Located directly north of Balboa Park in central San Diego, University Heights is a vibrant and thriving neighborhood that offers spectacular nightlife and a variety of dining and entertainment options. The area is only a few minutes away from downtown San Diego and the San Diego Bay. Notable landmarks include the "University Heights" overhead street sign, designed by local artist Kevin Whaley and directed in early 1997. The University Heights overhead street sign landmark can be seen at the corner of Park Blvd. and Madison Avenue.

The area takes its name from land that was originally intended for university. This land was later used for predecessor of San Diego State College, the State Normal School. The area was also well known for its extensive streetcar network that existed until 1939. Today, the area is serviced by San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.

The University Heights neighborhood offers a broad range of housing options for residents looking to move into the area. These homes range from modest cottages, California bungalows and well-appointed condominiums to palatial homes for sale retailing for upwards to seven figures. This wide variety in housing options makes it possible for almost anyone to not only find homes they can afford, but also homes that fit their personal criteria. Many of the older homes in this area prominently feature Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It is not uncommon to find one of these homes renovated on the inside, fitted with modern conveniences that not only help owners save on their utility bills, but also generally make home living much more pleasurable.