Castle - San Diego, CA

As part of western City Heights, Castle shares in the rich history of the rest of the urban eastern San Diego region. Once a railroad stopping point between downtown San Diego and the eastern portion of the county where gold was once abundant, the Castle neighborhood stands as a piece of local history that often goes unlauded. Although no museums exist in Castle itself, the many museums of Balboa Park await the eager visitor just a few miles away. As home to San Diego's annual Indiefest, Castle does have a part to play in the scene of local music and arts.

Castle itself does not contain many eateries or nightlife establishments. However, several restaurants and bars lie within easy walking distance of the neighborhood.

If you want the taste of noodles, head to 777 Noodle House on University Avenue between Menlo Avenue and 47th Street. You can get Thai food, Chinese food, and other types of Asian fusion cuisine here for a price that won't break the bank.

For a sampling of farm-to-table fare, head to family-ftiendly Nate's Garden Grill on Euclid between Home Avenue and Ridgeview Drive. Adjacent to a nursery that lends to its unique atmosphere, menu of healthy selections and array of locally crafted beers, Nate's has food to satisfy both meat lovers' and vegan and vegetarian palates. Try the pulled pork hash and omemade root beer,

If it's wine and good eastern European food you want, try Romeo and Julieta's on Monroe at the intersection of 47th Street. Entrees like the pierogi and cucumber salad combo plus a wine list that will make your head spin are served on tables crafted from cork-filled, glass-topped wine barrels.

If the sun has set and you feel pulled toward some fun that embodies a blast from the past, go to the Coin-Op San Diego Game Room on University Avenue. Featuring a full bar and such old-time favorite coin-operated games as Mortal Kombat and more, this place will fill the spot in your heart nostalgic for old-school fun.

For a good time with a great jukebox and reasonably priced drinks, go to Black Cat Bar on University and enjoy a pint or two in the company of an easy-going crowd (and possibly a real, live black cat or two).

Getting around Castle needn't be a pain -- public transportation abounds in this location, and residents wanting a ride home in private can call ahead for a cab or use Uber. Free city street parking can be found with relative ease, although it does become more challenging on the weekends. Bicyclists appreciate the network of cycling lanes in Castle, and pedestrians enjoy taking daytime strolls along the well-maintained sidewalks in the area.

For leisure time in Castle, locals may not have many options within the neighborhood boundaries. However, just east of the area, adjacent to the area library, sits Highland and Landis Park, which caters to the family demographic with its updated play equipment and grassy areas with picnic tables and charcoal grills. Highland and Landis Park costs nothing to visit, and parking remains free of charge all year long. Parks remain open from sunrise to sundown.

Although no parks in the area are specifically fitness-centric, the grassy areas at Highland and Landis Park make themselves amenable to lap-walking and jogging, and pets find themselves welcome there provided they stay on a leash -- so bring your furry friends or your family for a day of fun in the San Diego sun.

Each year, the Castle neighborhood becomes a stopping point for the annual Walk the Watershed, an event which tours each one of San Diego's 11 watershed areas where runoff water naturally flows away from its locality down to the rivers and bays that San Diego hosts.

Every autumn, residents flock to the Adams Avenue Street Fair just northwest of Castle. Featuring live music, food, drink and more, the Adams Avenue Street Fair draws residents from far ends of the county.

Cost of living in Castle falls well below the San Diego county average, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment running around $900 per month. A day pass using public transit costs only $5 per day, and a beer at a local bar will run you $4 on average. Gas prices, though, remain around 20 percent above the national average.

Locals in the know head to Supermercado Murphy's on Chamoune Avenue near 46th Street for groceries. Visit the deli nook to procure a fresh burrito, and then stock your cart with some of the least expensive produce in town. Murphy's has the look, feel and prices of a small-town Mexican supermarket right in the heart of San Diego.

The City Heights Farmers Market sells the finest fresh local produce at affordable prices. Located at Fairmount Avenue and 43rd Street, the City Heights Farmers Market serves all of City Heights, including the Castle neighborhood.

People with a green thumb will love City Farmers Nursery on Home Avenue between 47th Street and Euclid Avenue. Find that rare orchid or a packet of onion seeds or anything in between here.

Odd Designs on Baily Avenue caters to folks who have a creative streak. Providing screen printing services and an eye for detail, the staff at Odd Designs will be happy to take your T-shirt, poster or mug dream and turn it into a reality.