Set 6 miles northeast of Downtown San Diego, Teralta West is an urban Mid-City neighborhood known for its cultural diversity, public art and international cuisine. One of the 16 neighborhoods that make up the City Heights region, Teralta West was originally developed in the early 1900s as a commuter suburb set along the San Diego Electric Railway’s route to downtown. By the late 1970s, the Vietnam War brought an influx of nearly 40,000 Southeast Asian refugees to San Diego, many of whom settled in Teralta West and neighboring Teralta East. In the decades since, Vietnamese-owned businesses have steadily popped up along six blocks' worth of El Cajon Boulevard, and in 2013, this compact district was officially established as San Diego's Little Saigon. Today, the north-bordering El Cajon Boulevard and south-bordering University Avenue are essentially a global food tour, with plenty of authentic Mexican, Ethiopian, Thai and Vietnamese eateries. Teralta Park sits just west of the neighborhood, with a sprawling mural that depicts the diversity and cultural solidarity in the surrounding areas.
Teralta West is a residential neighborhood in mid-city San Diego.
Kutthroat Social Club is more than just a barber shop-- it's a place for community to gather.
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Homes from varying decades
There’s a balanced blend of condos, apartment buildings and single-family homes in Teralta West. Craftsman cottages, ranch-style homes and bungalows with flat roofs line the wide streets; windows are often covered by metal security bars. Brightly colored ranch-style homes sit next to condos and apartments with stucco exteriors and red-tile roofs. Some homes here are fixer-uppers that were built anywhere between the 1930s and late ‘80s. Two-bedroom homes are priced between $700,000 and $800,000, while four-bedroom homes fetch for between $900,000 to $1 million. Condos here generally offer two bedrooms; ranging from $400,000 and $500,000.
Multiple architectural styles can be found in Teralta West's residential streets.
Mediterranean homes, though few, can be found in great condition in Teralta West.
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Faces of the community are reflected in local parks
One of the main attractions in the area is Teralta Park. Set in the neighborhood's southwest corner, above Interstate 15, this park offers a wide green space and picnic pavilion, its entrance marked by a decorative fence with colorful nature-themed cutouts. At the park's south end, the 270-foot long, over 7-foot high “Unity in the Community” mural was completed in December of 2022, featuring colorful patterns and powerful messages that symbolize the area's cross-cultural solidarity. On the neighborhood's eastern side, City Heights Square mini park is paved with a large collage of photo tiles that tell the story of the community; set in a checkerboard pattern, these tiles are topped with concrete seating areas and comfortable benches.
As of Summer 2024, the Little Saigon Foundation is working to enhance the district with the "Umbrella Tree" project, placing unique umbrella tree sculptures in front of local Vietnamese businesses. “These sculptures will highlight the community's cultural stories and assets,” says Tram Lam, President of the Little Saigon Foundation. “The project is progressing with a design selected by the board and Hoover High students, and is currently undergoing a detailed study. The permit process may take 3-6 months, with fabrication expected to take 18-24 months.”
The Unity Mural in Teralta Park features imagery from the community.
Murals adorn Teralta West's public spaces.
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Faith-based learning
Local kids can start school at Central Elementary on Polk Street, which earns a C-plus from Niche, then move on to the B-minus rated Wilson Middle. At the B-plus rated Hoover High, students who meet six requirements of the Avenues for Success services program are offered guaranteed admission to San Diego State University. “Students here can also apply to the Health Sciences High and Middle College in Corridor," Vargas says. "It’s a charter school that offers the opportunity to earn college credits in a career specialty. They have programs for firefighters, health care professionals, social work and a whole lot more.” Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School in Teralta West offers private, faith-based options for kindergarten through Grade 8.
Many students can walk to Hoover High School as the school is located in a residential area.
An entrance view to Wilson Middle School located in Corridor.
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A quick route to downtown
Orange Avenue bisects Teralta West from east to west, leading to Interstate 15 in less than a mile. Downtown San Diego is about 10 miles away via the 15 or the #7 MTS (San Diego Metropolitan Transit System) bus, which stops at University Avenue and Chamoune. The closest hospital is the Alvarado Medical Center, set 5 miles north. The San Diego International Airport is about 9 miles east.
Metro Transport Service busses whisk Teralta West residents around greater San Diego.
Teralta West features views of Mt. Helix to the east.
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El Cajon and University for international dining
The neighborhood's northern border, El Cajon Boulevard, is often referred to as San Diego's "vein of activity," lined for miles with independently owned businesses. Here, Vallarta Taco Shop serves up street tacos and cold Modelo by the bucket, while Pho Vân’s extensive Vietnamese menu features charbroiled pork and pan-fried rice noodles. Less than a mile from the neighborhood, Sin Lee Wholesale Asian Grocery is known for the Little Saigon mural painted on its side.
Teralta West's southern border, University Avenue, is lined with international spots like Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant and Trang's Seafood Market. Residents can start their mornings here with a latte from the Ethiopian-owned Yohed Coffee, or an omelet banh mi at Saigon Sandwiches & Coffee Tea House. The open-air Fashion Valley Mall is 6 miles west via Interstate 8, featuring nearly 200 stores, including Macy’s and Nordstrom, as well as popular restaurants like P.F. Chang’s and NoRTH Italia. For a night out, locals can head to the AMC 20 at the Westfield Mission Valley.
Pho Van is a popular Pho restaurant in Teralta West.
El Super is Teralta West's largest grocer which features Mexican staples.
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
Tom Bashe,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Park De La Cruz
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Skateboard
Colina del Sol Park
Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Pool
Tennis
City Heights Square Mini Park
Picnic Area
Teralta Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Central Avenue Mini Park
Picnic Area
Skateboard
Playground
Highland and Landis Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Playground
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
13 min drive
Bus
University Av & Van Dyke Av
Bus
University Av & Marlborough Av
Bus
I-15 Centerline Sta & University Av
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Teralta West
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Teralta West Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Teralta West, San Diego sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Teralta West, San Diego over the last 12 months is $450,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$1,475,000 assumable loan at 4% through June 1, 2029. Welcome to an exceptional investment opportunity directly across from Teralta Neighborhood Park. This property features 9 charming units offering a great unit mix, including individual bungalows and two 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom units. Each unit is separately metered. The current owner has invested over $350,000 in renovations, including updated
Excellent investment potential! This property is located in commercial zoning area, with huge potential for the right investor. Front unit has 3 bedroom 2 bathroom and the back unit has 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom with alley access. Shown with an accepted offer. Do not disturb tenants.
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, 6/7 FROM NOON TO 1:00PM. Check out this very nice completely remodeled 3 bed, 2 bath home in City Heights. Possible 4th bedroom in the back or use as a laundry room or for storage. This property has a front porch, a nice fenced front yard, parking inside the fence for 2 cars and is conveniently located within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Don't miss out!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tom Bashe,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,675
Median Age
36
Population Density
42 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$52,348
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$63,447
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
58.7%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
12.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.1%
% Population in Labor Force
71.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
59/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
57/ 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.
