Downtown San Diego offers eight distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own history, character and lifestyle. More than 18,839 Downtown residents already enjoy living in this scenic and safe atmosphere, with homes convenient to the workplace, shopping, education, recreation, entertainment, public transit and more.

For an enlarged view of the Downtown neighborhood districts click on the map.

CORE
Downtown's Core neighborhood from A Street to Broadway and Union and 12th Avenue is the heart of San Diego's central business district. This neighborhood serves as the region's hub for government, finance and business. There are also a variety of arts-related venues in the Core including Symphony Hall, the Civic Center and the 1929 California Theater. Restoration and revitalization of many of the historic buildings are underway or planned, adding new residential, retail, commercial opportunities and parking to the area.

COLUMBIA
Beginning at its namesake pier, Broadway is Downtown's ceremonial main street, with medians containing lush foliage and lighted banners proclaiming a hearty "Welcome to Downtown." Though largely commercial in nature, the Columbia neighborhood will see construction of a number of residential projects over the next few years. Several new high-rise office towers and two new hotels are planned for this area, as well. The waterfront in this neighborhood is a major segment of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, which includes a grand esplanade and development that values beautiful vistas and enhanced public access.

CORTEZ HILL
Anyone who has driven down Cortez Hill on Ash Street in the spring can recall the beauty of the jacaranda trees in lavender bloom against San Diego's blue sky and bay. Distinguished, and one of San Diego's oldest residential neighborhoods, it was named for the famous El Cortez Hotel. Views include Balboa Park, the bay and ocean beyond, and the urban scene below. Victorian-style homes dot the area, along with condominiums and apartments. The hill's topography separates it from much of Downtown's hustle and bustle, yet its closeness makes it a very desirable address.

EAST VILLAGE
Downtown's largest neighborhood, East Village, will experience the greatest residential growth in the coming years. Scattered throughout the area are artists' homes, studios, galleries and shops. San Diego City College, the New School of Architecture and two high schools are in the area. Former warehouses, even an old church, have been transformed into charming residential lofts. A dramatic facelift is planned for 12th Avenue, linking San Diego Bay to Balboa Park. The new San Diego Padres Ballpark and Park at the Park opened in 2004, and a new Main Library and thousands of new residential units are planned.

GASLAMP QUARTER
Beginning with his building a wharf at the foot of Fifth Avenue to accommodate trade and commerce in the 1870s, Alonzo Horton encouraged the development of Downtown. This 16.5-block neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the 94 structures identified as historically or architecturally significant now house more than 70 restaurants and nightclubs, movie theaters, retailers, offices, galleries and urban live/work lofts. A charming hardscape park at the trolley station across from the Convention Center features a playful fountain, much to the delight of youngsters of all ages.

HORTON PLAZA
Named for the small, but prestigious Horton Plaza Park, this neighborhood is where the redefining of Downtown began. Residential opportunities may be limited, but this 15-block area puts residents at the center of Downtown's activity. The area includes luxury condominiums and apartments amidst high-rise office buildings, retail, hotels, theaters and restaurants.

LITTLE ITALY
The sloping landscape at the northern edge of San Diego Bay was once home to a highly successful tuna fishing industry and the many Italian families who derived a living from that industry. Its lovely vistas now offer an urban neighborhood with single-family homes, condominiums and apartments. A recently revitalized India Street is alive with restaurants, small cafes, galleries and specialty shops. Amici Park is a new school playground/community park adjoining the rebuilt Washington Elementary School, just blocks from new housing growing for the next generation of village residents.

MARINA
Formerly warehouses and vacant lots, this neighborhood offers high-rise and mid-rise condominiums and apartments, townhouses, loft and single-room-occupancy (SRO) units, in a variety of styles, sizes and prices. The area stretches between the waterfront, Horton Plaza and Downtown's office towers. Ample open space is offered at Pantoja Park, Children's Park, and throughout the linear King Promenade, providing an ideal setting for families, professionals, retirees and those who travel the globe. Some of the area's rich cultural history is here, as the Asian/Pacific Thematic Historic District recognizes the contributions of San Diego's Asian cultures to the development of this city.

Click here to view the map of the neighborhood districts in Downtown. For a complete overview of all housing options, rental rates, sale prices, upcoming redevelopment projects and more, visit the Centre City Development Corporation's website at www.ccdc.com and click on the housing guide.