Welcome to City Heights: San Diego's Hidden Gem

City Heights is an under-the-radar San Diego community that might not make it onto most visitors' itineraries. However, many locals are looking to this hidden gem for its convenient location, relatively affordable housing, and diverse culture and cuisine. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with City Heights.

Affordable Housing

City Heights offers an appealing alternative in a city where the median home price hovers around $1 million. We might even go so far as to say City Heights homes are priced to sell—and quickly.

The median listing price is currently $686,500, up 22.4% from last year. With over 44% of homes being sold above the asking price and within 14 days of listing, it’s safe to say the City Heights market is healthy and relatively competitive.

Convenient Location

One of the city’s biggest draws is its prime location. Located only 10-15 minutes from downtown San Diego, the airport, the San Diego Zoo, Mission and Pacific Beaches, and Balboa Park, City Heights offers easy access to the city’s top attractions. With major freeways like I-15, I-805, and SR 94, getting around is a breeze.

Cultural Diversity

With a diversity score of 74 out of 100, it’s no exaggeration that City Heights is a true melting pot. The neighborhood’s population is 61% Hispanic, 15.4% White, and 11% Asian. This diversity can be seen in the community’s food scene, where you’ll find authentic dishes from all over the world (more on this below!)

Awesome Food

Are you looking to quench your thirst or quiet your grumbling tummy? City Heights is your spot. Not only is it one of the most unassuming and unpretentious places to eat, but the choices are as diverse as the population. Whether you crave Chinese, Cambodian, Nigerian, Italian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Filipino, or American soul food, you can find it here.

Some of our local favorites include:

• Super Cocina for authentic, home-style Mexican
• Fredcel Lumpias for Filipinos (cash only!)
• Minh Ky for traditional and very tasty Chinese
• Red Sea for no-frills yet unbelievably delicious Ethiopian

Thriving Arts Scene

City Heights is also a neighborhood that values creativity and community. The area is home to over 30 stunning murals, each telling a unique story about the people and history of the community.

The latest addition to this colorful collection is a series of murals on the exterior of City Heights Plaza del Sol, designed by artist Baltézar and painted by over 100 community members. These murals, commissioned by local non-profit ArtReach, serve as a tribute to the neighborhood’s diversity and spirit.

Community Activism

City Heights residents are not afraid to tell the local government what they want. It's always been like that, but this activistic spirit took off in the 1980s when a few community members banded together and formed the City Heights Community Development Corporation. Over the last four decades, they pushed back when city officials wanted to cut up the community with the I-15 freeway, which worked. They've fought against blight and crime, planted gardens, welcomed refugees, and implemented job training programs.

This is the spirit of City Heights, and it is something to be proud of.

Thinking about buying in City Heights? Then you will need a trusted ally by your side. The Selby Team understands the local market and can give you the insight and guidance you need to stay competitive while making informed decisions that fit your lifestyle and goals.Contact us now!