In decades past, Golden Hill was the playground of San Diego’s rich and powerful, a place for prime San Diego real estate. Although the stately mansions and quaint bungalows waned in popularity after the wealthy moved out of the city, the neighborhood is currently undergoing a renaissance which is turning it into a great place to live for anyone buying a house in San Diego.
Marked by an eclectic mix of pre-1900 and postmodern architecture, Golden Hill is definitely one of San Diego’s more visually interesting neighborhoods. Its neon signs and quirky buildings are a perfect fit for the artists and young professionals who moved to the community after their old neighborhoods of Little Italy and Hillcrest were “discovered” and gentrified by developers. Though Golden Hill was once on the verge of abandonment, the recent population boost has turned it into a vibrant, buzzing community, and today it’s one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets.
Like in many San Diego neighborhoods, the residents of Golden Hill can enjoy a mix of authentic ethnic restaurants, classic American speakeasies and a handful of locally owned coffee shops. As an added bonus, the neighborhood borders Balboa Park and is within walking distance of the San Diego Zoo, the Women’s History Museum and many major public transportation hubs.
At an average cost of $100,000, condos in Golden Hill are among the cheapest in America’s Finest City. Homes, on the other hand, cost roughly the same as other pieces of San Diego real estate. You should expect to pay at least $350,000 for a three-bedroom house and significantly more for anything larger.
Although Golden Hill might not be the cheapest neighborhood in town, its excellent location and vibrant community make it a good place to settle down for anyone buying a house in San Diego. The streets are safe, the school districts are good, and with the amount of attention Golden Hill has been getting lately, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to sell your house for a profit in less than 10 years. Now that’s what we call a solid investment.
