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South Park

South Park

Neighborhood in San Diego, California

San Diego County 92102, 92104

$1,217,926 Average Value
$940 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

History, culture and convenience

Downtown San Diego’s historic South Park neighborhood was officially listed as a subdivision in 1870, marking the beginning of its transformation into the thriving commercial and residential neighborhood it is today. In 1910, the Class 1 streetcar line connected South Park to Downtown San Diego, while the construction of the Mission-Revival style Burlingame Garage (established in 1914) and Rose Grocery (established in 1923) provided locals with nearby necessities. Residents would head to Burlingame for all things auto-repair while Rose served as a convenient spot to stock up on household goods. Today, these historic buildings still stand on 30th Street and Fern Avenue, preserved by the city. Small, local businesses still run neighborhood, but they’re a bit more novelty and niche – think trendy coffee shops, vintage stores and some dive bars. Bordering Balboa to its immediate west, South Park offers quick access to San Diego’s biggest arts and culture district.

South Park's name derives from its adjacency to Balboa Park.
South Park's name derives from its adjacency to Balboa Park.
City grids neatly divide South Park into residential blocks.
City grids neatly divide South Park into residential blocks.
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Neighboring the renowned Balboa Park

The historic 1,200-acre Balboa Park, established in 1868, is a cultural district that features attractions like the Old Globe Theatre, the International Cottages and the Spanish Village. Residents can catch live plays at the Old Globe, learn about different cultures at the Cottages and watch live art demonstrations at the Spanish Village’s art center. Locals can access the park on foot or by tram (the San Diego Zoo is also on park grounds). Within the neighborhood, residents can hike the 32nd Street Canyon trail, take kids to the playground off 28th street, or bring their pets for off-leash play at the dog park on Grape Street.

Balboa Park is prime real estate for an afternoon picnic.
Balboa Park is prime real estate for an afternoon picnic.
Balboa Park's Ornate Architecture attracts locals and tourists.
Balboa Park's Ornate Architecture attracts locals and tourists.
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An eclectic blend of old and new

South Park’s walkable, grid-style layout is lined with towering palms, streets are named after trees in alphabetical order – from Ash to Beech to Cedar, and beyond. Homes here are set close together on small to mid-sized lots, most built between the turn of the century and the 1930s. Craftsman bungalows, Victorian and Spanish-style homes dot the sidewalks. Despite their modest sizes, properties here range from $1.3 to $2.5 million - the neighborhoods prime location being the main driver in property values. 28th Street offers townhomes built anywhere from the late 1920s to 2020, offering views of Balboa Park’s Morley Field Sports complex. One might assume that building new homes next to 100-year-old homes would look a bit clunky, but the result is an eclectic neighborhood with plenty of vintage character. Sarah Schoeffel, Realtor with Compass shared, “I’ve been a South Park resident for 25 years. What’s most special about the homes is that every single one is different. There aren’t any tract homes with a Plan A and Plan B. Here, you’ll have a beautiful Craftsman right next to a 1922 Spanish style. All the homes have charming details that make the whole neighborhood so visually interesting. But what really draws people here is its walkability. You can park your car in your garage and not use it for days. It’s so appealing, we’ve had people fly in from out of state to attend open houses.”

Adoringly maintained Craftsman style homes in South Park are common.
Adoringly maintained Craftsman style homes in South Park are common.
South Park has a culture of enjoying community outdoors.
South Park has a culture of enjoying community outdoors.
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McKinley and San Diego High earn A's

Neighborhood kids can attend public schools within the San Diego Unified district, earning an overall A from Niche. They might start out at the A-rated McKinley Elementary, then advance to the B-plus rated Roosevelt International Middle, an International Baccalaureate school. San Diego High earns a solid A, offering students internships through career-prep academies including GeoTech, MedTech and Finance. The C-minus rated McGill School of Success Charter is on Fir Street, serving students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. McGill operates out of Christ United Presbyterian Church.

The school library at McKinley Elementary School is a treasure trove of knowledge.
The school library at McKinley Elementary School is a treasure trove of knowledge.
Classrooms at Roosevelt International Middle School are designed for interactive learning.
Classrooms at Roosevelt International Middle School are designed for interactive learning.
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30th & Fern lined with small local businesses

There are over 70 independently owned novelty shops, boutiques and restaurants lining 30th & Fern Street, connecting South Park with Burlingame. The train-themed Whistle Stop Bar has been in the neighborhood for over 22 years, branding itself as a bar by day and a small venue for bands, comedy events and parties by night. Benny's Mexican Food sits at the corner of 30th and A Street, popular with locals for fast-casual bites like street tacos and flautas. Residents can sample goods from several other local vendors at the quarterly South Park Walkabout, when the neighborhood comes together -- bands play in front yards, and local businesses stay open later than usual. To stock up on groceries or organic produce, South Park residents can bike or walk to Food Bowl on Cedar Street, but many opt to drive to Trader Joes and Whole Foods in nearby Hillcrest. There’s a Target set conveniently in the heart of the neighborhood on Grape Street, adjacent to Piacere Mio, an upscale eatery where diners can craft their own pasta dishes.

South Park has a culture of enjoying community outdoors.
South Park has a culture of enjoying community outdoors.
Chic boutiques populate South Park's once industrial buildings.
Chic boutiques populate South Park's once industrial buildings.
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B Street leads to downtown

Scripps Mercy Hospital is about 5 miles north, just off of Washington Street. The neighborhood is only 2 miles east of Downtown San Diego, which residents can reach by way of B Street or taking a Metropolitan Transit System bus (there’s a stop on 30th and Date Street). Interstates 5, 8 and 805 are the nearest major freeways; residents can head north on the 805 or the 5 to get to South Mission Beach. The San Diego International Airport is 5 miles way.

South Park enjoys close proximity to Balboa Park and Downtown San Diego.
South Park enjoys close proximity to Balboa Park and Downtown San Diego.
Palm Lined Residential Street in South Park.
Palm Lined Residential Street in South Park.
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Braxton Chea
Written By
Braxton Chea
Michael Hirsch
Photography Contributed By
Michael Hirsch
Jordan Sain
Video By
Jordan Sain

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to James Nelson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Diego International

11 min drive

Bus

30th St & Elm St

Bus

30th St & Date St

Bus

30th St & Grape St

Bus

Beech St & Fern St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Park US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,255,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,345,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,499,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$355,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$940
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
33
Months of Supply
1.80
Median List Price
$1,337,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,125
Median Year Built
1936
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,361
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,547
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,056
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
673
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to James Nelson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,191
Median Age
41
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$97,326
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$125,971

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.1%
College Graduates
59%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

49 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

82 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

35 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
South Park