Located in the heart of San Diego, North Park is renowned for its historic bungalows and its active neighborhood council. The locals think of it as an urban village – a small town with fantastic public transportation and plenty of public spaces. But it’s much more than that. North Park is a great place for young professionals, young families or anyone else looking to buy a house in San Diego.
North Park is what happens when a businessman in 1893 tries to plant a lemon grove but finds that it makes far more sense to merge with a hot new thing called “San Diego” and turn his property into a great place to live instead. Today, mixed-use zoning means you’ll find a great arts district, a theater, a farmers’ market and plenty of bars and restaurants in this otherwise small town. North Park even has its own downtown, where you can browse many eclectic, independently owned shops. And because of its classic bungalows, North Park also boasts a growing historic district.
While you could live happily in North Park for the rest of your life without ever leaving the neighborhood, there’s plenty do to on the outside. Balboa Park, one of the oldest public spaces in the country and the home of the world-famous San Diego Zoo, lies just to the east. North Park also has cable-car access to downtown San Diego. And if you’d like to get around by yourself, you’ve got plenty of bike paths and walking trails to choose from.
Another thing North Park has going for it is a strong sense of community. The North Park Community Association is one of the most active in the city. In addition to organizing free summer concerts and holiday parades, the association also founded the “Stop Graffiti Now!” campaign, which has become popular in neighborhoods across the county.
Due to recent renovations and the historic significance of many of the community’s residences, home prices in North Park have been on the rise. Anyone buying a house here should expect to pay anywhere between $300,000 and $600,000 for three bedrooms. While that price might seem steep, it’s normal for California. Think of the home as an investment. Prices will continue to rise, and sitting on a home in North Park for 10 years could mean a nice profit down the line.
If you’re looking for a great San Diego neighborhood, be sure to check out North Park. The town’s architecture and civic-mindedness make it interesting, and the shopping, dining and amazing arts district make it something you’ll want to show off to your friends and family.
