$744,916Average Value$762Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes For Sale
The largest Little Italy nationwide
Stretching 48 blocks between Interstate 5 and the North San Diego Bay, Little Italy is a hip, walkable downtown San Diego neighborhood just north of downtown’s core. Six outdoor piazzas evoke an open-air European ambiance, and locals stroll Italian eateries, urban wineries, galleries and independent shops. Old and new pop art, portrait and interpretive murals wash the neighborhood in thrilling colors while mosaic fountains and sculptures of Italian legends adorn public places. “The vibe here is similar to Manhattan or the Wharf District in San Francisco. You walk out your door and the neighborhood's just vibrating with energy," says Kevin Sheedy, broker with Kevin Sheedy Realty who’s been selling homes in the area since 1989. "The bad news is you might not have a parking space, but the good news is you probably won’t even need a car.”
This historic neighborhood dates back to the early 1900s, when as many as 6,000 Italian and Portuguese immigrants settled here and pioneered San Diego's tuna industry. In the community’s heart, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church has been a social and cultural fulcrum since the 1920s. Today, it’s the largest "Little Italy" enclave in the country. Residents here spend their days exploring the twice-weekly Mercato farmers market, biking along the bayfront or enjoying some of San Diego’s finest delis and pizzerias.
Little Italy brings the best of Italian culture to the heart of San Diego.
Bella Vita Fest in Little Italy sees crowds forming early to admire the colorful chalk art.
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Authentic Italian and Top Chef cuisine
India Street runs north-south through the neighborhood's center, lined with restaurants and sidewalk cafes that glow with string lights in the evening. Nonna’s is known for authentic Sicilian comfort food; Landini's Pizzeria serves up pies, slices and paninis; and Mona Lisa Italian Foods includes an old-school deli and gourmet market experience.
West of India Street, Kettner Boulevard is nicknamed Top Chef Alley, as many of its restaurants are owned by former competitors on "Top Chef." For instance, The Crack Shack is the flagship fried-chicken shop of show alum Richard Blais, and down the block is Brian Malarkey's upscale Mediterranean restaurant, Herb & Wood. Established on Kettner Boulevard in 1933, The Waterfront Bar and Grill is San Diego's oldest tavern, and it remains popular for its happy hour and bar bites.
The vibrant, public Piazza della Famiglia, a 10,000-square-foot cobblestone plaza, connects India and Columbia streets. Here, Little Italy Food Hall has seven local vendors, including Bobboi Natural Gelato. The plaza often hosts concerts, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Little Italy Mercato farmer’s market. Locals pick up groceries at the farmers market, Mona Lisa’s or Albertsons 2.5 miles east in East Village.
Vincenzo in Little Italy offers authentic meals with a welcoming outdoor dining area.
Born and Raised, a standout restaurant in Little Italy, serves a delicious upscale menu.
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Bayshore Bikeway and Italian-style bocce ball in Amici Park
On the neighborhood's western side, the 12-acre Waterfront Park stretches along North San Diego Bay. In addition to its open grassy area, the park features a rubber-cushioned playground, themed gardens and interactive fountains. The nearby Maritime Museum of San Diego showcases restored ships and the world’s oldest active sailing ship, Star of India, open for public tours. Bayshore Bikeway combines off-street and designated on-street sections that wrap for 24 miles from Bird Rock Coffee in Little Italy all the way around the bay, up The Strand to Coronado. Amici Park in the southeast corner pulls together an amphitheater, AMICIBAR coffee stand, enclosed Little Italy Dog Park and two bocce ball courts — home of the Little Italy Bocce Ball Club and Bayside Bocce Ball Tournament.
Bayshore Bikeway near Little Italy offers scenic cycling with stunning San Diego Bay views.
Pups wag their tails at Little Italy Dog Park, located within the charming Amici Park.
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Luxury condos run the market, unhoused considerations
Modern mid- and high-rise condos and apartments comprise Little Italy’s residential stock, many built above the shops and eateries. Condos start at $500,000 and can reach $975,000 depending on size and views. Lofts with industrial-style interiors built between 2003 and 2007 range from $1.3 to $1.5 million. Abundant hotels and outdoor areas attract both tourists and the city of San Diego’s rising population of unhoused people, numbering more than 3,400 in May of 2024. As of September 2024, Mayor Todd Gloria’s April 2024 proposal to transform a 65,000-square foot warehouse on Kettner Boulevard to accommodate the unhoused is still in discussion with City Council.
The area's overall CAP Index Crime Score is 7 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4. Little Italy scores a 9 out of 10 in both motor vehicle theft and larceny, both of which are again higher than the national average of 4.
Condos above shops in Little Italy create a lively mix of living and local commerce.
Live above vibrant restaurants in Little Italy, blending comfort and great food below.
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Specialized San Diego High academies
San Diego Unified School District gets an A on Niche, and all three public schools in Little Italy’s pipeline earn a B. Kids may start school at the STEAM magnet Washington Elementary, before moving on through Roosevelt International Middle and San Diego High School of Science & Technology. San Diego High, the oldest school in San Diego County, offers specialized academies for medtech, geotech and finance. Just a mile northeast, the private Museum School for kindergarten through eighth grade gets an A-minus, and is popular for immersive field trips that engage the city as a living classroom.
Washington Elementary in Little Italy fosters academic excellence in its students.
San Diego High, located near Little Italy, offers a strong academic foundation for students.
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Flagship Ferry leads to Coronado
Little Italy is bordered on the east by Interstate 5. India Street leads 2 miles south to the Gaslamp Quarter, the heart of downtown San Diego. The neighborhood's County Center/Little Italy station serves the Surf Line, a coastal railroad connecting San Diego and Orange County, and the Flagship Ferry, which departs from North Harbor Street, carries pedestrians and cars to the beach at Coronado. Two hospitals, Scripps Mercy on Fifth Avenue and UC San Diego Health's Hillcrest Medical, are both within a 2-mile radius. The San Diego International Airport is 2 miles away via North Harbor Drive.
Trolley-like buses make it easy to explore Little Italy and beyond.
The Santa Fe Depot, located near Little Italy, offers convenient train and trolley access.
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Two-day Taste of Italy and Christmas Village
Every June, Taste of Little Italy offers a two-night, 48-block sampling of restaurants across the community with purchase of a $55 Taste Passport. In 2024, Little Italy celebrates its 25th anniversary Tree Lighting and Christmas Village event. “We close the street down and it’s pretty intense,” says Dianne Serna, administrator with Little Italy Association. “It’s our last event of the year on December 7th and we have a Christmas Village where you can purchase holiday items and food, then we do a countdown to the tree lighting.” Music, Santa and hot cocoa enhance the festive flair.
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 Little Italy neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Little Italy
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Little Italy Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Little Italy, San Diego sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Little Italy, San Diego over the last 12 months is $710,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience urban living at its best in this beautifully maintained condo located in the heart of Little Italy—one of San Diego’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. This residence features laminate flooring throughout, an open-concept layout, and modern finishes that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy resort-style amenities including a sparkling pool, fitness center, secured entry,
Move-in ready Little Italy loft with dual terraces & skyline views! Step into urban sophistication in this immaculate, top-floor, loft-style one-bedroom home in the coveted Village Walk community at the heart of Little Italy. This beautifully enriched residence boasts 20-foot soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and hardwood and tile flooring throughout the main level. The open-concept
Discover sophisticated urban living in this beautifully appointed 1BR/1BA at Breeza, one of Downtown’s best addresses. Perfectly positioned between the vibrant energy of Little Italy and San Diego Bay—steps from the Star of India, parks, fountains, world-class dining, boutiques, and the marina—this residence delivers unmatched walkability and a true coastal-city lifestyle. Inside, a bright and
Experience trendy Little Italy living at "The Titan": a unique four-story, 2Bed/2Bath condo/loft created by iconic architect and developer Jonathan Segal FAIA. It is freshly painted, has full sized washer & dryer, 1 parking spot in gated area, partially furnished (sofa, living room TV credenza, wine fridge, electric stove, microwave, fridge, stainless steal kitchen table, bedroom dresser & queen
Jose Martija
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Instrata Little Italy offers studio, one-, and two-bedroom residences in one of San Diego’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. Nestled steps from the Piazza della Famiglia—the heart of Little Italy—you’ll be surrounded by award-winning dining destinations including Herb & Wood, Juniper & Ivy, and Born & Raised.Beyond our iconic location, Instrata blends modern style with boutique comfort.
This sophisticated furnished residence at the desired DOMA complex offers an open-concept layout with contemporary and industrial finishes, blending comfort and style throughout. Facing west, this unit showcases stunning views of the harbor. The main level features a an updated modern kitchen, new appliances, and a spacious living room that opens to a private balcony ideal for enjoying sunsets or
Sabrina OrtegaPacific Sotheby's International Realty
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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.
