Hillcrest is one of the most affluent and culturally diverse neighborhoods in San Diego. It has a high population density for good reason. Numerous locally owned businesses include all types of restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, trendy thrift stores, and other independently owned specialty stores.
CityFest is an annual street festival which features food, live entertainment, a beer garden and street vendors. Other regular events in Hillcrest include a weekly farmers market on the grounds of the local Department of Motor Vehicles, a Book Fair and Mardi Gras.
San Diego Pride takes place every year in July for the LGBT community in this neighborhood. It features the Pride Parade on a Saturday morning, preceded by the Hillcrest Block Party on Friday night and followed by a two-day festival in Balboa Park. It is sponsored by San Diego LGBT Pride and is considered to be the largest civic event in the city of San Diego.
Hillcrest is an older neighborhood that has undergone a large transition over the years. There are a large amount of craftsman homes and mid-century modern apartment buildings. Developers over the most recent years have built amazingly stunning modern condos and townhomes with flawless aesthetic.
The uptown shopping center is considered the “hub” of the neighborhood with a large condo community and lots of shops and eateries. This community is bordered by Bankers Hill, University Heights, North Park and Balboa Park.
As you walk along 5th Avenue towards University Avenue you’ll notice a wide variety of midcentury architecture within the many restaurants along this corridor. Some of the most popular eateries are Snooze, Chocolat, Pho on 5th and so much more!