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Downtown San Diego offers eight distinctive neighborhoods,
each with its own history, character and lifestyle. More than
24,000 Downtown residents already enjoy living in this scenic
and safe atmosphere, with homes convenient to the workplace,
shopping, education, recreation, entertainment, public transit
and more.
Downtown's Core neighborhood from A Street to Broadway and
Union and 12th Avenue is the heart of San Diego's central
business district. This neighborhood serves as the region's
hub for government, finance and business. There are also a
variety of arts-related venues in the Core including Symphony
Hall, the Civic Center and the 1929 California Theater. Restoration
and revitalization of many of the historic buildings are underway
or planned, adding new residential, retail, commercial opportunities
and parking to the area.
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of Core district
Beginning at its namesake pier, Broadway is Downtown's ceremonial
main street, with medians containing lush foliage and lighted
banners proclaiming a hearty "Welcome to Downtown."
Though largely commercial in nature, the Columbia neighborhood
will see construction of a number of residential projects
over the next few years. Several new high-rise office towers
and two new hotels are planned for this area, as well. The
waterfront in this neighborhood is a major segment of the
North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, which includes a grand esplanade
and development that values beautiful vistas and enhanced
public access.
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of Columbia district
Anyone who has driven down Cortez Hill on Ash Street in the
spring can recall the beauty of the jacaranda trees in lavender
bloom against San Diego's blue sky and bay. Distinguished,
and one of San Diego's oldest residential neighborhoods, it
was named for the famous El Cortez Hotel. Views include Balboa
Park, the bay and ocean beyond, and the urban scene below.
Victorian-style homes dot the area, along with condominiums
and apartments. The hill's topography separates it from much
of Downtown's hustle and bustle, yet its closeness makes it
a very desirable address.
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description of Cortez Hill
Downtown's largest neighborhood, East Village, will experience
the greatest residential growth in the coming years. Scattered
throughout the area are artists' homes, studios, galleries
and shops. San Diego City College, the New School of Architecture
and two high schools are in the area. Former warehouses, even
an old church, have been transformed into charming residential
lofts. A dramatic facelift is planned for 12th Avenue, linking
San Diego Bay to Balboa Park. The new San Diego Padres Ballpark
and Park at the Park are scheduled to open in 2004, and a
new Main Library and thousands of new residential units will
be constructed as well.
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description of East Village
Beginning with his building a wharf at the foot of Fifth
Avenue to accommodate trade and commerce in the 1870s, Alonzo
Horton encouraged the development of Downtown. This 16.5-block
neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, and the 94 structures identified as historically or
architecturally significant now house more than 70 restaurants
and nightclubs, movie theaters, retailers, offices, galleries
and urban live/work lofts. A charming hardscape park at the
trolley station across from the Convention Center features
a playful fountain, much to the delight of youngsters of all
ages.
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description of the Gaslamp Quarter
Named for the small, but prestigious Horton Plaza Park, this
neighborhood is where the redefining of Downtown began. Residential
opportunities may be limited, but this 15-block area puts
residents at the center of Downtown's activity. The area includes
luxury condominiums and apartments amidst high-rise office
buildings, retail, hotels, theaters and restaurants.
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description of Horton Plaza
The sloping landscape at the northern edge of San Diego Bay
was once home to a highly successful tuna fishing industry
and the many Italian families who derived a living from that
industry. Its lovely vistas now offer an urban neighborhood
with single-family homes, condominiums and apartments. A recently
revitalized India Street is alive with restaurants, small
cafes, galleries and specialty shops. Amici Park is a new
school playground/community park adjoining the rebuilt Washington
Elementary School, just blocks from new housing growing for
the next generation of village residents.
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description of Little Italy
Formerly warehouses and vacant lots, this neighborhood offers
high-rise and mid-rise condominiums and apartments, townhouses,
loft and single-room-occupancy (SRO) units, in a variety of
styles, sizes and prices. The area stretches between the waterfront,
Horton Plaza and Downtown's office towers. Ample open space
is offered at Pantoja Park, Children's Park, and throughout
the linear King Promenade, providing an ideal setting for
families, professionals, retirees and those who travel the
globe. Some of the area's rich cultural history is here, as
the Asian/Pacific Thematic Historic District recognizes the
contributions of San Diego's Asian cultures to the development
of this city.
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of the Marina district
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