Downtown San Diego

There are 6 separate neighborhoods of Downtown San Diego, each with a unique vibe and culture.  4 of these 6 neighborhoods contain the bulk of the residential developments. A day spent exploring these distinct residential neighborhoods will definitely leave you with a preference as to which vibe fits your personality and lifestyle.

GASLAMP QUARTER: The oldest and most bustling of all the downtown communities is home to many fabulous restaurants and a hopping nightlife.  The Gaslamp is home to only a handful of condo developments which include Trellis, Gaslamp City Square, Pacific Terrace and Alta.

MARINA DISTRICT:  Probably the most established and complete area of downtown, with essentially only one undeveloped lot, this neighborhood is home to many of the luxurious high-end high rise condo developments that provide for some of the most beautiful, and permanent, views available in downtown.

LITTLE ITALY: Established by the Italian settlers of the 1920’s, San Diego’s Little Italy today boasts a myriad of Italian restaurants, Italian retail shops, home design stores, art galleries and residential units.  A quiet but humming part of downtown, Little Italy is a favorite amongst downtown frequenters especially those that live there.

CORTEZ HILL: A lovely and highly residential area tucked away on the “upper” north-east side of downtown.  Cortez Hill is just that…. located on a hill and home to the famous El Cortez hotel, the first high-rise structure built in downtown San Diego.  This neighborhood has a quiet appeal with very little street traffic.  The neighborhood Cafe Sole Luna located at the base of the El Cortez is one of the only local restaurant establishments so that’s where everyone runs out to get a quick bite, a local sit down meal or take out.  The small neighborhood appeal, yet only steps away from all the action in the Gaslamp and East Village, is the real draw for this area of the 92101.

EAST VILLAGE:  This neighborhood technically runs the entire east side of downtown along the 5 corridor.  However, from a real estate perspective, the lower sections surrounding the ball park is truly the East Village residential neighborhood.  Gentrification/redevelopment is slow in the mid and upper parts of San Diego’s newest neighborhood.  But, notably, the lower sections are considered very desirable, especially by the young to middle-aged professional looking for a fun, urban environment.

COLUMBIA DISTRICT: A mostly commercial area, the Columbia District is home to a few residential developments including Treo, The Grande, Electra and the newly complete Bayside Tower.  Although these developments are technically located in an adjacent neighborhood, residents here enjoy all the ammenities and establishments that Little Italy and the Marina Districts have to offer…. being that it’s only 1 or 2 blocks away from either, depending on where in the neighborhood you live.

THE CORE:  This is the business district.  Home to most of our downtown’s office high-rise buildings.