The most ethnically diverse neighborhood in San Diego is City Heights. This area - home to about 65,000 residents is located about a mile east of Balboa Park at the junction of I-805 and the I-15. Once an area of high crime and decay, this area is going through a tremendous transformation. New residential and commercial projects are taking place. Older homes are being purchased and being renovated. Slowly but surely, block by block, it seems.

Though low-level apartment buildings seem to be numerous, their are older craftsman and Spanish-style homes aplenty. Compared to other areas, prices for single-family homes are lower. Here is a good area to find cosmetic “fixer’s.”

As in all homes built before 1950 or so, one has to pay special attention to foundation inspections. As for sturdiness, any home built before World War II one will find real stucco wall construction versus drywall construction, which many homeowners enjoy.
The downside is that many of the attics and home area “crawlspaces” lack proper insulation. However, all this can be easily remedied.

Area residents enjoy the close proximity to downtown San Diego and enjoy the many ethnic restaurants and supermarkets that are on the main thoroughfares, El Cajon Boulevard and University Avenue. No wonder, that City Heights is called “San Diego’s Melting Pot.”