Petco Park changed the game in walkable East Village
Once a collection of vacant lots and warehouses, East Village is now the largest neighborhood in Downtown San Diego, with notable architecture, cultural sites and a diverse culinary scene. The opening of the Padres’ Petco Park in 2004 ushered in a wave of high-rise construction, expanding options for an urban lifestyle. “Petco Park was the catalyst for East Village,” says Gerry Burchard, a broker with Burchard & Associates since 2000. Burchard used to live in East Village himself, where he watched Madonna, Paul McCartney and other iconic Petco Park performances from his condo. “It’s been 20 years, and East Village is progressing and growing and will continue to be a vibrant part of San Diego.”
Like many developing downtown areas, East Village attracts a mix of out-of-town tourists and a widespread unhoused population, and homes are still a bit more affordable than in nearby established districts. “Lower prices were the main driver to East Village after earlier parts of downtown, like the Marina District and Little Italy, were developed,” says Bobby Stefano, Realtor with Compass and San Diego native since 2004. “As soon as Petco Park went in, it was like a race to pick land and build.” People choose East Village today not just because of Petco Park but for its unique walkability. “It’s more funky than other parts that may be more residential,” says Stefano. “And it’s also really festive the majority of the year with all the things that go along with the ballpark. You get people in from all over the country.”
The MTS Trolly heads north past the San Diego Central Library in East Village.
Petco Park is located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood.
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Walk to Gaslamp Quarter bars, East Village cafes and grocery stores
East Villagers can walk to late-night bars in Gaslamp, though the neighborhood has plenty of dining and shopping of its own. Spots like Tajima Ramen and Pokez Mexican Restaurant are popular, though restaurants are more abundant just a half mile west. "Cowboy Star in Gaslamp is a great place,” Stefano adds, “because the ambiance is so cool. It’s small and has this old building vibe even though it’s new — like when you take a brick building and make it super cool like a loft.” For an upscale option, Callie on Park Boulevard has a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for its Mediterranean cuisine. “Because of Petco Park, there’s a lot of sports bars,” says Stefano. “But they also have big concerts at Petco. Pink just played there. That’s why you live here, to be able to walk there.”
Locals stop in to Spill the Beans or kitschy dinosaur-theme Invigatorium for coffee, or get together at the many bars surrounding Petco Park. Albertsons is in the heart of the community. “You don’t have big box stores,” says Stefano, “but you can walk to East Village Market or Grocery Outlet right on Market Street.”
Padres fans can grab a drink at Bub's before the game in East Village.
Nightlife in East Village is relaxed when compared to neighboring Downtown San Diego.
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Marina strolls, Gallagher Square fun and the San Diego Central Library
Green space is limited, so the Bay to Park Paseo offers a new pedestrian connection from the bayfront to iconic Balboa Park less than a mile north. On the water, residents stroll the Embarcadero or see concerts at Rady Shell. Gallagher Square at Petco Park, also known as Park at the Park, opened a revamped playground, dog park and terraced picnic area in early 2024, where a statue of hometown hero Tony Gwynn is prominently displayed. “In East Village, most buildings have gyms, but if you want to be a downtown person, you use downtown as your gym,” says Stefano. “A lot of people run the steps of the convention center or the path along the water over to the Marina District.”
East Village is also home to the San Diego Central Library, opened to much acclaim in 2013. The building has won several architectural awards and houses thousands of books and other media, museum galleries and an open-air terrace with bay views.
Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade attracts tourists and locals alike.
The San Diego Central Library is a close second when it comes to major attractions in EV.
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Condos with bay views
“East Village was sort of the last hurrah when downtown was being developed and all built out, so East Village used to be less expensive than the Marina District which was already built for those who wanted to live on the water,” Stefano explains. “But like everything else, when there’s only so much land, pricing goes up. Right now East Village still isn’t typically as much as the Marina, but it’s getting darn close.” Condos built in the 2000s and beyond prevail, some with community terraces with views of the ballpark and the bay. Smaller condos can range from $375,000 to around $550,000, while larger homes fall between $600,000 and $1 million. Price ascends with proximity to the water, with a few more spacious and scenic condos reaching between $1.5 million and $2 million. “Some condo buildings like Icon peek right into Petco Park,” says Stefano.
East Village has a CAP Index Crime Score of 9, much higher than the national average. In early 2024, the Downtown Partnership Clean & Safe program began pulling staff from Tailgate Park for their protection, while millions of state and city dollars funded programs to alleviate the local unhoused crisis. “I think it’s gotten a lot better in the last year or so,” Burchard says. “The city seems to be doing something about it.” As of July 2024, plans are underway to redevelop Tailgate Park into a mixed-use property renamed East Village Quarter by the end of 2025.
Condos built in the 2000s make up a significant portion of the north side of East Village.
East Village features new condominiums like this one on Park Avenue.
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Easy freeway access and a San Diego transit hub
“Like any other city, there’s some public transit in East Village, but it’s not like in New York where it’s a daily thing to hop a cab or train everywhere,” says Stefano. “There’s the trolley, or you can take a bus line on Market or Broadway. But in SoCal, public transit is just sort of there in the background. Californians still like to drive.” Trolley lines connect at the 12th & Imperial Transit Center in East Village, and drivers have quick access to Interstate 5 and Route 163. San Diego International Airport is 3 miles northwest.
MTS trollies whisk East Village residents hither and tither across greater San Diego.
East Villagers can access all of the city’s trolley lines at 12th and Imperial transit hub.
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A-grade San Diego Unified Schools
San Diego Unified Schools get an A on Niche, and most kids start at Sherman Elementary or Urban Discovery Academy Charter, both given a B. Urban Discovery serves kindergarten through 12th grade, and is part of an international system of free charter public schools. Situated in the 35-block mixed-use I.D.E.A. district — which stands for innovation, design, education and arts — the school’s colorful architecture features vaulted ceilings, vibrantly painted surfaces and a rooftop deck. San Diego High School, in the neighborhood’s north portion, has an A rating. Public charter e3 Civic High School operates within the Central Library, offering access to its vast computer resources, homework center and study rooms. Anyone in East Village can attend classes at San Diego City College or see exhibits at the City Gallery on campus.
Theodore Roosevelt Middle School in San Diego serves East Village students.
Washington Elementary School located in Little Italy serves the residents of East Village.
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A multi-use community space in East Village
Beyond Petco Park and bayside fun, residents can see live music, attend community events and shop pop-up markets at Quartyard venue and park. Constructed from repurposed shipping containers, Quartyard also hosts a beer garden and coffee shop.
Fault Line Park offers plenty of outdoor seating for visitors to sit and relax.
Quartyard provides live music and craft beer to East Village residents.
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
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Parks in this Area
Fault Line Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Children's Park
Bayfront Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Martin Luther King Jr Promenade
Waterfront Park
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
8 min drive
Subway
City College
Subway
Park And Market
Bus
14th St & F St
Bus
Imperial Av & 16th St
Bus
Park Bl & Broadway
Bus
Park Bl & B St
Bus
11th Av & F St
Bus
G St & 14th St
Bus
7th Av & F St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
East Village
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
10
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Village, San Diego sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in East Village, San Diego over the last 12 months is $727,983, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy Stunning City VIEWS from This Upgraded Gem! Located in the sought-after Park Boulevard West building, this beautifully upgraded condo offers the best of downtown living. Just steps from Petco Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, top-rated restaurants, shopping, the Central Library, and the trolley...you're truly in the heart of it all. Inside, you'll find a modern kitchen featuring
Elevated high above downtown with an unrivaled view of Petco Park’s home plate, this breathtaking penthouse redefines luxury with its fusion of modern sophistication and rustic loft-inspired design. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive 60-foot balcony frame sweeping 180-degree panoramas of San Diego’s skyline, the Coronado Bridge, and radiant coastal sunsets. The largest penthouse in
Experience the perfect blend of urban convenience and private living in this exceptional walk-up townhome, nestled in the heart of East Village, Downtown San Diego. This residence offers the security and amenities of a gated high-rise community, including concierge services, while providing the comfort and privacy of a detached home. Enter through your own private street entrance or the serene
** SELLER SUPER MOTIVATED ** BIG value in the heart of the city! ** Check out this opportunity now! Fresh paint throughout! Pride of ownership shows in this meticulously maintained (by original owner), spacious 1-bedroom + optional bedroom/office/art space/ condo at modern, sleek Metrome! On the west edge of vibrant East Village, just steps from the Gaslamp Quarter, this WEST-FACING, nearly
Experience luxury living in the heart of Downtown San Diego! This beautifully furnished 1-bedroom offers stunning views of Balboa Park, city lights, and even a peek of the ocean from your private balcony. Enjoy the convenience of direct access to all San Diego trolley lines right from the building lobby. Inside, you’ll find oak flooring throughout, custom lighting, and a stylish Restoration
HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Welcome to Jacaranda Lofts, Units A & B – a unique opportunity to own a sprawling New York-style industrial loft in East Village, San Diego. This combined unit property offers a vast 6,000 sq ft living space, complete with a private 2-car garage and an exclusive outdoor haven featuring an outdoor kitchen, expansive decks, a refreshing shower, and a private jacuzzi. This
Introducing Radian, the epitome of luxury living in downtown San Diego's Ballpark District. With a prime location just 2 blocks north of Petco Park, this 22-story high-rise offers over 240 available exquisite 1-3 bedroom units and penthouse suites, starting from $3,000. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of the city and Petco Park, with the sun cascading through floor-to-ceiling windows onto
Introducing Radian, the epitome of luxury living in downtown San Diego's Ballpark District. With a prime location just 2 blocks north of Petco Park, this 22-story high-rise offers over 240 available exquisite 1-3 bedroom units and penthouse suites, starting from $3,000. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of the city and Petco Park, with the sun cascading through floor-to-ceiling windows onto
Introducing Radian, the epitome of luxury living in downtown San Diego's Ballpark District. With a prime location just 2 blocks north of Petco Park, this 22-story high-rise offers over 240 available exquisite 1-3 bedroom units and penthouse suites, starting from $3,000. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of the city and Petco Park, with the sun cascading through floor-to-ceiling windows onto
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ken Lam,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
24,112
Median Age
39
Population Density
71 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,025
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$95,743
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91%
College Graduates
46.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.9%
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®
85/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
80/ 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.
