Downtown San Diego
Neighborhood in San Diego, California
San Diego County 92101
Downtown has multifamily homes and condos
“I’ve been working downtown since ’99 and I always recommend that homebuyers do their own research on the seven different districts here," Kaplan says. "First, drive through all of them at night, to see where you’d feel most comfortable walking everywhere. Second, figure out which building type you prefer. Low-amenity will have maybe a gym, middle-amenity will have a gym, pool, spa, and common areas, and then high-amenity will have all this plus some kind of attendant, whether that’s 24-hour security or a concierge. See and feel what makes sense to you, and what restaurants you want proximity to, rather than just letting an agent sell you.”Because of its density, multifamily properties abound. Kaplan adds, “There are only a few single detached town houses, that actually appear attached. But if you look closely, there’s maybe an inch between them.” Condominium communities also reflect Downtown’s expressive spirit. Bright stucco condos with Spanish Revival influences are found in the coveted Park Row community. In the Watermark development, condos feature rounded windows and luxury balconies. Buyers can expect to spend between $400,000 and $900,000 for most condos. High-end residences such as Pacific Gate range from $1 million to over $2 million.Enjoying community spaces like Embarcadero Park
Residents and tourists routinely explore the busy Embarcadero Park area, a waterside hub for cruise ships, seafood eateries and shopping at the Seaport Village complex. Sidewalks wide enough to welcome 10-across are bordered with pristine green spaces such as Ruocco Park. Bayfront Park trims the water with large lawns, and Instagram-worthy artworks — such as the famous Kissing Statue — decorate the coastline. Quieter retreats include Cesar Chavez Park or the wide-open Martin Luther King Promenade. Locals with children love having the New Children’s Museum and its adjacent park close to home.Learning in the San Diego Unified School District
Public-school students may start at Sherman Elementary and head on to Roosevelt International Middle School. The schools earn B and B-plus ratings, respectively, from Niche. Ninth through 12th graders may attend King Chavez Community High School, which earns a B-minus. The Urban Discovery Academy Charter offers a K-12 option. Says Kaplan, “Downtown can be especially attractive to empty nesters or families without children who want an opportunity to enjoy a non-suburban lifestyle. It’s very much an urban feel. But you do have the ability to walk everywhere, and it’s really all about the type of living you want.”Navigating the area with MTS
Bicycle lanes are found throughout Downtown San Diego as well as stations for public transportation. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, or MTS, provides a light rail alongside Interstates 5 and 8, reaching past Chula Vista to the south. The MTS Orange line extends east through La Mesa, about 13 miles away.Social events and attractions in Downtown San Diego
There’s always something happening in and around the community, from the local Gaslamp Artisan Market to the international Comicon at the massive San Diego Convention Center. On date nights or weekends, locals kick back at Mike Hess Brewing or surround themselves with ocean views at Ketch. Families share meals in Parisian-blue tufted booths at Union Kitchen and Tap.Crime
The area has a CAP Index crime score of 9 out of 10, significantly higher than the national average of 4. The local nonprofit, Downtown San Diego Partnership, works with government leaders to address crime in the community. The 2024 Downtown Safety Plan details safety initiatives such as street light replacement and increased police patrols after dark.
Written By
Lia Girard
Photography Contributed By
Michael Hirsch
Video By
Luke Mancari
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Agne Isidro
Agne Isidro
Innovate Realty, Inc.
(858) 757-8350
65 Total Sales
1 in Downtown San Diego
$455,000 Price
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Tim Diamond
Tim Diamond
Compass
(858) 201-5223
119 Total Sales
1 in Downtown San Diego
$569,000 Price
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Damon Cuccia
Damon Cuccia
Hunter & Maddox Intl. Inc.
(619) 492-5263
10 Total Sales
2 in Downtown San Diego
$810K - $838K Price Range
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Doug Lister
Doug Lister
United Real Estate San Diego
(858) 298-3403
44 Total Sales
1 in Downtown San Diego
$610,000 Price
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Michael Solis
Michael Solis
Keller Williams San Diego Metro
(442) 273-1951
191 Total Sales
1 in Downtown San Diego
$575,000 Price
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Diane Conaway
Diane Conaway
RE/MAX Connections
(760) 536-8650
55 Total Sales
1 in Downtown San Diego
$540,000 Price
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
- K to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- K to 8th
- Public
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Parks in this Area
Children's Park
Bayfront Park
- Trails
- Multi-Purpose Field
Martin Luther King Jr Promenade
Embarcadero Marina Park North
Tuna Harbor Park
Pantoja Park
Ruocco Park
Lane Field Park
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
7 min drive
Subway
5Th Avenue
Subway
Civic Center
Subway
Gaslamp Quarter
Subway
Convention Center
Subway
America Plaza
Train
San Diego (Santa Fe Depot)
Subway
Seaport Village
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Downtown San Diego | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 5 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 8 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 8 | 4 |
| Robbery | 9 | 4 |
| Burglary | 9 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 4 |
| Larceny | 10 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 9 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown San Diego Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown San Diego, San Diego sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown San Diego, San Diego over the last 12 months is $875,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$979,950
Median Sale Price
$875,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$925,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,110,000
Median Studio Sale Price
$315,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
283
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$868
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,840
Number of Homes for Sale
126
Median Year Built
2003
Months of Supply
5.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,844
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,289
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,452
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
864
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
455
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712
Open Houses
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Sunday, Jun 151 - 4pm
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Sunday, Jun 1512 - 3pm
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Sunday, Jun 151 - 4pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Condo Buildings
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
14,003
Median Age
49
Population Density
24 ppl/acre
Population under 18
7.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$97,540
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$134,310
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.7%
College Graduates
51.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.6%
% Population in Labor Force
53%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
83
/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
95
/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
81
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Cortez Hill
A quiet hilltop community within walking distance of downtown and Balboa Park
East Village
Entertainment, dining and high-rise living in downtown San Diego
Golden Hill
This San Diego community is rich in history with a melody of architecture
Bankers Hill
Historic, affluent neighborhood bordered by Downtown San Diego and Balboa Park.
Little Italy
High-energy waterside enclave of downtown San Diego
Grant Hill
Historic community with scenic views of Downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bridge
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