Downtown San Diego- Something For Everyone
August 12th, 2008 categories: Lifestyle, Our Market
Even amid a beleaguered Real Estate market, downtown San Diego is getting a lot of attention. Our office receives many calls each week in search of the perfect pad in one of the distinctly different villages of Downtown. For those of you who are less familiar with the San Diego Scene, let me give you a quick tour.
There are eight villages within the San Diego Metro Area each offering a different urban climate and amenities. We will focus on the residential aspects of each neighborhood.
The largest village within the Downtown area scope is the East Village. It emcompasses 325 acres and is home to San Diego City College, the New School of Architecture and Petco Park, and the home of the San Diego Padres. East Village has a long way to go before its development is complete including one million square feet of retail and office space and approximately 7500 homes and hotels. East Village has some of the most affordable residential opportunities as well as state of the art high rise complexes with views that span the city, the bay and beyond the Coronado Bridge.
The Gaslamp Quarter is the Historic Center of town with origins in the 1870’s and hosts more than 100 restaurants and nightclubs, galleries and lofts. The 16.5 block neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has 94 structures that are recognized as historically significant. Several new residential and commercial projects are planned or underway.
The heart of San Diego’s central business and government is known as the Core. This district extends from A Street to Broadway and from Union Street to Park Boulevard. The area features culturally significant venues such as Symphony Hall, the Civic Theater and the 1926 California Theater.
Horton Plaza is a shoppers paradise. The outdoor shopping mall makes spending money an absolute pleasure with a myriad of specialty stores, chain stores and eateries. This 15 block area is the center of downtown’s commercial activity and also home to condominiums, apartments, high rise office buildings, retail and more. The historic Balboa Theater is one of the oldest performing arts venues in San Diego and was recently restored by CCDC (Center City Development Corporation).
The Columbia district is largely made up of commercial development dotted with residential opportunities. The waterfront is a major segment of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, which includes a pedestrian esplanade and development program that accentuates the dramatic views and public access.
Now we make our way into the most prominent residential cores of downtown. The Marina District is the big ticket item downtown. Formerly warehouses and vacant lots, this area has transformed with high-rise and mid-rise condominiums, apartments, lofts and townhomes each in a variety of styles, sizes and amenities. And of course, prices. The Marina Districts stretches between the waterfront, Horton Plaza and downtown’s office towers. This neighborhood is wonderfully walk-able with access to fine dining, stores and services. Many of the residences offer concierge services for the ultimate in luxury and convenience.
Perched above the fray is Cortez Hill, named after the historic El Cortez Hotel since converted into fine condominium homes. Cortez Hill is primarily residential but within walking distance to shops and dining in the nearby Little Italy area. One may consider a very inexpensive cab ride home after shopping and dining as getting home is up hill all the way. This quiet and quaint village offers more of a residential feel while still city close. Street corners are often dotted with small single family homes from another era adding a certain charm to the neighborhood.
Last, but certainly not least, is Little Italy. This is one of my favorite spots to live and play downtown. Little Italy has some wonderfully unique residential opportunites nestled amidst fine dining, nightlife and art galleries. A stroll down India Street is sure to make you hungry with the tempting aromas wafting from the endless assortment of restaurants and cafes. There are several new condo projects that offer unique and modern residences with views over the city and to the bay. Little Italy is freeway close an easy walk to the waterfront esplanade. On the subject of the Waterfront, when visiting Little Italy stop by this slight hole-in-the-wall pub perched on Kettner. It’s one of the oldest, if not the oldest, watering holes downtown and always good for a refreshing pint and some good people watching.
Today’s downtown has so much to offer visitors and denizens alike. Whatever your style or price range, the San Diego scene really has something for everyone.
