Corridor - San Diego, CA

Following the Civil War, the city of San Diego went through a boom in property development and expansion, including the Corridor neighborhood and the surrounding City Heights region. Investors bought, developed, and sold land in the area, helping to shape it into a busy modern suburb.

Although few options exist for museum lovers in the Corridor neighborhood, art lovers will appreciate the Andrea Rushing Academy of Fine Art on Adams Avenue near 35th Street. Featuring art classes and pieces for sale by students of the academy, the Rushing Academy provides enjoyment for creative souls looking to learn more or simply expand their current collection of fine art pieces.

When it comes to dining, the Corridor neighborhood has several options worth exploring in spite of its somewhat small size. You will find good eateries and entertainment venues scattered across the area, meaning you can walk to food and fun no matter what part of the neighborhood you reside in.

Canada Steak Burger near 36th Street on University Avenue may look like a tiny hole in the wall, but the flavors you can find within it have huge proportions. A family-owned-and-operated business serving the area for more than three decades, Canada Steak Burger dishes up such delights as the signature hot dog in a pita, putting a Mediterranean spin on an American favorite. Try the souvlaki combo for another fusion meal pairing delectable souvlaki with crispy French fries and a fountain drink of your choosing. Locals love Canada Steak Burger for the wide variety of options on its menu and the inexpensive pricetag that accompanies them.

When you have your heart set on a taste from south of the border, head over to Super Cocina on University Avenue. Don't expect a typical taco shop experience here — Super Cocina has been in business since 1988, and has changed its menu offerings daily during that time to ensure that every time you visit, you can try something new. A few favorites that can be found on a daily basis, due to their popularity, include the chilaquiles, a traditional "peasant breakfast" dish made of tortilla strips layered with salsa verde and Mexican cream with fried onions and cheese that locals keep coming back for. For parties, Super Cocina provides catering so you can craft an unforgettable menu for your next event.

If you crave seafood, look no further than Alaskan Seafood Connection on Adams Avenue. Open seven days a week, Alaskan Seafood Connection serves up seafood favorites for lunch and dinner. If you stop in, try the salmon burger, which gets nothing but rave reviews. If you want something hot and comforting, sample the clam chowder for a soupy treat or the fish and chips for something crispy.

When the sun has set and you want to have some fun on the town, the Corridor area has a few options to suit your style right within its borders. One such place goes by the name of The Ould Sod. Sporting an Irish theme with decor and drinks to match, The Ould Sod has a reputation as a casual tavern to have a good time with friends. Specializing in liquid libations — you will find no pub food here — The Ould Sod will delight your senses with such specials as "Buyback Monday and Wednesday," where your third drink costs only a quarter and the jukebox is free of charge for the entire evening.

If you like live music, you will love The Hideout on El Cajon Boulevard. Featuring regular live music acts and a full bar, The Hideout has made a name for itself as a great music venue as well as a fun place to hang out. Theme nights such as 80s Night and karaoke Sundays make The Hideout a perfect place to let go of your daily stress and have a drink and a laugh.

With an extensive network of sidewalks and bike lanes, the Corridor area can be both walkable and cycle-friendly during daylight hours. However, to stay on the safe side, it may be better to hail a cab or call for an Uber if you plan to be out and about at night. Public transit commuters will love the area, as several buses provide service here. Drivers can get around with ease, too, as the neighborhood finds itself surrounded by three major freeways and street parking abounds.

For family-friendly neighborhood parks in the Corridor area, look no further than Ward Canyon Park on 39th Street at the Adams Avenue intersection. Featuring tons of free parking and no admission fees, Ward Canyon Park has basketball courts, two play structures for the little ones, an expansive grassy area for picnicking and play, several shaded benches and outdoor grills so you can bring the family down for a barbecue. Fitness classes can sometimes be found here, as well, so exercise enthusiasts will also have something to enjoy.

Although the neighborhood contains no off-leash dog parks, two options are available just a short drive away in the Golden Hill and North Park neighborhoods: Grape Street Dog Park and Morley Field Dog Park.

The Adams Avenue Street Fair can be found nearby in the Normal Heights and Kensington neighborhoods each year. Touted as Southern California's largest free music festival, you can find live bands, vendors selling arts, crafts, food, and more at the weekend-long fair that lines the entirety of Adams Avenue every fall.

Living in Corridor can be a very affordable option for people who want to be close to downtown San Diego without having to suffer from the high price tag. A day pass for public transit can get you downtown in minutes, at the cost of only $6 per day. The average rental in the area costs $1,070, which comes in at 18 percent lower than the average for the city of San Diego as a whole. You will spend around $5 for a beer at a local pub here, and gas prices hover around 11 percent higher than the national average.

Most of the shops around the Corridor neighborhood situate themselves along Adams Avenue, making them centrally located for all dwellers in the area.

For consignment sale lovers, Stuff Furniture Consignment Shop can be a great place to find one-of-a-kind items for the home. Staffed by friendly people and brimming with unique merchandise, Stuff is a great place to go browsing if you want to hunt down an eye-catching piece of furniture or home decor at a reasonable price.

Bookworms will be happy to note that not every independently-owned bookstore has gone under in the wake of the age of online shopping. Adams Avenue Book Store has stood the test of time and continues to offer new and used tomes for its faithful shoppers to come and enjoy. Be warned: the store's staff includes adorable feline friends, so if you have a cat allergy you may wish to steer clear. However, book lovers and cat lovers alike will love spending an afternoon poring over the massive selection at Adams Avenue Book Store.

Back From Tomboctou, part craft gallery and part decor store, features a quirky selection of one-of-a-kind art pieces from all over the globe. Back From Tomboctou also hosts events within the store, including workshops in crafting sugar skulls for Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.

Although there are no certified farmers' markets in the neighborhood, if you want fresh produce, you can head over to North Park Produce on El Cajon Boulevard. Locals love the variety of fresh meats, fruits, and vegtables to be found at North Park Produce, including an array of "global groceries" imported from the Middle East and a deli with an olive bar that is bar none the best in the area.