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Normal Heights

Normal Heights

Neighborhood in San Diego, California

San Diego County 92104, 92116

$921,615 Average Value
$844 Average Price per Sq Ft
30 Homes For Sale

An old neighborhood with artistic energy

Normal Heights is a San Diego neighborhood, 7 miles from downtown, that strives to be anything but normal. "People here are looking for the Normal Heights aesthetic: the older homes, the artsy energy, the little cafes, just the whole eclectic vibe," says Realtor Jamie Lennon with TLC Realty of SoCal, who's been selling in San Diego since 2013. The neighborhood was established in the early 1900s and has since progressed into a cradle for creative minds who want to express their artistic side while preserving the historic architecture of 1920s theaters and Craftsman homes. "It's a unique culture where residents love how old it is, but they specifically want the bohemian energy with murals on the walls and lots of creative activity," says Lennon. Adams Avenue is the vein of creativity flowing through the center of the neighborhood from east to west. Its original buildings are now home to boutiques, record stores, art galleries and lively bars, all within a few blocks of most homes.

Normal Heights is a neighborhood in north San Diego with a renowned commercial strip.
Normal Heights is a neighborhood in north San Diego with a renowned commercial strip.
Normal Heights Farmers Market occurs Saturdays from 9:00-1:00.
Normal Heights Farmers Market occurs Saturdays from 9:00-1:00.
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Vintage shops and eclectic eateries on Adams Avenue

Adams Avenue's 1920s storefronts and palm trees lining the sidewalks are the bones of a classic Southern California main street, but a closer look reveals a mix of colorful cafes and vintage shops. Dos Palmas Café has a little outdoor garden with tables so people can eat their sandwiches in the sunshine. Bica is a newer café across the street with an almost hidden back patio where they serve cappuccinos and upscale small bites, and White Rice Bodega is a casual Filipino spot with walk-up window service and sidewalk seating. Lestat's is a quirky café a few blocks west, recognized by its yellow façade, mismatched chairs and local art for sale on the walls. After lunch, folks might shop at Le Loupe Vintage and Nickelodeon Records. There's even a Vons on Adams for groceries.

Normal Height's Adams Avenue oozes history with independent shops and even a theater.
Normal Height's Adams Avenue oozes history with independent shops and even a theater.
La Loupe Vintage offers classic styles for fashion forward shoppers.
La Loupe Vintage offers classic styles for fashion forward shoppers.
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Embracing the arts

Normal Heights' artistic spirit can be seen all around. Sculptures decorate yards, and murals around the neighborhood turn random walls into feature pieces. This expressive energy is on full display on Adams Avenue. Live music can be heard at bars like the Rabbit Hole and Rosie O'Grady's. The Adams Avenue Theater is a neighborhood landmark, recognized by its nostalgic marquee lit up with the day's events. It still hosts movie nights but is primarily a venue for events and live music. The Papaha's Gallery is around the corner. It displays installations from local artists and works inspired by Sri Chinmoy, an Indian spiritual leader, artist and author.

Lestat's Coffeehouse offers residents and visitors an eclectic setting to create in.
Lestat's Coffeehouse offers residents and visitors an eclectic setting to create in.
Ornate and historic restaurants and shops line Adams Avenue.
Ornate and historic restaurants and shops line Adams Avenue.
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1920s bungalows and Spanish Revivals

The streets north and south of Adams Avenue are almost entirely residential. Both side have the neighborhood's signature 1920s homes, but they differ in streetscape. Homes on the north end tend to be larger and sit on spacious enough lots to have driveways, grassy lawns and gardens. Many buyers are drawn to the 1920s Spanish Revivals that show off ornate red-tile roofs and bright white stucco exteriors, while Craftsman bungalows display hand-done carpentry on their breezy porches. Some of these north-end homes, including large contemporary designs, even stretch into the foothills with valley views. Prices mainly depend on size, ranging from $800,000 to almost $2 million. The south end also has older homes, but there are more multifamily condos, bringing a bit more traffic and less greenery. These condos range from $400,000 to $850,000 for larger updated units. The south end's 1920s bungalows, cottages and Spanish Revivals tend to be smaller but can include up to four bedrooms. They can cost $650,000 to $1.5 million.

Adobe style homes bring character and history to Normal Heights residential blocks.
Adobe style homes bring character and history to Normal Heights residential blocks.
Normal Heights temperate climate creates the opportunity for home owners to grow exotic gardens.
Normal Heights temperate climate creates the opportunity for home owners to grow exotic gardens.
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A-rated San Diego Unified School District

The neighborhood is part of the San Diego Unified School District, given an overall A rating from Niche. Most students begin at Adams Elementary, graded a B. Normal Heights Elementary — graded a B-plus — serves students in the neighborhood's southeast corner. All continue to Wilson Middle, which gets a B-minus. Both are walkable from most homes. Students finish at Hoover High, which gets a B-plus for its STEAM academies. These academies, such as the Social Justice Academy and Sustainable Academy of Building and Engineering, allow students to pursue career paths through job shadowing and internship opportunities.

Herbert Hoover High School serves north San Diego neighborhoods.
Herbert Hoover High School serves north San Diego neighborhoods.
Wilson Middle School is located in neighboring Corridor.
Wilson Middle School is located in neighboring Corridor.
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City parks and hiking in the hills

The neighborhood has multiple community parks within walking distance of most homes. Adams Avenue Park shares a space with Adams Elementary in the center of the neighborhood. It has Little League fields, a shady garden space with benches and a small indoor recreation center. Ward Canyon Park is a few blocks east. This larger space offers lots of lawn area with paved walking paths, as well as picnic tables and playgrounds shaded by large trees. Pups can play off-leash in the fenced dog park. The neighborhood's north end runs into the Mission Valley Hillsides Open Space. Residents in this area can easily access trails for short hikes across the soft peaks and valleys of these green hills. Of course, beach days are a pastime in San Diego, and Ocean Beach is the closest to the neighborhood, less than 10 miles west.

Ward Canyon Dog Park is a fenced and shaded place to bring pets off leash.
Ward Canyon Dog Park is a fenced and shaded place to bring pets off leash.
Ward Canyon Park features a well attended playground and swing set.
Ward Canyon Park features a well attended playground and swing set.
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Commute on multiple freeways

The neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 805 on the west, Highway 15 on the east and Interstate 8 to the north. Commuters can head 7 miles southwest on Highway 15 to San Diego Naval Base and downtown San Diego. Naval Air Station North Island is 8 miles from the neighborhood, across the bridge from the base. Healthcare personnel can drive to Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, about 7 miles north on Interstate 805 or Highway 15. San Diego State University is another prominent employer, just 5 miles east on Interstate 8. Flights at San Diego International Airport are 8 miles west on I-8. The neighborhood doesn't have a San Diego Metro Trolley Station, but residents can catch the bus on Adams Avenue.

San Diego MTS busses whisk Normal Heights residents around greater San Diego.
San Diego MTS busses whisk Normal Heights residents around greater San Diego.
Adams Avenue stretches east to west across the neighborhood of Normal Heights.
Adams Avenue stretches east to west across the neighborhood of Normal Heights.
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The Carmelite Monastery

Some homes on the north end of Hawley Boulevard might be next to the Carmelite Monastery. This complex of Mediterranean-inspired buildings serves as a home for the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in San Diego and hosts daily masses at its chapel.

Normal Heights United Church is a prominent landmark in the center of the neighborhood.
Normal Heights United Church is a prominent landmark in the center of the neighborhood.
The Carmelite Monastery is one of Normal Heights' oldest and most ornate structures.
The Carmelite Monastery is one of Normal Heights' oldest and most ornate structures.
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Ed Coombs
Written By
Ed Coombs
Michael Hirsch
Photography Contributed By
Michael Hirsch
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Martin Montesano, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

12 min drive

Bus

El Cajon Bl & 33rd St

Bus

Adams Av & Hawley Bl

Bus

Adams Av & 32nd St

Bus

El Cajon Bl & 36th St

Bus

Adams Av & W Mountain View Dr

Bus

Adams Av & 39th St

Bus

Adams Av & 33rd St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Normal Heights US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$775,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,075,000
Median Townhouse Price
$627,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$530,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$445,000
Median Studio Price
$325,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$844
Number of Homes for Sale
30
Last 12 months Home Sales
135
Months of Supply
2.70
Median List Price
$747,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,617
Median Year Built
1943
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,168
Significantly below the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,409
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
881
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
577
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
363
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Martin Montesano, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
15,038
Median Age
38
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$79,881
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$99,634

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.4%
College Graduates
52%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.7%
% Population in Labor Force
81.5%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

72 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

86 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

41 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Normal Heights