A calm, historic community near downtown’s attractions
On the northern edge of Downtown San Diego, Cortez Hill sits amid the excitement of a city center with the calm and quiet of a hilltop community. “It’s so close to Downtown and Balboa Park and is just a walk away from Little Italy, but it’s a reprieve from the traffic and tourist spots of the city,” says Scott DeMoss, Broker Owner of SD Real Estate who has worked and lived in San Diego for 20 years. Cortez Hill is one of the city’s most established neighborhoods; its earliest building, the Saint Joseph Cathedral, was built in 1874, and when the namesake El Cortez was constructed in 1927, it was the tallest building in San Diego. Now, these historic structures sit between contemporary mid- and high-rise buildings just a walk away from all that San Diego has to offer. “I like to show my clients a map of the city when talking about Cortez Hill, because they’re always surprised by how close it is to everything,” DeMoss says.
Over the past 2 to 3 years, the Downtown Community Planning Council has also helped facilitate significant commercial growth in Cortez Hill, bringing businesses to the neighborhood's residential streets. "My wife and I have worked here for around 20 years, and it's been great to see new cafes and fitness centers grow and change Cortez Hill," says Jean Paul Schwarz, a board member of the Downtown Community Planning Council and CEO of the real estate brokerage Schwarz Group.
Built in 1927, the El Cortez was the tallest building in San Diego when it opened.
Some streets offer a glimpse of the San Diego bay from Cortez Hill.
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Historic and contemporary condominiums with some townhouses
A blend of historic and contemporary mid- and high-rise condo buildings line Cortez Hill’s streets. Originally built as an opulent hotel in 1927, El Cortez is now a premier condominium and apartment complex with valet service, 24-hour security, and a community pool and fitness center. The one-to-two-bedroom condos here typically range from $380,000 to $790,000, with higher leveled units fetching higher prices; HOA fees also range between $1,040 and $1,112 in monthly fees. At the modern, 22-story Discovery at Cortez Hills, residents can access a heated rooftop pool, 24-hour security services, and a spa and steam room in its fitness center. One-to-two-bedroom condos here range between $570,000 to $1.2 million, with penthouses costing more for their views of El Cortez’s neon sign, the city lights and the ocean.
A handful of 2000s contemporary townhouses are set on the east side of Cortez Hill. These two-to-three-bedroom units feature yellow stucco exteriors, attached garages and private patios on the roofs; prices range from $960,000 to $1.3 million, depending on bedroom count. Craftsman bungalows and Queen Anne-style homes also dot the community, set among area high-rises; however, these rarely come to market, with zero being listed in the last two years.
Artful detail can be found around Cortez Hill's historic buildings.
A Victorian styled home, the John Ginty House, is nestled between contemporary condos.
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Local cafes and nearby dining scenes
A small scattering of eateries and businesses sit within walking distance of Cortez Hill’s residences, but this wasn't always the case. "The Downtown Community Planning Council has made a real effort to expand the commercial presence in El Cortez over the past few years, so many of the commercial spaces have already been bought up," Schwarz says. Comfy chairs and colorful flowers create a cozy atmosphere at Adore Cafe, where locals can enjoy freshly ground coffee with salmon on toast. The family-owned Cocina 35 is a Mexican breakfast spot popular for its wide selection of chilaquiles. The Little Yoga Studio has been here for over 16 years and offers yoga and pilates classes; after a session, yogis can head to the new Kind Coffee next door for coffee and pound cake.
DeMoss says most residents also visit Little Italy and Bankers Hill just a six-block walk from home to explore more dining options. “I always recommend Whetstone in Bankers Hill because it's such a great winery and really off the beaten path,” DeMoss says. For groceries, locals can head to Albertsons in East Village and Ralphs in Downtown, both of which are a mile away.
Cocina 35 is arguably Cortez Hill's most popular restaurant.
Flamin' Pho in Cortez Hill offers fresh sushi options right in the neighborhood.
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Balboa Park’s never-ending events list
Just north of Cortez Hill, the 1,200-acre Balboa Park comes to life with festivals nearly every weekend. “There’s almost always some sort of 5K or arts and crafts event on Saturdays, and when not, you’ll see street performers like magicians, musicians and even acrobats,” DeMoss says. On the first weekend of December, the Spanish Colonial buildings in Balboa Park’s center are strung with colorful lights and festive ornaments for the December Nights event. “It’s an extremely popular event — tens of thousands of people show up for it,” DeMoss says.
Half a million dogs call San Diego home-- Cortez Hill is dog friendly with access to parks.
With close access to Balboa Park's Rose Garden, Cortez Hill residents enjoy this stunning place.
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San Diego High’s career programs
Local kids can attend Washington Elementary, which earns a B from Niche. They can continue to the B-plus-rated Roosevelt International Middle, where they can opt into International Baccalaureate courses. The A-rated San Diego High’s campus neighbors Cortez Hill to the east and offers career-focused curriculums like the Culinary Arts and Management Program.
San Diego High School remains under renovation but still serves greater San Diego.
Theodore Roosevelt Middle School in San Diego serves much of the city.
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Small neighborhood greenspaces and Balboa Park
Hugged by Interstate 5, the 1-acre Tweet Street Park earns its name for the unique birdhouses scattered between its trees. Kids here can take to the playset and swings, and folks can walk their dogs on the park’s lamp-lit, tree-shaded trails. Forming Cortez Hill’s northern border, the 1,200-acre Balboa Park is home to dozens of gardens, museums, and the San Diego Zoo. “People who grew up around here will remember going to Balboa Park’s museums and the zoo on field trips, and as adults, they’ll continue going there to stroll and enjoy being outside,” DeMoss says. The Marston Point section of Balboa Park sits directly next to the neighborhood, and its paved trails and sprawling fields come with scenic views of the San Diego Skyline. “There’s also bocce ball courts and lawn bowling. It’s just a nice, tranquil space,” DeMoss says.
Tweet Street Park is a daily destination for dog owners in Cortez Hill.
Tweet Street Park playground in Cortez Hill is the neighborhood's closest playground.
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Interstate 5 and Cabrillo Freeway access
DeMoss says that getting around San Diego from Cortez Hill is easy and not just because of the area’s lack of traffic. Interstate 5 runs along the neighborhood’s northern edge and intersects with the Cabrillo Freeway here, connecting locals to major roadways heading in all directions. MTS buses also make stops throughout the neighborhood, and Cortez Hill’s broad sidewalks, bike lanes and shared borders with Downtown and the Gaslamp District make it pedestrian-friendly. “It’s an extremely walkable area,” DeMoss says. Scripps Mercy Hospital is 3 miles north, and the San Diego International Airport is only 3 miles west, meaning planes often fly low over the neighborhood.
One way to get around the city are the trolleys that whisk locals and tourists around the city.
Easy access to Balboa Park is one of the highlights of Cortez Hill.
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Important to Know
The CAP Index (Crimes Against Persons, Crimes Against Property) score in Cortez Hill is an overall 10 out of 10, with larceny, burglary, robbery and motor vehicle theft all scoring a 10 out of 10. Most condominium buildings have 24-hour security, and city efforts to introduce affordable housing to combat homelessness also hope to deter crime.
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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.
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Welcome to this stunning remodel with views including the iconic Coronado Bridge from every room in Discovery Cortez Hill! Over $70K in upgrades! Complete kitchen remodel with quartz countertop, waterfall siding, new appliances, stainless chef faucet and shaker cabinets with bevel glass facings and a huge pantry. This unit sits on the 15th floor with 180 views to the south and west and north
Ron FinemaneXp Realty of Southern California, Inc.
PRICED TO SELL! Welcome to Unit 214, an urban sanctuary where modern luxury meets the serene charm of a suburban retreat. This exquisite large canvas one-bedroom, one-bath haven offers a open living space that is exceptionally well sized—with natural light streaming in from the 2nd-floor common terrace—creating an atmosphere of effortless elegance. The sleek, contemporary kitchen, complete with
This chic and modern residence in the heart of Cortez Hill has been recently renovated. Just steps from a beloved neighborhood dog park, the home offers a rare blend of urban living and green space access at the highly desirable Aloft on Cortez Hill. The unit was completely gutted and thoughtfully upgraded with all-new paint, drywall, and luxury finishes. Durable vinyl plank flooring spans the
Chic Urban Retreat in the Iconic El Cortez – Cortez Hill, San Diego Own a piece of San Diego history in the famous El Cortez, a landmark building perched atop charming Cortez Hill. This stylish 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo sits on the 5th floor and offers 628 sq ft of thoughtfully updated living space with a blend of historic character and modern comfort.
AVAILABLE 08/11 for lease 10, 11 or 12 months at Discovery in Cortez Hill, Unit 315 offers a rare blend of modern sophistication and quiet, neighborhood charm in one of downtown San Diego’s most desirable locations. This large two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence features its own private, gated street-level entrance that leads directly up a flight of stairs to a spacious terrace-style
We have a new name! Formerly The Heritage, Gema is a vibrant apartment community in Downtown San Diego’s Cortez Hill neighborhood. Gema’s pet-friendly one- and two-bedroom apartments offer spacious floor plans, ample storage, thoughtful finishes, and all the essentials for city living. Our outdoor pool, spa, and sundeck provide a space to kick back, or sweat it out in our fitness center.
Conveniently located next to Little Italy, I5 Freeway, San Diego Bay, downtown shopping and more! This stylish condominium offers modern living with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on 1063 sq ft of contemporary living space! This elegant Palermo condo unit was built with numerous upgrades and added amenities: 2BD/2BTH Gated, underground parking with TWO reserved spaces and guest parking!
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,825
Median Age
40
Population Density
37 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$78,672
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$100,285
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.8%
College Graduates
53.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
62/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
80/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
