City Heights is a large community that is located northwest of downtown San Diego. The community is well-known for its ethnic diversity, thanks to its large population of North African, Hispanic, South Asian and Southeast Asian immigrants. The area is bounded by Interstate 805, El Cajon Boulevard, 54th Street and Euclid Avenue

City Heights was developed in the late 1800s from 240 acres of unincorporated land near Balboa Park. From there, the area was eventually incorporated into a city known as East San Diego in 1912. In late 1923, East San Diego was annexed into the city of San Diego. The area is currently undergoing major redevelopment and revitalization thanks to continuing efforts by local residents and the city government.

City Heights, CA Things to Do

Thanks in large part to its unique demographics, the main streets of City Heights is home to a number of restaurants and retail stores that cater to the immigrant population. University Avenue, Fairmount Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard offer a wide variety of ethnic restaurants and other similar businesses. There are also several parks within the neighborhood, including Manzanita Canyon, Hollywood Park and Azalea Community Park.

The community's convenient location relative to the downtown area makes it possible to reach destinations such as Sea World, Petco Park and San Diego International Airport in under 15 minutes. Nearby attractions include the beaches of Coronado Island and San Diego's marina district.

Being an older neighborhood, City Heights features older housing stock mainly consisting of California bungalows and ranch-style homes. There are also a few split-level homes for sale in the area, although homes with two stories are more are relatively rare. Condominiums are also commonplace in this neighborhood.

Some of these homes have been renovated during the past few years, giving residents the advantage of having energy efficient appliances and re-decorated interiors, among other home improvements. Many of these homes feature small enclosed backyards and equally small or somewhat larger front yards. This is something to keep in consideration if having plenty of yard space is a priority.