air conditioning, and heating for year-round comfort.
A standout feature of many units is the private balcony or patio, accessible through sliding glass doors from both the living room and master bedroom. These outdoor spaces offer a perfect spot for enjoying San Diego's pleasant climate and, in some cases, provide views of the surrounding area. End units on upper floors may boast larger balconies, ideal for entertaining or creating a personal outdoor oasis.
Energy efficiency is a priority in many updated units, with features such as new dual-pane windows, LED lighting, reverse osmosis water filtration systems, and smart home thermostats. These thoughtful upgrades not only enhance comfort but also contribute to lower utility costs.
Comfort and security in a well-maintained community
The Aspens offers a range of amenities designed to enhance residents' quality of life. At the heart of the community is a sparkling pool and spa, recently replastered to ensure a refreshing and relaxing experience. The gated entry provides an added layer of security, complemented by a state-of-the-art security camera system and new LED lighting in the parking lot.
For convenience, the complex features elevators, making it easy for residents to access upper-floor units. The building is pet-friendly, welcoming furry companions under 35 pounds. Each unit comes with an assigned covered parking spot, a valuable asset in an area where parking can be challenging. For those with additional vehicles, there's an option to rent an extra parking space for a small fee.
The community's well-maintained grounds create a pleasant atmosphere, with lush landscaping and soaring palm trees adding to the aesthetic appeal. Recent upgrades to common areas demonstrate the proactive management of the homeowners' association, ensuring that The Aspens remains a desirable place to call home.
Inside the units, residents enjoy a range of modern conveniences. Most homes come equipped with dishwashers, disposals, microwaves, and full-size refrigerators. The inclusion of in-unit washers and dryers in many apartments adds an extra layer of convenience to daily life.
For those who enjoy outdoor living, the complex offers ample space for relaxation and socializing around the pool area. The combination of these amenities creates a comfortable, resort-like atmosphere within the bustling college area, providing residents with a peaceful retreat to call home.
A vibrant mix of college town energy and residential charm
El Cerrito, meaning "little hill" in Spanish, is a diverse and eclectic neighborhood that seamlessly blends the energy of a college town with the comfort of a residential area. The Aspens sits at the heart of this vibrant community, offering residents easy access to a wide array of amenities, dining options, and entertainment.
Just across the street, The Living Room Cafe serves as a popular local hangout, perfect for studying or catching up with friends over coffee. For grocery shopping, residents have several convenient options. A Vons supermarket is a short 10-minute walk away, offering a full range of groceries and household items. For those seeking budget-friendly options, Grocery Outlet is about a 20-minute walk, providing discounted brand-name products.
El Cajon Boulevard, a major artery through the neighborhood, is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and services. Here, residents can find everything from fast-food chains like Burger King and Popeyes to local favorites such as El Tio's Restaurant, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. For those craving variety, SAN DIEGO FRIES offers a unique twist on classic comfort food.
The neighborhood's proximity to San Diego State University infuses the area with a youthful, dynamic atmosphere. This influence is evident in the range of affordable dining options and the presence of college-oriented businesses. However, El Cerrito maintains a distinct residential character, with tree-lined streets and a mix of architectural styles ranging from charming mid-century homes to modern apartment complexes.
For outdoor enthusiasts, several parks are within easy reach. Clay Park, a 15-minute walk from The Aspens, offers a green space for relaxation and recreation. Montezuma Park, slightly farther at a 20-minute walk, features picnic areas, trails, playgrounds, and a multi-purpose field, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Shopping options abound in the area. University Square, a 15-minute walk away, offers a variety of retail stores and services. For those willing to drive, larger shopping centers like the Marketplace at The Grove are about a 40-minute drive, providing access to major retailers and department stores.
The neighborhood's educational facilities are another draw for families and students alike. Clay Elementary School, Mann Middle School, and Crawford High School are all within a short 5-minute drive, making The Aspens an attractive option for families with school-age children.
El Cerrito's unique character is further enhanced by its multicultural dining scene. From Greek cuisine at Elsa's Kitchen to the diverse offerings at Brothers Family Restaurant, residents can embark on a culinary journey without leaving their neighborhood. This fusion of cultures and cuisines contributes to the area's vibrant, eclectic atmosphere.
For fitness enthusiasts, the neighborhood offers several options. MVMNT Studio and KettleFlex Fitness are both within a 15-minute walk, providing convenient locations for workouts. Those seeking more extensive facilities can find a 24 Hour Fitness about a 50-minute drive away.
Overall, El Cerrito offers a unique blend of college town energy and residential charm. Its diverse dining options, convenient shopping, and proximity to educational institutions make it an attractive location for a wide range of residents, from students to young professionals and families.
Well-connected with multiple transit options
The Aspens benefits from its strategic location in El Cerrito, offering residents a variety of transportation options that make navigating San Diego convenient and efficient. The area's transportation infrastructure caters well to those who prefer public transit, as well as those who rely on personal vehicles.
For bus commuters, the options are plentiful and conveniently located. The El Cajon Bl & 59th St bus stop is just a minute's walk from The Aspens, serving the Fashion Valley - La Mesa line. This proximity allows residents to quickly access public transportation for their daily commutes or leisure trips. Another nearby option is the College Av & El Cajon Bl bus stop, a short 5-minute walk away. This stop serves two lines: SDSU - Cuyamaca College and Spring Valley - SDSU, providing direct access to the university and surrounding areas.
Light rail enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the San Diego Trolley system. The SDSU Transit Center, serving the Green Line, is about a 25-minute walk or a quick 5-minute drive from The Aspens. This connection opens up easy access to downtown San Diego and other key areas of the city. For those needing to access the Orange Line, the Lemon Grove Depot is a 10-minute drive away, further expanding transit options.
Residents who prefer to drive will find The Aspens conveniently situated between two major freeways, Interstate 8 and State Route 94. This strategic location allows for easy access to other parts of San Diego, including downtown and the beaches, typically within a 15 to 20-minute drive, traffic permitting.
For air travelers, San Diego International Airport is approximately 8 miles away, about a 15-minute drive under optimal traffic conditions. This proximity makes The Aspens an attractive option for frequent flyers or those who often host out-of-town guests.
Cyclists will find the area somewhat challenging due to the hilly terrain and limited dedicated bike lanes. However, the neighborhood's relatively quiet residential streets can provide alternative routes for those comfortable with urban cycling.
Walking is a viable option for many daily needs, with numerous amenities within a 15 to 20-minute walk. The area's grid layout and sidewalked streets contribute to its walkability, though some may find the terrain occasionally challenging.
The combination of these transportation options makes The Aspens an excellent choice for those who value connectivity and ease of movement. Whether commuting to work, heading to class at SDSU, or exploring all that San Diego has to offer, residents have multiple convenient options at their disposal.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
5/ 10
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
29/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
84/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
56/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Clay Park
1 min drive
Montezuma Park
2 min drive
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Colina del Sol Park
3 min drive
College Area Community Garden
3 min drive
Wightman Street Neighborhood Park
4 min drive
Rolando Park
4 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Parking Lot
Sunshine Park
4 min drive
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Vista La Mesa Park
6 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Playground
Chollas Lake Park Gloria's Mesa
8 min drive
Lake
Picnic Area
Playground
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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