University Heights
Neighborhood in San Diego, California
San Diego County 92103, 92104, 92116
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.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.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.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.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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Jeff Davidson
The Agency
(619) 604-4977
71 Total Sales
2 in University Heights
$470K - $1.6M Price Range
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Kelly Garver
Keller Williams Realty
(858) 225-5165
113 Total Sales
1 in University Heights
$645,000 Price
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Alice Greliak
Compass
(844) 577-5519
127 Total Sales
2 in University Heights
$450K - $620K Price Range
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James Nelson
Coldwell Banker West
(855) 980-5930
153 Total Sales
3 in University Heights
$527K - $861K Price Range
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Jesse Salas
Harcourts Prime Properties
(858) 239-2533
99 Total Sales
1 in University Heights
$1,840,000 Price
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Deana Hoffman
Coldwell Banker West
(619) 773-0470
32 Total Sales
1 in University Heights
$3,850,000 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | University Heights | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 3 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
Robbery | 4 | 4 |
Burglary | 6 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 4 |
Larceny | 5 | 4 |
Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
University Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University Heights, San Diego sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in University Heights, San Diego over the last 12 months is $970,000, up 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Open Houses
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Saturday, Jun 1411am - 4pm
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Saturday, Jun 1412 - 2pm
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Saturday, Jun 1411am - 3pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods

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