$1,617,528Average Value$944Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Established suburb with historic homes and city amenities
Set 8 miles north of Downtown San Diego, Kensington became one of the city’s first subdivisions in 1910 and remains a popular, active suburban community known for its early 20th-century homes. “Kensington’s most desirable feature is that it’s primarily single-family homes with lawns, which is a real rarity in San Diego,” says Michael Tristani, Broker and Owner of Tristani Real Estate who’s lived in Kensington for 26 years and worked in real estate for 45. Local eateries and businesses line the central Adams Avenue, and immediate access to Interstate 15 and Interstate 8 makes accessing the rest of what San Diego has to offer easy. “Kensington is mid-city, easily accessible and well-maintained, and there are just so many amenities within walking distance of people’s homes,” Tristani says.
Aerial view of a neighborhood in Kensington, with retail and mountains in the distance.
Centered around Adams Avenue, Kensington is a San Diego neighborhood with its own identity.
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Early 20th-century Spanish Revival and midcentury modern homes
As folks walk along Kensington’s sidewalk-lined streets, they can find their neighbors on dog walks, catch views of the surrounding canyons and pass by historic homes beneath towering palm trees. Spanish Revival homes from the 1920s to ‘50s make up the bulk of Kensington’s housing market, and property size and proximity to the canyons can shape price. A one-story Spanish Revival home with privacy hedges, a stone patio and a detached garage can cost $1 million, while a two-story mansion with an outdoor pool overlooking a canyon can cost $3 million. North of Adams Avenue, midcentury modern homes from the 1950s to ‘80s with broad windows and sprawling floorplans come with nature and city views. A two-bedroom home with an attached garage, composition roof and a shaded porch overlooking a canyon can cost $1 million, while a four-bedroom home with a tennis court and tall cypress trees in the front that provide privacy can cost $3.6 million. In the neighborhood's northeast corner, Kensington Park Villas is a gated community of midcentury modern townhouses from the 1970s. All are two stories tall and feature attached garages and gated backyards; a two-bedroom can cost $890,000, while a three-bedroom can go for just over $1 million.
Residential Neighborhood preview with a beautiful front yard with lots of trees.
Residential Neighborhood f
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Local eateries and grocery on Adams Avenue
Along Adams Avenue, a handful of restaurants and cafes sit just a walk away from locals’ homes, says Tristani. Folks can start their day eating fluffy, sugar-coated pancakes underneath the awning at Kensington Cafe. Later in the day, Bleu Boheme’s escargots, rustic decor and candle lighting make it feel like an authentic Parisian bistro. “It’s got a great atmosphere, and it’s always really busy,” Tristani says. A Deep Space offers deep breathing, yoga and hypnosis training and exercises. The family-owned and organic Stehly Farms Market also sits on Adams Avenue and features a farm-to-table deli counter.
Ponce's is a beloved Mexican restaurant frequented by Kensington residents and visitors.
Adams avenue features restaurants, boutiques and a few commercial offices.
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Holiday at Home Parade
For every Memorial Day since 1982, “Kensington’s streets have been filled with kids, dogs and tons of floats for the Holiday at Home Parade,” Tristani says. The event kicks with pancakes at the Kensington Community Church, which has served the community since 1929. Afterward, marching bands, homemade floats and children on tricycles march from Palisades Road to Adams Avenue. Each year, people’s floats and costumes are decorated according to themes that have ranged from kindness to “Back to the Future.”
San Diego Unified schools with fitness and career programs
Local kids can attend Green Elementary, which earns an A from Niche and offers a morning running club to encourage healthy exercise habits. They can continue to A-rated Lewis Middle and then A-rated Patrick Henry High, which offers a career-focused program for future educators called the Teaching Academy.
Benjamin Franklin Elementary is a STEAM academy and serves the Kensington community.
Main building architecture of Patrick Henry High School.
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Mini parks and libraries
Pocket and neighborhood parks are scattered in and around Kensington. Located in the center of the community, the half-acre Kensington Mini Park and its tree-shaded playground sit beside the Kensington-Normal Heights Library, the smallest library in the city. Just across Interstate 15, the 7-acre Ward Canyon Neighborhood Park features a gated, off-leash dog area that’s popular among locals, says Tristani. Folks here can also walk their four-legged friends along the paved, lamp-lit trail that winds around the park’s sprawling lawns.
Kensington Library for those who enjoy reading.
Kensington Park Overlook of parking lot and the entire park in view.
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Immediate interstate access
Kensington’s commuters have direct access to Interstate 8 and Interstate 15, which form the northern and western borders of the neighborhood, respectively. Downtown San Diego sits 8 miles south, and from the MTS bus stops along Adams Avenue, it can take 34 minutes to reach the city center. Kindred Hospital San Diego is 2 miles west and the San Diego International Airport 10 miles south.
Adams Avenue
Aerial shot of all residential single-family homes.
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 Kensington neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Kensington
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Kensington Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kensington, San Diego sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Kensington, San Diego over the last 12 months is $1,600,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step inside this 1936 California Bungalow Featuring Formal Living & Dining Rooms, Original Hardwood Floors, Living Room Fireplace, Modern Updates with Period Finishes, Preserving the Character of Both the Home and the Surrounding Kensington Neighborhood, Vintage Details Like Built-ins, Breakfast Nook and Original Windows Maintain the Residence's Historic Appeal, Move-in Ready, Meticulously
Seller will Carry with $1,250,000 Downpayment...VALUE ADD, Legacy Property, 'Marlborough Arms' is a Unique Vintage Style 11 Unit Rental Community Located in Kensington Heights, One of the Most Vibrant Rental Districts in Metro San Diego. A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity to Acquire the Landmark Income Property Consisting of (SIX) 1 Bed 1 Bath Apartments AND (FIVE) 2 Bed 1 Bath Apartments PLUS
Classic Kensington Spanish - cosmetic fixer-good bones- unlimited potential. Spacious living room with cozy fireplace. Formal dining room & breakfast nook. Hardwood floors through out. Classic built in cabinets. 3 large bedrooms and separate laundry room. Detached 2 car garage. Nice size yard with 5 different fruit trees. Walking distance to the village.
Overlooking the 4 corners of KENSINGTON, this stylish, trendy, spacious 2 story LOFT, $3,200 Rent and $3,200 Deposit, 1 bed + 1 optional Bedroom & 2 Baths, grand open space w/floating staircase, double-height ceilings, newer stainless appliances, soaring windows overlooking Kensington Park on Adams Avenue. Upstairs is the full bedroom/bathroom with large closet and open mezzanine LOFT (Which
Welcome to your cozy retreat in the heart of Kensington! This charming detached ADU studio offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal space for anyone looking to enjoy the vibrant lifestyle of this historic, urban neighborhood.With 560 square feet of well-designed living space, this studio features:- 1 full bathroom (wheelchair accessible)- New
Discover the charm of Kensington living in this beautifully situated 1-bedroom, 1-bath rental in one of San Diego’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Tucked along the iconic, tree-lined streets of this historic enclave, the home offers the perfect blend of classic character and modern convenience. Just steps away from the heart of Adams Avenue, enjoy a walkable lifestyle with easy access to local
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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.
