If you are considering relocating to a vibrant neighborhood, then keep Hillcrest at the top of your list. Why? This San Diego favorite neighborhood invites you to enjoy highly rated restaurants, coffee shops, trendy thrift stores, independent boutiques, bars, and so much more. Plus, Hillcrest is popular as the center of the LGBTQ community.
The area is situated in the heart of San Diego and rests between the north of downtown, east of Point Loma, south of Mission Valley, and west of North Park.
If this overview triggered your ‘I would like to know more’ nerves, then allow our blog to enlighten you regarding living, education, amenities, festivals, outdoor activities, who it is ideal for, challenges, and where should coffeeholics invest their money?
Living In Hillcrest
Whether you are a shifting solo or with a big family, Hillcrest has something for you. The neighborhood offers interesting combination of Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, and modern designs in the for of single-family houses and modern apartment buildings that are designed to cater to the different needs and preferences of potential home seekers.
Let's have a look at the rent ranges you can expect:
- Studios: The median rent for a studio in Hillcrest lands squarely at $2,450 per month. That said, the average rent is right around $2,800 which means that you’re more likely to encounter housing options in the upper part of the range. They are ideal for individuals who prefer a quaint space.
- One-Bedroom: These range between $2,000 and $3,100 per month with the average apartment renting for around $2,395/mo. Interestingly, the average one-bedroom costs less than the average studio despite being a larger space. This may be because most studios are located in modern, luxury apartment buildings with countless amenities, pushing the price up.
- Two-Bedroom: On average, you’ll have access to this type of apartment with about a $3,500 per month budget. Supply and construction of two-bedroom apartments tends to be higher than others due to their versatility, so prices remain more or less stable.
- Three Bedrooms: This housing option’s cost varies greatly because it’s spread between older homes and newer construction. You’ll find listings starting as low as $2,900 per month and others reach the heights of $4,800 per month. This kind of accommodation is popular among roommates or small families who have the privacy of their own rooms and share amenities under the same roof.
Education In Hillcrest
Moving to a new place means a change of lifestyle, home, job, and of course education. Parents want the best for their children, and for that, they look for educational institutions that provide the highest standards of education. Hillcrest does not disappoint to the rescue as the neighborhood is equipped with both public and private schools.
Public Schools
In terms of public schools, children can get admission to Florence Elementary School. The institution is located at 3914 First Ave. The school is from kindergarten to fifth grade.
Private Schools
Another option is Aseltine School, which is located at 4027 Normal Street. The factor that makes this school special is that it is for students with learning disabilities and severe emotional disturbances which other schools find a challenge to cope with. They have classes from kindergarten up to the 12th grade. With several success stories mentioned on their website, this school can be the perfect choice for your little one.
Amenities In Hillcrest
The neighborhood appeals to visitors with its shopping malls:
Village Hillcrest
The shopping mall at 3955 Fifth Ave emerges with a lot of eateries, shops, cinemas, and workspaces.
The Hub Hillcrest Market
This shopping center is located at 940-1092 University Ave. It provides with a wide range of vendors, eateries with outdoor seating, and a grocery store that stocks your necessary products.
Festivals
Hillcrest is famous for the wonder festivals it celebrates:
San Diego Pride Parade and Festival
The San Diego Pride Parade and Festival is huge. The event has the power to attract 250,000 spectators in a single day. The largest pride festival in the city consists of a colorful 1.5-mile float parade that begins at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Avenue and Normal Street and is taken down University Avenue, 6th Avenue, and Balboa Drive, ending at Quince Street and Balboa Park.
Hillcrest CityFest
The celebration is done annually. The city festival entices the locals with enchanting street fairs, live music, and delectable food stalls. Looking at the grand-scale preparations, people actually look forward to that happening.
Pride Music Festival
The event is celebrated to keep the history and culture of LGBTQ alive. The evening is made magical through live performances and a colorful parade.
Hillcrest Farmer’s Market
Although this is not a festival, we think that it still deserves a mention. For fresh organic produce every week, make your way towards Hillcrest Farmer’s Market. The event takes place every Sunday at 3960 Normal St, from 9 am-2 pm. The market steals the limelight by accommodating 175 vendors that take pride in selling locally grown items. Besides that, it becomes a shopper’s paradise as over 10,000 people come to buy flowers, clothes, art, gifts, etc. Furthermore, music enthusiasts can attend as several musicians conquer the stage, and you groove to the beats while enjoying hot food from international cuisine.
The San Diego Pride Parade and Festival in action
Who Is Hillcrest Ideal For?
Hillcrest is a blessing for young professionals, foodies, the LGBTQ+ community, and urban seekers.
Young Professionals
The neighborhood lacks green spaces and parks, however, Balboa Park is a few steps away. Then there are multiple options for family-friendly activities as you can take your children to museums and similar sites. But the nightlife may not be suitable for young ones, so keep this in mind.
LGBTQ+ Community
The area is the center of this community, and the region celebrates diversity through several festivals.
Foodies
If you love to explore trendy eateries and experiment at fancy cafes, then Hillcrest is the place to live in.
Urban Seekers
Hillcrest can be called the party place. It offers shops, eateries, and malls that can be reached via walk, therefore if you are someone who does not rely much on cars then you will feel happy here.
Challenges Of Living In Hillcrest
Hillcrest is no doubt enriched with colorful life, but like every region, this has some challenges that have to be remembered before renting your space. They are:
● Cost of living
● Limited parking
● Noise and crowds
● Fewer parks
Bonus For Coffee Enthusiasts
Are you one of those whose mornings don’t begin unless they have consumed their dose of hot beverage? If that is the case, then Hillcrest has these few coffee shops that will make you their lifetime customer:
Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest
Address: 801 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92103
Treat yourself to a good breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Better Buzz Coffee. The cafe entices your appetite with their Grilled Cheese, classic Avocado toast, Turkey Pesto Sandwiches, and fruity acai bowls. Besides that, you can try Rose Water Latte, Orange Infused Matcha, and Iced Gibraltar from their drinks section.
Lestat’s Hillcrest
Address 1045 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
You can sip freshly brewed coffee at Lestat’s Hillcrest, too. The cafe offers indoor seating and outdoor patio seating and is open until midnight. What does the menu carry? You can order breakfast, light bites, pizza, and sandwiches. Looking for drinks? Then go for signature drinks, cold drinks, and green and fruit smoothies.
Conclusion
Hillcrest may be the central urban neighborhood you’ve always wanted to be a part of. The place is ideal for urban lifestyle hunters, young professionals, foodies, and the LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood includes a variety of single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums built with you in mind.
So, are you already planning on moving to this Hillcrest? Get in touch with Parkside Asset Management which can assist you in finding your next home. Explore our available apartments and be ready to pack your bags for Hillcrest.
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