It is said in sales parlance that “there’s a hat for every head”. What this means is that we are all different and have individual likes and dislikes. For the salesman, this suggests that there is a house and a neighborhood that will suit each person who seeks our guidance. In our turf, the wonderful San Diego, this is certainly the case.
For the person who loves to stroll down tree-lined streets, perhaps walking with their beloved pet, there is no better neighborhood than South Park, one of the oldest and most delightful in our midst. If you are also an aficionado of older houses, South Park may fit the bill to the max.
South Park is east of Balboa Park and south of North Park; nestled between Juniper Street and A Street. It was carved out of the area known as Golden Hill and includes an area formerly known as Brooklyn Heights. Development in South Park began around 1905 when streetcars were a feature until their retirement in 1939.
These days you can ride the No. 2 bus to this charming part of town and once arrived, explore the area on foot. You’ll see people of all stripes in this diverse part of town, all cheerfully parading about and enjoying the many mom and pop stores that are still prevalent. You won’t find too many chain or franchise businesses and this is a treat in our modern day when you can’t quite figure out where you are with all the lookalike malls.
The mostly single family streets will remind you of eras past with their charming array of Craftsman and Spanish Revival homes. As most of the houses were built between 1905 and 1950, it’s rather a walk down memory lane, with some of the properties designated historic. Although the area is not officially registered, such designation may be in the works.
If old houses intrigue you, make sure to attend the annual Old House Fair, usually held on a Saturday in mid-June. Centered on the intersection of 30th Street and Beech, the Fair sports all kinds of vintage finds that come from and belong in the houses of old. Don’t miss it.
Other South Park must-do’s are the quarterly Walkabouts that take place on Saturday evenings in March, July, October and December when shops are open late and live music fills the air. You can ride the free trolley from Beech to Grape to Juniper Streets and check out the many restaurants, beer taverns, craft and art shops that adorn the area; you’ll find sidewalk sales on these special nights.
South Park is a welcoming, unaffected and a homey place to call home. If you’re a dog lover, you will no doubt make sure to visit the Grape Street Dog Park and the South Bark Dog Wash, both designed to appeal to your best friend. Vintage and retro lovers will enjoy the variety of homes and trendy shops and all will feel welcome in this great little neighborhood whether it is for a short visit or if you decide it is the perfect “hat” for you.
Del Phillips is a California Licensed Real Estate agent. He is a member of the National, California and San Diego Association of Realtors. You can reach Del at Ascent Real Estate at 619-298-6666 or at Del@DelPhillips.com DRE LIC #01267333.
I moved to South Park in 1985 becasue it was all I could afford. At the time, because of the cheap rents, there was an abundance of artists, writers, musicians, and others who made a colorful fabric of residents.
Whoopie Goldberg was a dishwasher at The Big Kitchen, still trying to break into stand-up comedy at the time. Years later, she returned to autograph the wall above the sink where she had washed so many dishes. You can still see it to this day.
I ended up buying a home here, because this is where I want to live. Even though the area has improved, it has never lost that small town feel and charm.