$993,965Average Value$216Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
One of San Diego's most historic and dynamic neighborhoods
University Heights is a historic neighborhood that's no stranger to change. It was founded in the 1880s with the intention of becoming the sight of San Diego State University, but eventually the university opened up 6 miles east. The neighborhood kept the name and carried on as a residential enclave that embraces its history and changing tastes. "It's got very eclectic home styles, lots of 1920s Craftsman and even a few 1960s midcentury modern homes," says Realtor Joe Carta of Joe Carta Realty, who's been selling in San Diego since the 1980s. "What's even more unique is that it's so old, but it's got Park Boulevard running right through it, which has some of the most amazing restaurants and bars in the city." Park Boulevard's dynamic dining scene is just a few blocks from many of the neighborhood's historic homes.
University Heights offers city amenities with suburban sensibility.
Dining al fresco is commonplace in University Heights.
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Textbook 1920s Craftsman and 1960s midcentury modern homes
Aside from commercial veins like Park Boulevard, the neighborhood is almost entirely residential. Homes sit on palm tree-lined grid streets stretching from the community's commercial heart to the green hills of the University Heights Open Space on the north side. Textbook 1920s Craftsman homes are laced throughout the neighborhood, displaying exposed beams and rafters and ornate carpentry-work on their facades. Tile-roofed Spanish Revivals from the same period are also common. In the neighborhood's south end and around Park Boulevard, these homes tend to be smaller and sit on compact lots, ranging from $800,000 to $1.5 million for the oldest and largest options. Some homes in this part of the neighborhood might share a street with condos and luxury townhouses that can cost $400,000 to over $1 million. Homes on the north side are generally more expensive due to their larger size and spacious grassy lots. Some even have valley views of the open space. In addition to the larger 1920s Craftsman and Spanish Revivals, this area has some prototypical 1960s midcentury modern homes with low-profile linear designs and large windows. These homes range from $1.5 million to $3 million.
Proud craftsman homes offer larger lots and traditional finishes.
Spanish revival homes are found in great numbers in University Heights.
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Vibrant dining scene on Park Boulevard
Park Boulevard is the neighborhood's artery of commercial activity, complete with a lighted "University Heights" sign stretching over the north end of the street. It's home to one of San Diego's most vibrant culinary scenes. Foodies from around the city make the trip to its staple establishments and highly recommended new spots, but neighborhood residents are just a few blocks away. Parkhouse Eatery is one of the classics. They have a sunny sidewalk patio where folks enjoy giant pancakes for brunch and an indoor hearth room with a wood-burning fireplace for a cozy dinner. El Zarape is another cult favorite, known for its no-frills authentic Mexican fare. Madison is a newer restaurant serving modern Mediterranean cuisine. It looks small from the outside but opens into a bright space with cedar plank walls and vaulted ceilings flooded with natural light. Across the street, Kairoa Brewing Company's spacious patio has become a popular day-drinking spot. After dinner, folks can see a show at the Diversionary Theatre, which focuses on classic plays adapted with LGBTQ+ themes. Fresh produce can be found at the Hillcrest Farmers Market, held every Sunday on Normal Street in the neighborhood's south end. Trader Joe's, Ralphs and Sprouts are also in this area of the neighborhood.
Parkhouse Eatery offers American fare in an engaging setting.
El Zarape is a classic Mexican food restaurant for casual bites.
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Birney Elementary graded an A
The neighborhood is part of the San Diego Unified School District, which is rated an A overall by Niche. Kids start at Birney Elementary, which is walkable from most homes and gets an A. They continue at Roosevelt Middle School, which earns a B-plus. Students finish about 4 miles downtown at San Diego High, a B-minus-rated International Baccalaureate World School. Juniors and seniors can enroll in the IB program, which involves rigorous coursework with the opportunity to earn college credits.
Birney Elementary School encourages creative learning.
Classrooms at Roosevelt International Middle School are designed for interactive learning.
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Old Trolley Barn Park and valley trails
Old Trolley Barn Park is a local landmark in the neighborhood's north end. As the name suggests, it was once a storage barn for San Diego trolley cars, but it's now a large recreation space within walking distance of many homes. The park has a spacious lawn lined with trees and a paved walking path. Next to the lawn, tall palms shade a large playground and a fountain courtyard with relaxing benches and views of the hills to the north. These green hills are part of the University Heights Open Space, a natural buffer between the neighborhood's north side and Interstate 8. Residents can access trails throughout the space that take them across the soft peaks and valleys. Balboa Park, San Diego's most prominent recreation space, is about a mile south of many homes. This expansive 1,200-acre space is home to a tennis club, trails and athletic fields, as well as the San Diego Zoo and many museums with historic Spanish Revival architecture. Plus, Ocean Beach is only 8 miles west.
University Heights Open Space offers sweeping views of Mission Valley.
Old Trolley Barn Park is University Height's paramount green space.
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Summer concerts in Old Trolley Barn Park
The Summer Concerts in the Park Series at Old Trolley Barn Park has become a neighborhood tradition. The University Heights Community Association has put it on every summer since 1998. Residents can attend these free shows every Friday in July.
Four-mile commute to downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego is only 4 miles south on Highway 163, which runs down the neighborhood's west side. San Diego Naval Base is just 6 miles south, and North Island Naval Air Station is 8 miles away, across the bridge from the base. Interstate 8 is on the neighborhood's north side. Folks can take it 6 miles east to San Diego State University. The neighborhood blocks are highly walkable, but bus stops throughout the neighborhood also allow residents to get around without driving. When flying is necessary, San Diego International Airport is just 5 miles east.
Spanish tile roofs accent the landscape of University Heights.
Metro Transit Service whisks University Heights residents throughout greater San Diego.
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
Jim O'Donnell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
University Heights Park
Trails
Old Trolley Barn Park
Morley Field Sports Complex
North Park Community Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Trolley Barn Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Cabrillo Canyon Entrance
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
8 min drive
Bus
El Cajon Bl & Alabama St
Bus
El Cajon Bl & Texas St
Bus
Park Bl & Polk Av
Bus
Park Bl & Monroe Av
Bus
Texas St & Meade Av
Bus
Park Bl & Meade Av
Bus
Park Bl & Howard Av
University Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University Heights, San Diego sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in University Heights, San Diego over the last 12 months is $795,000, up 112% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fully remodeled! Central A/C, full sized in-unit washer/dryer, and stainless steel appliances (including dishwasher) - this spacious condo features all the amenities of a single family home! As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by soaring high ceilings, oversized windows, and sunlight pouring in from every angle—it feels open, airy, and so much bigger than you'd expect. Parking in this
Welcome to 4551 Maryland St – a beautifully renovated Spanish-style home blending timeless character with modern elegance. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence offers 1,858 square feet of living space on a generous 6,455 sq ft lot. Originally built in 1926, the home has been thoughtfully updated while maintaining its original charm. Step inside to discover a stunning modern Spanish design,
Located in one of San Diego’s most sought-after neighborhoods, this 2 bed, 1 bath, 858 sq ft Craftsman cottage effortlessly blends vintage charm with modern comfort. Inside, you'll find original hardwood floors, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, arched passageways, and energy-efficient dual-pane windows. The thoughtfully designed layout offers well-proportioned rooms, maximizing both space and
Discover a hidden renovated gem perched on the cliffs of the highly sought-after University Heights—a mansion redefining an entertainer’s paradise. With floor-to-ceiling panoramic views from every level, this home is a rare treasure in a market where such unobstructed vistas are a true luxury. From the street, it may appear modest, but step inside, and you’ll be captivated by the expansive views
Welcome to this beautifully renovated gem in the heart of University Heights! This stylish 1BD/1BA home blends modern upgrades with classic charm-soaring ceilings, new flooring, and a cozy gas fireplace in the living room with a flat screen installed above. Enjoy the comfort of mini-split A/C and heat, in-unit laundry, and a sleek kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.
4372 Alabama Street, perfectly positioned between University Heights and North Park with a 94 Walk Score. This 900 sq. ft., 2-bed, 1-bath unit in a classic 4-plex offers easy access to local eateries, coffee shops, and Sprouts Market. Tastefully updated, these units retains its mid-century charm with modern updates, remodeled kitchen, in unit laundry, real wood floors, and an open layout with
Tenney North Park provides new colors on urban livingliterally. But gravity defying, art-driven decor isnt the only item this place checks off your wants list. In-house offerings like a 4th floor pool amenity deck, California room and fitness center, clubroom, workroom, and resident lobby invite you to enjoy each day differently. When you live here, home extends well beyond your front door. All
Beautiful 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home in highly desired University Heights neighborhood. Located on the second floor. Hardwood floors throughout make it easy to clean. Granite kitchen countertops and modern cabinetry. Conveniently located near shops, restaurants, parks, and freeways. One assigned parking spot. Washer & dryer inside the unit. Trash included. All other utilities are paid by the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jim O'Donnell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
12,823
Median Age
39
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$89,323
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,590
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.9%
College Graduates
57.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.1%
% Population in Labor Force
79%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
76/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
88/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
47/ 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.
