Hillcrest

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Located in the Uptown area of San Diego near BalboaPark. Uptown (as opposed to nearby downtown San Diego) traditionally consists of the neighborhoods of Mission Hills, Old Town, Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, Park West and University Heights west of Park Boulevard.

Hillcrest is an affluent, older San Diego neighborhood, mostly residential, featuring tree lined streets and traditional homes. It lies between Mission Hills and Banker's Hill on a ridge overlooking San Diego bay to the west and MissionValley to the north.

Hillcrest is known for its tolerance, youthfulness, "alternative" culture, diversity of age and income, locally owned businesses, restaurants, stores and cafes. The neighborhood is walk able and pedestrian friendly, owing to its grid street pattern and denser developments, compared to the more common suburban style in the newer developments outside the city core.

Regular events include a weekly farmers market, Book Fair, City Fest, Mardi Gras and the annual Pride Parade for the LGBT community. Hillcrest remains the residential and commercial hub of San Diego's gay and lesbian community.

The Hillcrest Association representing business and the Uptown Planners representing residents interested in planning issues, work to make Hillcrest attractive for shoppers and residents. The UptownShopping Center and condominium complex, located at University and Vermont is considered a national model for mixed-use residential and commercial developments.

Hillcrest and Mission Hills are also home to ScrippsMercyHospital and the UCSDMedicalCenter.

Nearby BalboaPark provides recreational and cultural opportunities to Hillcrest residents, as does the proximity to downtown with its bay front promenade, convention center and nightlife in the Gas Lamp Quarter.

Transportation in Hillcrest

Hillcrest is served by California State Route 163 at the University Avenue, Washington Street and Robinson Avenue exits.

University Avenue and Washington Street are the major eas-west thoroughfares in Hillcrest; Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Avenues connect Hillcrest to Downtown San Diego through Park West and Bankers Hill.

There is frequent bus service connecting to Downtown as well as to Mission Valley, Fashion Valley and the San Diego Trolly.

History

Initially, Hillcrest was a Chaparral-covered mesa. Kumeyaay Indians inhabited numerousvillages scattered throughout the San Diego region. Spanish colonization brought the first of twenty-nine California missions with the founding of the nearby Mission San Diego located in Presidio Park in nearby Mission Hills. It, along with Old Town, just down the hill, are a treasure trove of San Diego history.

In 1870 Mary Kearney obtained a deed from the city for the land that eventually became Hillcrest. In 1871 C.D. Arnold and D. Choate, two Real Estate developers obtained that property. George Hill, a wealthy railroad tycoon, then purchased the land. Real Estate development began in 1910 and the area was built out by 1920. During the 1920s and the 1930s Hillcrest was considered a suburban shopping area for downtown San Diego.

In 1940 the "HILLCREST" lighted sign at the intersection of University and fifth avenue was first erected, then later restored in 1977 and rebuilt in 1987.