Mission Hills

Mission Hills is well-known as one of San Diego’s most cherished residential areas. Its graceful streetscapes and properties brim with a lush mix of mature Jacaranda trees and succulents. Many homes offer canyon views and others exude a longstanding charm that’s unique to San Diego’s original homes.

In Mission Hills’ Fort Stockton Line Historic District, you’ll find a concentrated collection of early-1900s Craftsman, Prairie and Spanish Colonial Revival gems. Mediterranean influence homes built in the 1940s have been meticulously upgraded here and blend in throughout the neighborhood with lodge-inspired homes built in the ‘60s. You’ll also find expertly crafted Spanish-style residences built in the ‘90s on serene cul-de-sacs, along with some new construction in parts of Mission Hills designed to offer breathtaking Bay vistas.

Lisa Padillo, a longtime area resident and local Realtor with Compass, shares, “Mission Hills is one of the most established upscale areas of the San Diego metro area outside downtown. It’s a place where many aspire to live. Back when San Diego was developed in the late 1800s, all the nice palatial homes were built in Mission Hills. You’ll find really gorgeous Craftsman style homes here as well as a lot of Spanish architectural elements like big open picture windows, Portuguese plaster, and domed archways.”

Public schools serving Mission Hills include Grant K-8, Dana Middle for grades five and six, Roosevelt International Middle for sixth through eighth grade, and Correia Middle for seventh and eighth graders. High schoolers attend Point Loma-San Diego, known for its championship soccer and tennis teams. Point Loma also received the top rank for college readiness from GreatSchools.

And although Mission Hills residents can walk to parts of the expansive Presidio Park that’s primarily within Old Town San Diego, Mission Hills locals are often found hosting birthday parties or gathering on blankets and chairs for a summer concert series in Pioneer Park at the center of the community. This scenic park, which includes a historic 19th century cemetery, is where you’ll find neighbors taking long walks on shady paths or relaxing on the lawn.

Padillo adds, “Mission Hills is primarily residential, but there’s a really cute area along Washington and Goldfinch Streets with some nice restaurants and coffee shops.” In this area, locals head to Cardellino Italian Restaurant for an indulgent chophouse experience complete with charcoal-grilled steaks and truffle-topped pastas. La Puerta on Goldfinch Street is also a top pick for its celebratory atmosphere and signature un-aged tequila. Having expanded into Mission Hills from its flagship location downtown, La Puerta treats residents to Sinaloa-inspired family recipes made from fresh local ingredients daily.

Deeper into the heart of Mission Hills, there’s a newer place everyone’s talking about — Wolf in the Woods. This combination wine bar and restaurant offers a fusion of Native American, European and Hispanic cultural cuisine. Along Mission Hills’ central thoroughfare, Fort Stockton Drive, you can stop into the quirky Kettle & Stone coffee bar for a coconut milk latte or quiche. Its earthy décor crafted of stone and wood includes rough-hewn tables that feel like thick slices of the surrounding California landscape.

Another one-of-a-kind must in Mission Hills is Backbone Floral, preferred by locals for its stunning bohemian arrangements. Jesse Zmuda, owner of Backbone Floral, shares, “Our shop is the perfect fit for Mission Hills. With our wide-open doors and airy space, you can't miss us on your morning stroll for coffee or evening walk for food. Our vintage-style dried floral arrangements are distinctly suited for the beautiful homes in Mission Hills.” She added that the reason they chose Mission Hills is for its “close-knit small neighborhood vibe, from the people to the homes and beautiful parks.”

For grocery shopping, Von’s is convenient on Washington Street in the neighborhood; however, wellness-focused Mission Hills residents love their Lazy Acres Natural Market for organic and seasonal groceries and nutritional supplements.

In Mission Hills, neighbors enjoy a luxe lifestyle of residential serenity, unique dining and popular green spaces.

Written By

Lia Girard

Photography Contributed By

Stephen Cammell

Video By

Michael Carey