University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest and most historic communities. It offers residents and visitors a unique combination of history, architecture, theatre, music, art and great restaurants.
Located only five miles from downtown San Diego, University Heights is close to everything yet provides a quiet, safe neighborhood with a quaint and vibrant business district. It is one of San Diego’s most walkable communities with well-maintained sidewalks and a variety of cafes, shops and grocery stores within walking or biking distance.
The name “University,” both for the neighborhood and nearby University Avenue, comes from a plan in the 1880s to build a university in the area. It came to be the State School evolved into what is now known as San Diego State University. That is why the word university is prevalent in this part of town, even though there is no university around.
University Heights has some very interesting history. On the far northern edge of the neighborhood, at the scenic rim of Mission Valley, there used to be The Harvey Bentley Ostrich Farm and the Mission Cliff Gardens, which occupied, what is now the corner of Adams Avenue and Park Boulevard. In the early 1900s the ostrich farm became prominent due to the immense demand for lady’s ostrich-feather hats and garments. The farm was a popular attraction for visitors who were allowed to ride on the backs of the great birds.
The ostrich is used today as a reminder of the color and character of the community’s proud heritage. In addition, you can still see remnants of the Mission Cliff Gardens by the boundary wall of rounded stones on Adams Avenue. The gardens were a popular tourist site, and were served by public trolley cars that used to run up Park Boulevard to Adams Avenue. The ostrich farm still lives in the form of the neighborhood signs and markers sporting the ostrich imagery.
University Heights is home to Trolley Barn Park, which was the original site for the trolley cars to park. The beautiful park is now used daily by residents, for special events and for the annual evening summer concerts. Starting in July and running through August of each year, there are concerts every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a variety of musical talent from jazz to country. Thanks to local sponsors, the concerts are free and attract several thousand residents each year.
The quaint business district has your usual assortment of amenities, like coffee houses, restaurants and small neighborhood markets. There is also The Diversionary Theatre that puts on local productions at its location on Park Boulevard. The San Diego Unified School District complex is located at Park and Normal.
In addition to all the businesses and attractions in University Heights, there is a wonderful large residential section with a strong feeling of community. In University Heights, you can find a variety of single detached homes, condos and apartments. Home prices in University Heights vary. Currently you can find a one bedroom, one bathroom condo for as low as $114,000. Or if your budget allows, you can also find beautiful detached homes, like a Spanish three bedroom, three bathroom home, which is currently on the market and listed for $819,000. There is every type of property in University Heights from affordable to high end.
Listed here are two examples of listings in University Heights that are new on the market:
• Craftsman style home: Two bedroom, two bathroom charming home with updated kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors, detached garage and laundry room. Located just one block from the heart of the University Heights business district and just three blocks to Trolley Barn Park. Listed at a range of $399,000 to $449,000.
• Cape Cod style home: Two bedroom, two bathroom, pristine view home with an office/den, remodeled kitchen, gleaming hardwood floors, garage and large backyard deck overlooking picturesque canyon. This home sits on one of University Heights most beautiful and prestigious streets and is listed at a range of $709,000 to $739,000.
The general boundary of University Heights is considered to be Highway 163 to the west, Mission Valley to the north, Texas Street to the east and Washington Street to the south.
University Heights is like the perfect neighborhood. It is very diverse with old world charm. It has the walkability that everyone is seeking today. It has restaurants, coffee shops, local grocery stores, its own live theater, a beautiful community park, a public library, a strong feeling of community and so much more. Whether you are familiar with University Heights or not, you should take the time to enjoy everything that this special community has to offer.
Trent St. Louis is a licensed Real Estate Agent
and a member of the National, California and
San Diego Association of Realtors. He can be reached at trent@tns.net or at his office in Hillcrest, The Metropolitan Group. DRE#01273643
