Widely regarded as one of San Diego's finest neighborhoods, the predominantly residential and affluent area of Mission Hills is tucked into the hills north of downtown San Diego and just south of San Diego River valley. Its elevated position means that the area commands beautiful views of San Diego Bay and Old Town. According to the City of San Diego, Mission Hills is specifically defined as the area north of Horton Avenue, south of Mission Valley, east of Old Town...more west of Goldfinch Street. The neighborhood is yet to get its own USPS zip code and is considered a division of the Uptown area. With its picturesque tree-lined streets, abundant greenery and landscaping and rustic canyons, Mission Hills is an oasis of tranquility yet just minutes from all that San Diego has to offer.

Mission Hills was developed in the early 1900s and much of the housing stock in the area dates from that time. The architectural style used was the vernacular style, which pertains to design based on localized needs, reflecting local traditions and using locally sourced materials. World famous horticulturalist, Kate Sessions, was highly influential in the landscaping of Mission Hills and established the Mission Hills Nursery which thrives today.

Mission Hills was one of the first neighborhoods to be connected by the Class 1 streetcars, and they were a feature of the area until they were retired from service in 1939. During the mid-20th century, renowned architects, such as John Lloyd Wright and Lloyd Ruocco, designed homes that were considered visionary for the era along the river canyon rims.

The area is part of San Diego Unified School District, but, since there is no high school in Mission Hills, local children can attend San Diego High School or Point Loma High School.