$956,297Average Value$747Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes For Sale
Hillcrest is the buzzing heart of San Diego’s Pride community
Hilcrest is a vibrant center of activity on the north side of San Diego ’s Balboa Park. It’s best known as the hub of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community, marked by the Hillcrest Pride Flag where Normal Street intersects with University Avenue. The neighborhood also hosts the San Diego Pride Parade and CityFest, the city’s largest art and music festival. The neighborhood’s thoroughfares, like University and Fifth avenues, are lined with restaurants and shops, buzzing with activity all day and night.
The iconic Hillcrest neighborhood sign welcomes residents and visitors on University Avenue.
Colorful cafes are a common sight all throughout Hillcrest.
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Hillcrest hosts the San Diego Pride Parade and CityFest
“I describe Hillcrest in one word: vibrant. It’s absolutely buzzing with energy,” says agent Kim Hawley with Compass Real Estate, who’s been selling in the San Diego metro area for 20 years. “People looking in Hillcrest want all the activity and events right outside their front door.” The neighborhood is home to San Diego’s largest concentration of LGBTQ+ businesses and hosts the San Diego Pride Parade every July. The parade starts at the Hillcrest Pride Flag, then proceeds down University Ave and turns toward its finish in Balboa Park. A few weeks later, Hillcrest becomes the celebration ground for CityFest, held every August. During this day-long party, Fifth Avenue is transformed with vendors, live bands and DJ dance parties.
Local musicians have ample opportunity to showcase their talents in Hillcrest.
The Hillcrest Farmers Market assembles every Sunday morning.
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Restaurants on University Avenue and Fifth Avenue
Along with facilitating some of San Diego’s biggest celebrations, Hillcrest’s stretches of University Ave and Fifth Ave are home to tons of restaurants, including:
insideOUT, serving Mediterranean and steaks on a cozy outdoor patio
Cellar Hand, serving elevated American and cocktails
Urban Mo’s, serving food and drinks from brunch until 2 a.m.
Baja Betty’s, serving Mexican classics and known for their margaritas
Mo's is a fabled bar which serves up drinks and food from brunch until 2:00 AM.
Buffalo Exchange is one of many thrift stores Hillcrest is known for.
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Find condos near activity or mansions in Marston Hills
Hillcrest has multiple enclaves offering different living spaces. “Hillcrest itself has a lot of condos, many of them on the newer side,” Hawley says. “There are also old single-family homes here and there.” Condos in Hillcrest cover a wide price range, from the lower $300,000s to over $1.8 million. These range from small, older units to luxurious 2,000-square-foot spaces in modern buildings. Single-family homes include early 1900s Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Revival cottages and contemporary homes, ranging from the lower $800,000s to $1.6 million. Marston Hills is one of the most desired areas in Hillcrest. Buyers there will find a quiet setting close to Balboa Park. “Marston Hills has some of the grandest mansions in San Diego,” Hawley says. “Huge, historic homes with huge, almost suburban lots. It’s absolutely beautiful.” Expansive Spanish-style haciendas and modernist mansions in Marston Hills can cost between $2 million and $4 million.
Craftsman homes represent some of the higher end residential options available in Hillcrest.
Condominiums make up a small percentage of housing stock in Hillcrest.
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Walk to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo
Hillcrest is next to Balboa Park, San Diego’s premier city park. This puts residents closest to the San Diego Zoo, and within a long walk or short drive of the Spanish Village Art Center, a recreation of a Spanish village with art studios, vibrant tile work and opportunities to create some art yourself. The rest of Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres offer trails and recreation spaces for almost any activity.
Hillcrest is located near the magnificent Balboa Park, and is loved by local walkers.
Pet owners revel in Hillcrest's proximity to Balboa Park.
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Quick access to major hospitals and downtown
Hillcrest is home to two major health care facilities: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego and UC San Diego’s expansive Hillcrest Medical Center. Commuters have easy access to Downtown San Diego. Downtown is less than 3 miles south via neighborhood avenues or state Route 163, or by walking to the San Diego MTS Route 120 bus. San Diego International Airport is less than 3 miles away.
The MTS bus service can take residents to Downtown San Diego in minutes.
The commercial district in Hillcrest is very centralized, allowing locals to walk between shops.
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
Are you familiar with the Hillcrest neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Hillcrest
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Hillcrest Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Hillcrest, San Diego sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Hillcrest, San Diego over the last 12 months is $784,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully appointed 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in one of the area’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The high-end kitchen is a true showstopper, featuring premium finishes, top-tier appliances, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator—ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Park in the underground garage with 2 parking spots and a convenient elevator, never dealing with stairs. Two
Welcome to this bright and spacious condo in the desirable Coral Tree complex, just minutes from Balboa Park and Hillcrest. Located on the 13th floor, this light-filled home showcases sweeping northeast-facing views of the mountains and city skyline. The open-concept living and dining area is accented by polished hardwood floors that bring warmth and character throughout. A retro-inspired kitchen
41934th Ave. Corner lot home in excellent location on 4th and Arbor highly sought-after in the heart of Hillcrest Excellent investment for rental opportunity, perfectly suited for Airbnb or traveling nurses walking distance near major hospitals. 1,029 SF on a 3,001 SF LOT ZonedRM-4-10 in the complete communities Low maintenance back yard Plenty of off-street parking 2 Bedroom 1.5 Bath. Has an
Come see where LUXURY meets VALUE!! ** Enjoy urban luxury living at the Atlas, with beautiful sunset, bay, & Downtown views from your private balcony. This thoughtfully updated Hillcrest condo offers one of the most desirable 2-bedroom split-suite layouts in the building, with its private balcony perfectly positioned to take in sweeping bay & downtown views, and stunning sunsets. The open-concept
This beautiful, light-filled corner residence offers over 1,200 sq. ft. of spacious living with unbeatable walkability score to Hillcrest and Balboa Park. Step inside to discover elegant charcoal-gray tile flooring and an updated kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, sleek cabinetry, and modern finishes that elevate the entire space. The open-concept layout provides both functionality and
4152–4164 Bachman Place presents a rare, high-density infill development opportunity in San Diego’s Uptown / Hillcrest medical corridor—one of the city’s most stable and employment-driven submarkets. The site is located one block south of the expanding UCSD Medical Center campus and two blocks from Scripps Mercy Hospital, placing it at the center of a dense concentration of hospitals, medical
Historic, Vintage, Downstairs Apartment in the Heart of Hillcrest/Bankers Hill, Gated Community, OVERSIZED 1 Bed 1 Bath, Newer Kitchen & Bath, Hardwood Floors, Newer Appliances, Air Conditioner, in Unit Washer & Dryer, Storage, 1 Reserved Parking Space. (Please preview this residence prior to submitting an application).
Fully Furnished , Located in heart of San Diego's most walkable neighborhood smack in the middle of Mission Hills and Hillcrest. This charming little one bedroom craftsman cottage was completely remodeled last year including new kitchen and bathroom. You can Move right in to this fully furnished little gem. Easy Walk to 2 major grocery stores, loads of restaurants and bars, and two major
Beautiful, Peaceful, Private, Cozy, UPGRADED, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, APARTMENT, Upstairs in a 8 unit building, Fully Remodeled and move in ready! STREET PARKING ONLY...Excellent condition! Located just steps from Balboa Park, the World Famous San Diego Zoo & the Heart of Hillcrest. Sorry, NO PETS. Immediately Occupancy (Please preview this rental prior to submitting an application).
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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.
