$1,457,009Average Value$779Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Old Town blends historic attractions with modern activity
Established in 1769, Old Town isn't only San Diego's oldest and most historic neighborhood, but also the first European settlement in California. The white stucco walls and red-tile roofs that define San Diego Mission architecture all started here. Today, it stands as a historic section of Mission Hills. But while Mission Hills is residential, Old Town is a buzzing, walkable environment, with tons of restaurants, shops, vibrant cultural events and historic attractions that draw many visitors.
Old Town’s walkable streets feature historic buildings and locally owned shops.
Home Away draws Old Town locals for casual dining, sports, and outdoor seating.
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Types of homes and what they cost
From a residential perspective, Old Town is considered part of Mission Hills. "Old Town is a section of Mission Hills. A lot of people refer to it as one collective area," says Kim Hawley, a broker with Compass Real Estate, who's been selling in San Diego for over 20 years. Old Town is mostly a commercial corridor, so residential options are fairly limited. Condos and townhouses are the most common, along with some small single-family homes, and these range from the mid $600,000s to the mid $900,000s. The area is on a hill, and at the top, along Juan Street, there are large Mission-style homes. They have scenic views of San Diego Bay and can cost from just under $2 million to just over $3 million.
Hillside streets in Old Town are lined with homes overlooking the San Diego.
Stucco walls and red‑tile roofs highlight Old Town’s Spanish‑style custom homes.
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History and historical architecture in Old Town
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the cultural center of the neighborhood. It's a living history museum, preserving some of California's oldest buildings and providing a look at life in this early Spanish and Mexican settlement. Its 1800s Mission structures, like La Casa de Estudillo, influenced San Diego and Southern California architecture. The Junipero Serra Museum, originally the San Diego Presidio, is another one of these Mission buildings. It now honors the Kumeyaay people, the area's original inhabitants.
The Junipero Serra Museum preserves Old Town’s early Mission-era history.
Presidio Park murals share Old Town’s cultural heritage and storytelling.
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Shops and restaurants line Old Town's blocks
With Old Town's small footprint, every resident is within a short walk of the restaurants and shops that line San Diego Avenue and its adjacent blocks. "There aren't many homes here, but there are a bunch of restaurants on that main street," Hawley adds. Mexican restaurants, such as Flor's, Que Sazon Deli and Old Town Mexican Café, sit around every corner, and there's no shortage of other cuisines in the neighborhood. There are also countless shops, from historically themed markets around the historic park to boutiques and specialty stores on San Diego Avenue and Congress Street.
Old Town Mexican Café serves handmade tortillas and local favorites daily.
Toby's Candles & Soap Shop provides custom fragrances and gifts on Old Town's San Diego Avenue.
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Yearly events and celebrations in the neighborhood
Old Town is one of San Diego's most visited, culturally rich neighborhoods, so events happen year-round. Dia de los Muertos is the neighborhood's biggest celebration. The main parades, with their colorful, cryptic decorations, occur on the first weekend of November. However, the cultural experiences, including music, markets and authentic food vendors in the Fiesta de Reyes Courtyard, begin on the first day of October. Cinco de Mayo is another huge celebration that comes with a packed block party.
Fiesta de Reyes hosts lively Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Old Town.
Live music fills Old Town during Cinco de Mayo festivities at Fiesta de Reyes.
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Access to San Diego's public transit options
Old Town Transit Center makes it easy to use public transportation. Located on the north end by the historic park, it's a stop for each of the city's transit options:
The San Diego Trolley
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner
The Coaster, a San Diego County commuter train
San Diego buses
The San Diego Flyer Airport Shuttle
San Diego International Airport, which contributes noise to the area, is under 4 miles away by car and 20 minutes by shuttle. Downtown is less than 4 miles south on Interstate 5 and about 20 minutes by trolley.
Old Town Transit Center connects residents to trolleys, buses, and trains.
The Old Town trolley provides easy transit access across San Diego.
GreatSchools:
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Town
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
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Town Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Town, San Diego sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Town, San Diego over the last 12 months is $817,000, down 57% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Classic Spanish residence with income potential in a premier Old Town location at the base of Mission Hills. Situated directly across from San Diego’s Historic Old Town State Park, this approximately 2,000 square foot home offers privacy, character, and flexibility in one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. The main residence features three bedrooms, including an optional third bedroom or
Rare Old Town San Diego offering featuring two duplexes on one parcel, located at 2282–84 Congress Street in the heart of one of San Diego’s most iconic and supply-constrained neighborhoods. The property consists of (4) 1BR-1BA units, each approximately 390 sq.ft., totaling 1,558 sq.ft. of building area on a 4,209 sq.ft. lot. Built in 1952, the property showcases charming Spanish-style
Welcome to 4016 Ampudia Street, an exquisite residence tucked away in the heart of San Diego’s historic Old Town, just moments from the highly coveted and prestigious Mission Hills. This sophisticated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath retreat has been completely reimagined and refined with the utmost attention to detail, blending timeless charm with modern elegance. Every corner of this home has been elevated
Complete remodel almost complete. Little one bedroom with private, gated patio/yard. Located right across from Historic Old Town district. One private parking space in front of unit. All utilities included with rent. Building has onsite laundry with extra storage available. Will be available April 1st.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
