A place to plant some roots near downtown San Diego
Since its birth as a citrus farm in the 1800s to its present-day suburban form, the city of Lemon Grove's rich soil has been a nurturing environment for people to plant their roots. "It's a great starter location for all the military and people working downtown because it's remained one of the more affordable places in San Diego, while everything around it has gotten significantly more expensive," says Colleen McDade, owner of McDade Realty Group, who's been selling in San Diego for over 30 years. This small city is less than 10 miles east of downtown San Diego by car or trolley. Still, its modest, single-family homes, green lawns and community gatherings feel like a small-town escape at an approachable price point. "For the money, this is the question," McDade poses. "Do you want a studio downtown or a single-family home in Lemon Grove?" Those who prioritize space often choose the latter. "People want a driveway to park in, places to eat and decent infrastructure without paying too much, and that's what Lemon Grove offers," says McDade.
The City of Lemon Grove signage in Lemon Grove, CA.
Beautiful streets in Lemon Grove, CA.
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Less-expensive single-family homes compared to nearby cities
Lemon Grove is almost entirely residential, with a streetscape of cul-de-sacs sprouting off main thoroughfares that mixes urban efficiency with suburban peace of mind. The city's median home price of just over $750,000 is notably lower than that of its immediate neighbors. For example, La Mesa, the city's neighbor to the north, has a median single-family price close to $950,000. This is mainly due to Lemon Grove's median-price ranch-style and Spanish-inspired homes being on the smaller and older side, built around the 1950s. Still, most homes come with driveways and grassy lawn space. Prices can get up to $1 million for larger Spanish Revivals and remodeled homes throughout the city.
View of Homes in Lemon Grove, CA.
Spanish influence in Lemon Grove extends to architecture-- examples dot the streets.
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Green space and local history at Treganza Heritage Park
The city claims to have "the best climate on Earth." While that might be based on personal preference, residents do enjoy getting outside in San Diego County's famously temperate weather, with temperatures in the mid-60s and 70s year-round. There are community parks dotted throughout the city. Berry Street Park offers lawn space with walking paths and a playground within walking distance of many homes on the east side. Around the town center, Treganza Heritage Park presents a look into the city's history. The park is home to the Lemon Grove Historical Society and Parsonage House, which displays the city's citrus growing history. The adjacent large redwood Tudor Revival, initially called the Atherton Chapel, was the city's first church. Chollas Lake Park provides more open space west of the city. Kids can fish for free in the reservoir, and there's a short dirt walking loop leading through the surrounding natural area.
Lemon Grove Skate Park is of modest size but attracts major talent.
Lemon Grove Little League meets at Monterey Heights Park during summer nights in Lemon Grove.
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Farmers markets and summer concerts
With the Lemon Grove Historical Society celebrating the city's agricultural roots at Treganza Heritage Park, it's fitting that the park also hosts the Lemon Grove Farmer's Market. The market's vendors and farm stands set up in the park every Thursday afternoon. The community also gathers in Treganza Park for the annual Bonfire, held every December. During the summer months, people bring their picnic blankets to Berry Street Park for Movies in the Park and Concerts in the Park.
Lunch is a popular time for Lemon Grove residents to grab some shade or go for a stroll.
The playground at Berry Street Park is a great place to spend time with youngsters.
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Ten miles to downtown San Diego
Lemon Grove's north side is home to some small businesses, but most folks still commute to downtown San Diego for work. Downtown is less than 10 miles west on state Route 94, which runs along the city's north side. Commuters can also catch the San Diego Orange Line Trolley to downtown at Lemon Grove Depot. San Diego International Airport is on the north side of downtown. Sharp Grossmont Hospital is a prominent nearby healthcare facility, 4 miles north.
Lemon Grove is served by the San Diego County Sheriff's department, but crime rates for Lemon Grove specifically are not readily available.
Residents hop on the trolley at Lemon Grove Depot for easy commutes to downtown San Diego.
The prewar commercial district of Lemon Grove has independent businesses lining the street.
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Family-run eateries on Broadway, more at Marketplace at The Grove
Most of the city's activity is on the north side around Broadway and Lemon Grove Avenue. Many restaurants along these thoroughfares are locally owned, like Lemon Grove Bistro and Giardino Italian. The surrounding shopping plazas offer basic groceries and organic produce at stores like Sprouts. Just down the road, Marketplace at The Grove has a Target, Sam's Club and other department stores.
Sprouts Market provides fresh, organic food right in the neighborhood of Lemon Grove.
Locally owned restaurants keep things light and airy with local flora as decor.
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Highly ranked Grossmont Union High School District and charter high schools
The Lemon Grove School District serves the city's students from kindergarten to eighth grade and receives a C-minus grade from Niche. They move on to the Grossmont Union High School District, a top 10 school district in San Diego, earning an A. Helix Charter School, the No. 1 charter high school in San Diego, is just north in La Mesa.
. Lemon Grove Academy for the Sciences & Humanities is a K to eight school.
Mount Miguel High School is outside of Lemon Grove and serves the surrounding community.
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.
