$1,594,877Average Value$938Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes 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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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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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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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.”
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.
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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.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Todd Armstrong,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Kensington Mini Park
Playground
Community Center
Ward Canyon Dog Park
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Normal Heights Open Space
Ward Canyon Neighborhood Park
Basketball
Dog Park
Trails
City Heights Square Mini Park
Picnic Area
Teralta Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
14 min drive
Bus
Camino Del Rio S & Caminito Pintoresco
Bus
El Cajon Bl & I-15 Transit Plaza
Bus
El Cajon Bl & Copeland Av
Bus
Camino Del Rio S & Point Loma Nazerene
Bus
I-15 Centerline Sta & El Cajon Bl
Bus
Adams Av & Biona Dr
Bus
Camino Del Rio S & 4141
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
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Kensington Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kensington, San Diego sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Kensington, San Diego over the last 12 months is $1,650,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Modern Spanish Revival on the coveted Adams Avenue loop in Kensington, thoughtfully reimagined in 2024 by Union Design in collab with Vivo Design Studios in collaboration with Union Architecture. This 1920s gem blends historic charm with luxury upgrades, including a newly built classic white chef’s kitchen with arched windows, high-end appliances, and French doors opening to a private backyard.
Perfectly positioned in the heart of walk-able Kensington, this lovingly maintained 1927 Spanish home blends vintage charm with modern upgrades. Just moments from Stehly Farms Market, local eateries, kensington park and boutique shops. Inside, refinished light oak hardwood floors lead through a sunlit living room with a barrel ceiling, arched entry, and elegant gum-wood trim framing the upgraded
Welcome to your home in the picturesque village of Kensington! This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3 bath residence blends timeless charm with modern comfort with breathtaking canyon views. Enjoy Southern California living at its finest with three decks that let you enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you. The interior is a seamless open layout with oversized windows and abundant natural light.
Rare Mixed-Use Gem in the heart of Kensington Village! Don't miss this unique opportunity to own a beautifully maintained mixed-use property in one of San Diego's most charming neighborhoods. The residential portion features a charming Spanish style home with timeless character-hardwood floors, custom tile and a cozy fireplace. Enjoy the private yard, a one-car garage, separate and spacious
Spanish! Charming bungalow north of Adams on a very quiet street! Formal living and dining rooms and a separate breakfast nook between the dining room and kitchen. Hardwoods throughout, built ins in excellent condition in the unique breakfast nook, hallway, LR and DR. Minor upgrades will make this a classic example of what Kensington represents! Room to expand with its large useable yard and
Rarely available and truly special—this is one of only five detached homes in the highly sought-after Kensington Park Villas. Tucked away in a peaceful, tree-lined setting, this completely renovated residence offers the perfect blend of privacy, style, and nature. Surrounded by lush, park-like landscaping and the calming sound of nearby ponds, it’s a serene retreat just minutes from the heart of
Architecturally Beautiful, Vintage, GROUND FLOOR, PET FRIENDLY in Kensington Heights, 1 Bed 1 Bath, Courtyard, move-in ready, a short walk to 'The Village', Original Hardwood, approximately 450 square feet, cool kitchen and bath, stove, refrigerator, ceiling fans, common area laundry, Street Parking only. (Please preview this rental prior to submitting an application). Surrounded by
Single Level Semi-Custom, Built During the Bungalow Boom, Perched in the Heart of Kensington Heights, All the Charm of a Mid-Century Residence, All the Vintage Fit & Finishes with New and Modern Conveniences of Today, HVAC, SOLAR, Original Hardwood, Period Built-ins, Formal Dining Room, SUNROOM with High Ceilings, Warm Colors & Natural Light, New Washer & Dryer, Indoor/Out Door Connection, Canyon
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Todd Armstrong,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,714
Median Age
47
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$135,186
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$163,367
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.3%
College Graduates
67.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
73/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
38/ 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.
