San Diego Downtown's 8 Neighborhoods

Beginning at its namesake pier, Broadway is downtown's main street, with medians containing lush foliage and lighted banners proclaiming a hearty "WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN!" The surrounding neighborhood is largely commercial in nature. Residential opportunities are few and dotted throughout. The waterfront is a major segment of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, which includes a grand esplanade and development that values the beautiful vistas and public access. Several new high-rise office towers are planned for this area as well as a new hotel.	Columbia
Core	Downtown's Core Neighborhood from A Street to Broadway and Union Street to 12th Avenue is the heart of San Diego's central business district. This neighborhood was the retail/government/office center for the region during the first half of this century. While the retail center of downtown has moved to Horton Plaza and surrounding neighborhoods, government offices including City Hall, the Small Business Administration, and World Trade Center all remain a vital component of this neighborhood. There also are a variety of arts-related venues in downtown's Core, including Symphony Hall, the Civic Center and the 1926 California Theatre. Restoration and revitalization of several historic buildings is underway or planned, adding new residential, retail and commercial space and public parking.
Anyone who has driven down Cortez Hill on Ash Street in the spring can recall the beauty of the bay and jacaranda trees in lavender bloom against San Diego's blue sky. 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 downtown's hustle and bustle, yet its closeness makes it a very desirable address. New residential projects are underway and a new neighborhood park is planned.	Cortez Hill
East Village	Downtown's largest neighborhood, the area will experience the greatest growth in coming years. Scattered throughout are artists' homes, studios, galleries and shops. San Diego City College, the New School of Architecture and two high schools are there. 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 and Balboa park. The new San Diego Padres Ballpark and Park at the Park is scheduled to open in 2004, a new Main Library is planned, and thousands of new residential units will be constructed
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. Several new residential, commercial and retail projects are underway or planned.	Gaslamp Quarter
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 all residents at the center of downtown's activity. The area includes luxury condominiums and apartments amidst high-rise office buildings, stores, hotels, theaters and restaurants.
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 a wide variety of new housing growing for the next generation of village residents.	Little Italy
Marina	Formerly warehouses and vacant lots, this neighborhood offers high-rise and mid-rise condominiums and apartments, townhouses, lofts 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. More homes are underway or planned in this neighborhood, which is nearing build out.

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