San Diego Neighborhood Descriptions

CORTEZ

Anyone who has driven down Cortez Hill on Ash Street in the spring can recall the beauty of lavender jacaranda trees against San Diego 's blue sky and bay. One of the City's oldest residential neighborhoods, it was named for the historic El Cortez Hotel. It is conveniently located within walking distance to Balboa Park , San Diego City College , The Gaslamp Quarter and numerous bars/restaurants. Views include Balboa Park , the bay and ocean beyond and the urban scene below. Victorian homes dot the area, along with condominiums and apartments. The Hill is a popular address due to the sense that it is downtowns cul-de-sac. The topography separates it from much of downtown's hustle and bustle, yet remains close to all the activity.

EAST VILLAGE

The largest neighborhood downtown, East Village is experiencing the greatest residential growth. Scattered throughout the area are artists' homes, studios, galleries and shops, along with San Diego City College , the New School of Architecture and two high schools. Former warehouses, even an old church, have been transformed into charming residential lofts.

Numerous changes are ongoing that continue to showcase this eclectic neighborhood. The most notable was the recent construction of the San Diego Padres' new home, Petco Park . This one of a kind baseball stadium has become the crown jewel of the East Village . In addition, the East Village provides easy walking access to the Gaslamp Quarter, Convention Center and Seaport Village .

MARINA

The warehouses and vacant lots evident mid last century are gone. This is today one of San Diego 's most beautiful and desirable neighborhoods. Choices for homes include high-rise and mid-rise condominiums, apartments, townhouses and live/work lofts. The Marina district showcases the bast of downtown San Diego , with views of San Diego Harbor , Coronado and Mexico . The area stretches between the waterfront, Horton Plaza and downtown's office towers. It is provides an convenient walking access to the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, the convention center and Petco Park baseball stadium. In addition, historic Pantoja Park was expanded with the first development and joined by Children's Park and the unique King Promenade. Some of the downtown's rich cultural history is here, as the Asian/Pacific Thematic Historic District recognizes cultural contributions to the development of this city and the international Children's Museum reaches out to future generations.

GASLAMP QUARTER

This is arguably the most famous and well visited neighborhood in downtown San Diego . The Gaslamp Quarter derives its name from the numerous Gaslamp lights which once adorned the area's streets. 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 90 restaurants and nightclubs, movie theaters, shops, offices, galleries, apartments and lofts. Choices abound for those interested in sampling some of the West Coast's best dining and entertainment. The Gaslamp Quarter offers something for every taste, budget and age.

If staying in the Gaslamp Quarter, one can easily walk to Horton Plaza , Seaport Village , Petco Park , the convention center and Little Italy.