El Cortez, a 16-story condominium building, stands as a prominent fixture in San Diego's Cortez Hill neighborhood. Completed in 1927, this architectural gem was designed in the Spanish Renaissance style, featuring ornate entryways, decorative moldings, and terracotta roof elements. With 85 units, El Cortez offers a blend of historic charm and modern living, making it a unique residential option in the heart of the city.
Diverse Layouts with Modern Touches and Stunning Views
El Cortez offers a variety of floor plans, ranging from cozy one-bedroom units to expansive three-bedroom residences. One-bedroom units, spanning from 498 to 2,000 square feet, feature one to two bathrooms and are priced between $358,024 and $655,000. These units often include modern kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. Some units even boast private terraces and 20-foot ceilings, adding to the open, airy feel.
Two-bedroom units, ranging from 782 to 2,212 square feet, come with two bathrooms and are priced from $590,000 to $691,513.25. These residences often feature hardwood floors, updated kitchens with elegant fixtures, and spacious layouts perfect for entertaining. Many units offer sweeping views of the cityscape, Balboa Park, and the mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for daily living.
The three-bedroom units, the largest of which spans 3,629 square feet, offer two to three bathrooms and are priced between $802,000 and $1,353,970. These expansive residences include luxurious finishes such as custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and large, historic windows that provide ample natural light and stunning views. The spacious layouts and modern amenities make these units ideal for those seeking both comfort and style.
Monthly HOA fees range from $1,000 to $1,100, covering common area maintenance, exterior landscaping, building maintenance, gated community services, hot water, limited insurance, roof maintenance, sewer, utilities, and security.
Comprehensive Amenities and Services for Modern Living
El Cortez offers a wide array of amenities designed to enhance the living experience of its residents. Unique features include a rooftop communal terrace with breathtaking bay views, the historic Don Room available for special events, and electric charging stations for eco-conscious residents. Additionally, the building provides free 'FRED' on-demand Downtown San Diego rideshare services, making it easy to navigate the city.
Common amenities include a pool, spa, fitness center, community terrace, BBQ area, community lounge, rooftop terrace, banquet facility, package lockers, BBQ grills, view decks, courtyard, and conference rooms. The building also offers secured parking, a parking garage, and EV chargers for residents' convenience.
Business services are comprehensive, featuring a security system, on-site management, concierge, 24-hour security, valet, storage room, and 24/7 valet service. The building also houses commercial tenants such as an on-site restaurant, yoga studio, and convenience store, providing residents with easy access to dining and wellness options.
Tranquil Hilltop Living Amidst Urban Excitement
Located on the northern edge of Downtown San Diego, Cortez Hill offers a unique blend of city excitement and hilltop tranquility. The neighborhood provides a peaceful reprieve from the bustling city while still being within walking distance of major attractions. Historic landmarks like the Saint Joseph Cathedral and the El Cortez building itself add to the area's charm, sitting alongside contemporary mid- and high-rise buildings.
Residents can enjoy a variety of dining options within walking distance, such as the cozy Adore Cafe and the family-owned Cocina 35, known for its delicious chilaquiles. For more dining and entertainment options, Little Italy and Bankers Hill are just a short walk away. Grocery shopping is convenient with Albertsons and Ralphs located about a mile away.
Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre urban park, is just north of Cortez Hill and hosts festivals nearly every weekend. The park features gardens, museums, and the San Diego Zoo, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors. The Marston Point section of the park offers scenic views of the San Diego skyline, bocce ball courts, and lawn bowling.
Cortez Hill is also home to several schools, including Washington Elementary, Roosevelt International Middle, and San Diego High, providing educational options for families. The neighborhood's proximity to major roadways and public transportation makes it easy to navigate the city, while its broad sidewalks and bike lanes enhance its pedestrian-friendly nature.
Convenient and Accessible Transportation Options
Cortez Hill offers excellent transportation options, making it easy for residents to get around San Diego. The neighborhood is well-served by several bus stops, including 5th Av & Beech St, 10th Av & A St, and B St & 5th Av, all within a five-minute walk. These stops provide access to transit lines such as the UCSD Hospital - Euclid Transit Center, Escondido Transit Center - Downtown, Mira Mesa - Downtown via Hwy 163, and Rancho Bernardo Station - Downtown.
The San Diego Trolley's Blue and Orange Lines are accessible from the 5th Avenue station, just a five-minute walk away, and the County Center/Little Italy station, which is about a 15-minute walk. These lines connect residents to various parts of the city, including major attractions and transit centers.
For those who prefer to drive, Interstate 5 runs along the neighborhood's northern edge and intersects with the Cabrillo Freeway, providing easy access to major roadways heading in all directions. The San Diego International Airport is approximately a five-minute drive away, making air travel convenient for residents.
The neighborhood's high walkability, excellent transit options, and bike-friendly infrastructure make it easy for residents to navigate the city without relying on a car. The availability of secured parking, EV chargers, and valet services further enhances the convenience of living in El Cortez.
Association fees include common area maintenance, exterior (landscaping), exterior bldg maintenance, gated community, limited insurance, roof maintenance, sewer, trash pickup, water
El Cortez Association
El Cortez Home Owner Assn Association, Phone Number (619) 877-0045
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
High Crime
Crime Score®
10/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
78/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Tweet Street Park
5 min walk
Amici Park
12 min walk
Dog Park
Parking Lot
Children's Park
2 min drive
Lane Field Park
2 min drive
Pantoja Park
2 min drive
Martin Luther King Jr Promenade
3 min drive
Fault Line Park
3 min drive
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Waterfront Park
3 min drive
Plaza de Panama
3 min drive
Schools
Source:
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
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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