Downtown San Diego
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.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.”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.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.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.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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Yolanda Ortega DeRiquer
Yolanda Ortega DeRiquer
Compass
(619) 374-2368
18 Total Sales
3 in Downtown San Diego
$990K - $2.3M Price Range
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Anthony DeGasperis
Anthony DeGasperis
DeGasperis & Associates Real Estate
(858) 221-9768
97 Total Sales
1 in Downtown San Diego
$1,295,000 Price
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Tracee Denby
Tracee Denby
RE/MAX Connections
(858) 348-5234
37 Total Sales
1 in Downtown San Diego
$490,000 Price
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Miguel Contreras
Miguel Contreras
Reign West Collective
(858) 630-6670
72 Total Sales
1 in Downtown San Diego
$609,000 Price
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Jeannine Savory
Jeannine Savory
Responds QuicklyThe Agency
(619) 329-9399
115 Total Sales
6 in Downtown San Diego
$625K - $2.5M Price Range
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Martin Montesano
Martin Montesano
RE/MAX City Real Estate
(619) 831-8598
21 Total Sales
1 in Downtown San Diego
$484,000 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 4 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown San Diego, San Diego over the last 12 months is $665,000.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$665,000
Median Sale Price
$665,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$665,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$303
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,503
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
2003
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,844
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,295
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,442
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
863
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
461
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712
Open Houses
-
Thursday, Jul 3110am - 12pm
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Friday, Aug 13 - 5pm
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Saturday, Aug 212 - 3pm
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
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Golden Hill
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Bankers Hill
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Little Italy
High-energy waterside enclave of downtown San Diego
Grant Hill
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