Downtown San Diego has 6 distinct residential neighborhoods to suit your urban lifestyle needs. Please browse below for a quick snapshot of each neighborhood and use our various guides to explore the different downtown San Diego neighborhoods.
Our guides feature information, photos, videos and valuable insight into each district. We also offer specific guides for all residential condo buildings within each district. All real estate listings in our website are updated every 10 minutes so you can perform your home search using reliable and up to date information and data.
Explore Downtown Neighborhoods
Columbia District
INCREDIBLE WATERFRONT LOCATION + VARIOUS PARKS
OVER $3.1 BILLION IN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
SOME OF SAN DIEGO’S BEST RESTAURANTS OPENING HERE
Downtown San Diego’s Columbia District has experienced the most development over the last 20 years. Once a run down area filled with parking lots today the Columbia District is downtown’s most exclusive offering a waterfront location, proximity to Little Italy district next door where the trendiest restaurants, coffee shops and lounges in the city are located.
Some of San Diego’s highest rated new restaurants are located right on the Columbia District, like Animae located underneath Pacific Gate luxury condo tower and The Brigantine located in the incredible new Portside Pier complex.
MARINA DISTRICT
PEACEFUL AND TRANQUIL
WALKABLE LOCATION NEXT TO COLUMBIA DISTRICT & GASLAMP
VARIETY OF PARKS IN THE AREA
The Marina District of Downtown San Diego is a very tranquil neighborhood. Despite not having many restaurants and coffee shops in the immediate area, this neighborhood is surrounded by the Gaslamp District and the Columbia District which offer many dining and entertainment options just a few minutes away walk in either direction.
There are two grocery stores in the Marina District which is something other downtown neighborhoods lack. The Marina also has a variety of parks within the neighborhood and in close walking range.
LITTLE ITALY DISTRICT
TRENDIEST RESTAURANTS + LOUNGES IN THE CITY
NIGHTLIFE AT YOUR DOORSTEPS
HOME TO THE BEST FARMERS MARKET IN SAN DIEGO
Downtown San Diego Little Italy has experienced an incredible transformation over the last 50 years. Once a rundown area full of car repair shops and warehouses, today Little Italy is the trendiest neighborhood in downtown San Diego where you can find some of the best restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops and nightlife options in San Diego.
Little Italy is also a popular tourist destination so making this neighborhood very active both day and night.
EAST VILLAGE DISTRICT
THE LARGEST DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD
HOME TO SAN DIEGO PADRES PETCO PARK
PEDESTRIAN BRIGE CONNECTS EAST VILLAGE TO THE WATERFRONT
The East Village in downtown San Diego is the largest neighborhood and also going thru the most redevelopment as the district grows east. Petco Park of the San Diego Padres is located on the East Village making this neighborhood the sports center of downtown San Diego.
In the East Village you can find many sports themed bars, bowling alleys and also in very close proximity to the Gaslamp District which is the entertainment center of San Diego full of nightclubs, bars and restaurants. As such, the East Village tends to attract a younger demographic looking for that active social lifestyle.
GASLAMP DISTRICT
MOST NIGHTCLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS IN DOWNTOWN
SMALLEST NEIGHBORHOOD IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
JUST ACCROSS FROM THE SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER
Downtown San Diego Gaslamp district is downtown’s entertainment central with the most concentration of bars, nightclubs and restaurants all within a few city blocks. The Gaslamp is a popular tourist destination and also for business travelers as the convention center is just across the street.
Those looking for an active social lifestyle might enjoy living in this active neighborhood as it is typically very busy both during the day and at night.
CORTEZ HILL DISTRICT
VERY QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD
HIGHEST ELEVATION IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
FAST AND EASY FREEWAY ACCESS
Downtown San Diego Cortez Hill district is the quietest and tranquil of downtown neighborhoods as there is just a limited amount of restaurants, shops, offices and tourist attractions in the area. This makes it ideal for those looking for serenity but want to be downtown.
Cortez Hill is also in walking range to Little Italy for dining and entertainment options. Residents of this neighborhood also enjoy easy access to San Diego’s main freeways.
Downtown San Diego Real Estate
+ condo living
We specialize in downtown San Diego real estate including condos, lofts, new construction development and more.
Please view our guide to downtown San Diego condo living to explore all our building guides, neighborhood info, market data and much more.