$986,450Average Value$869Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
One of San Diego's most historic and dynamic neighborhoods
University Heights is a historic neighborhood that's no stranger to change. It was founded in the 1880s with the intention of becoming the sight of San Diego State University, but eventually the university opened up 6 miles east. The neighborhood kept the name and carried on as a residential enclave that embraces its history and changing tastes. "It's got very eclectic home styles, lots of 1920s Craftsman and even a few 1960s midcentury modern homes," says Realtor Joe Carta of Joe Carta Realty, who's been selling in San Diego since the 1980s. "What's even more unique is that it's so old, but it's got Park Boulevard running right through it, which has some of the most amazing restaurants and bars in the city." Park Boulevard's dynamic dining scene is just a few blocks from many of the neighborhood's historic homes.
University Heights offers city amenities with suburban sensibility.
Dining al fresco is commonplace in University Heights.
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Textbook 1920s Craftsman and 1960s midcentury modern homes
Aside from commercial veins like Park Boulevard, the neighborhood is almost entirely residential. Homes sit on palm tree-lined grid streets stretching from the community's commercial heart to the green hills of the University Heights Open Space on the north side. Textbook 1920s Craftsman homes are laced throughout the neighborhood, displaying exposed beams and rafters and ornate carpentry-work on their facades. Tile-roofed Spanish Revivals from the same period are also common. In the neighborhood's south end and around Park Boulevard, these homes tend to be smaller and sit on compact lots, ranging from $800,000 to $1.5 million for the oldest and largest options. Some homes in this part of the neighborhood might share a street with condos and luxury townhouses that can cost $400,000 to over $1 million. Homes on the north side are generally more expensive due to their larger size and spacious grassy lots. Some even have valley views of the open space. In addition to the larger 1920s Craftsman and Spanish Revivals, this area has some prototypical 1960s midcentury modern homes with low-profile linear designs and large windows. These homes range from $1.5 million to $3 million.
Proud craftsman homes offer larger lots and traditional finishes.
Spanish revival homes are found in great numbers in University Heights.
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Vibrant dining scene on Park Boulevard
Park Boulevard is the neighborhood's artery of commercial activity, complete with a lighted "University Heights" sign stretching over the north end of the street. It's home to one of San Diego's most vibrant culinary scenes. Foodies from around the city make the trip to its staple establishments and highly recommended new spots, but neighborhood residents are just a few blocks away. Parkhouse Eatery is one of the classics. They have a sunny sidewalk patio where folks enjoy giant pancakes for brunch and an indoor hearth room with a wood-burning fireplace for a cozy dinner. El Zarape is another cult favorite, known for its no-frills authentic Mexican fare. Madison is a newer restaurant serving modern Mediterranean cuisine. It looks small from the outside but opens into a bright space with cedar plank walls and vaulted ceilings flooded with natural light. Across the street, Kairoa Brewing Company's spacious patio has become a popular day-drinking spot. After dinner, folks can see a show at the Diversionary Theatre, which focuses on classic plays adapted with LGBTQ+ themes. Fresh produce can be found at the Hillcrest Farmers Market, held every Sunday on Normal Street in the neighborhood's south end. Trader Joe's, Ralphs and Sprouts are also in this area of the neighborhood.
Parkhouse Eatery offers American fare in an engaging setting.
El Zarape is a classic Mexican food restaurant for casual bites.
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Birney Elementary graded an A
The neighborhood is part of the San Diego Unified School District, which is rated an A overall by Niche. Kids start at Birney Elementary, which is walkable from most homes and gets an A. They continue at Roosevelt Middle School, which earns a B-plus. Students finish about 4 miles downtown at San Diego High, a B-minus-rated International Baccalaureate World School. Juniors and seniors can enroll in the IB program, which involves rigorous coursework with the opportunity to earn college credits.
Birney Elementary School encourages creative learning.
Classrooms at Roosevelt International Middle School are designed for interactive learning.
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Old Trolley Barn Park and valley trails
Old Trolley Barn Park is a local landmark in the neighborhood's north end. As the name suggests, it was once a storage barn for San Diego trolley cars, but it's now a large recreation space within walking distance of many homes. The park has a spacious lawn lined with trees and a paved walking path. Next to the lawn, tall palms shade a large playground and a fountain courtyard with relaxing benches and views of the hills to the north. These green hills are part of the University Heights Open Space, a natural buffer between the neighborhood's north side and Interstate 8. Residents can access trails throughout the space that take them across the soft peaks and valleys. Balboa Park, San Diego's most prominent recreation space, is about a mile south of many homes. This expansive 1,200-acre space is home to a tennis club, trails and athletic fields, as well as the San Diego Zoo and many museums with historic Spanish Revival architecture. Plus, Ocean Beach is only 8 miles west.
University Heights Open Space offers sweeping views of Mission Valley.
Old Trolley Barn Park is University Height's paramount green space.
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Summer concerts in Old Trolley Barn Park
The Summer Concerts in the Park Series at Old Trolley Barn Park has become a neighborhood tradition. The University Heights Community Association has put it on every summer since 1998. Residents can attend these free shows every Friday in July.
Four-mile commute to downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego is only 4 miles south on Highway 163, which runs down the neighborhood's west side. San Diego Naval Base is just 6 miles south, and North Island Naval Air Station is 8 miles away, across the bridge from the base. Interstate 8 is on the neighborhood's north side. Folks can take it 6 miles east to San Diego State University. The neighborhood blocks are highly walkable, but bus stops throughout the neighborhood also allow residents to get around without driving. When flying is necessary, San Diego International Airport is just 5 miles east.
Spanish tile roofs accent the landscape of University Heights.
Metro Transit Service whisks University Heights residents throughout greater San Diego.
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
Athir Markos,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
University Heights Park
Trails
Old Trolley Barn Park
Morley Field Sports Complex
North Park Community Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Trolley Barn Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Cabrillo Canyon Entrance
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
8 min drive
Bus
El Cajon Bl & Alabama St
Bus
El Cajon Bl & Texas St
Bus
Park Bl & Polk Av
Bus
Park Bl & Monroe Av
Bus
Texas St & Meade Av
Bus
Park Bl & Meade Av
Bus
Park Bl & Howard Av
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
University Heights
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University Heights, San Diego sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in University Heights, San Diego over the last 12 months is $1,019,320, up 15% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This "cloud condo" lives like a detached home, without the detached home price and no monthly HOA fee! Elevated above a private 1-car garage plus bonus room and large downstairs patio, the main living space features a midcentury modern kitchen with large bay window, breakfast bar opening to the living room, and a large southwest facing deck that soaks up sun all day long. Enjoy fresh paint, a new
Finally Available! This adorable 2 bedroom townhouse features 2 full bathrooms upstairs, a downstairs bathroom, Central A/C, a fireplace, upstairs laundry and a storage garage! Fresh paint and updates make this home feel so bright and welcoming! With a famously walkable neighborhood, there's so much to enjoy! Come get your foot in the door while it's still here!
Welcome to 1440 Van Buren Ave — a fully remodeled showpiece in the heart of University Heights. This thoughtfully reimagined home features a brand-new open-concept kitchen and dining area, designed with modern elegance and functionality in mind. Full-wall folding patio doors lead to a new deck and patio, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living, surrounded by a lush new turf garden and fresh
You will feel the essence of early 1900's design complimented by the spaciousness and liberties of modern living. Beautiful craftsmanship at every turn from original built-ins, to an expansive classic beamed ceiling living area to additional period details throughout. A two bedroom floor plan with optional third bedroom / home office provides for privacy and ease. Features include a formal
Welcome to 1902-08 Howard Avenue, a rare opportunity to own two side-by-side bungalows in one of San Diego's most sought-after neighborhoods. These delightful homes offer a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern convenience, ideal for owner-occupiers, investors, or those seeking a unique multi-generational living arrangement. Roofs on both homes replaced 2023, 1908 plumbing updated in 2023.
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! This remarkable triplex is a true treasure in the heart of University Heights, steps from the historic Lafayette Hotel, Trolley Barn Park, & North Park, where original Craftsman-era charm has been impeccably preserved. The stunning original hardwood floors, craftsman molding and wainscoting, fireplaces, and custom original built-ins are in excellent condition, creating a
Winslow is a truly timeless, amenity-rich living experience—one that simultaneously honors the historic character of the surrounding University Heights neighborhood and the contemporary spirit of San Diego. From the heart of one of the city’s most artfully charming enclaves, Winslow introduces a modern residential offering with a touch of Southern California’s long-cherished bohemian spirit. It
This furnished 1 bed, 1 bath plus queen-sized pull-out couch is available for a 12 month term in University Heights. Property features include a stocked kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, new couch, AC, and hard flooring throughout. Exterior features include a fenced patio equipped with two patio sets and both a propane grill and pellet smoker. Property is available
Built in 2018, The Park offers true San Diego living in the wonderful, uptown neighborhood of University Heights.The community’s architecture offers modern and comfortable living as every apartment is designed to have plenty of natural light. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide beautiful views of the city while offering privacy and creating your perfect and secluded
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Athir Markos,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
12,823
Median Age
39
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$89,323
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,590
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.9%
College Graduates
57.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.1%
% Population in Labor Force
79%
Above the national average
65.1%
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®
76/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
88/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
47/ 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.
