Golden Hill - San Diego, CA

Golden Hill's explosive growth from 1870 to 1930 drew wealthy politicians and fashionable middle- and upper-class residents attracted by beautiful views and proximity to the city center. By the 1950s, the city lost its reputation as a fashionable neighborhood; instead, becoming an incubator for budding Chicano artists and political activists. Today, the neighborhood’s growth and young demographic illustrates the excitement around redeveloping a charming historic district that is so convenient to downtown.

The Golden Hill Street Fair brings more than 30,000 attendees to 25th Street in October every year. Local and some outside bands entertain on two stages, and a shaded beer garden provides a great selection of craft beers. Dozens of booths offer local businesses the opportunity to sell and display, and family-friendly arts and crafts for kids keep the little ones happy.

The neighborhood may be small, at.6 square miles, but the handful of restaurants pack quality and atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and after hours.

Skip Starbucks and head to Krakatoa for specialty coffee at great prices and sweet and savory breakfast sandwiches. If you only try one thing, however, go for the Ubehebe at lunchtime, a turkey, bacon, cream cheese and cranberry sauce flavor combination offered on a telera roll. Excellent Wifi service provides the opportunity to sit outside on the leafy deck and knock out an hour or two of work while sipping a frosted caramel latte.

For an authentic New York pizza, Pizzeria Luigi fits the bill with crispy thin crusts and huge pies. The Crime Scene tempts ricotta fans with meatball, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese, and vegetarian pies such as The Fresh Prince satisfy the no-meat crowd with tasty ingredients including spinach, tomato, mushroom, onion, artichoke and garlic. Bring cash instead of plastic; Luigi’s keeps prices reasonable by cash only payments.

For after hours, Turf Supper Club delights with a dark and dive-style friendly atmosphere and the grill-your-own meat concept that dates from the club’s beginnings in 1955. The delicious marinated flank steak tastes of citrus and garlic, and garlic bread and a baked potato grilled alongside complete the meal. A great selection of craft beers on tap and strong cocktails make this a great night spot in the heart of Golden Hill.

Walkability ranks high in Golden Hill, with most errands possible on foot. A ten minute stroll can lead to beautiful Balboa Park, university classes at City College, or the downtown area. Little bike infrastructure and busy urban streets mean that Golden Hill is no biker’s paradise, but cyclists will enjoy the convenience of a quick bike commute to work or shops downtown. Because of a high demand for available parking along the streets, it can be difficult to find a spot.

The number 2 bus line runs through Golden Hill with stops close to Panchitas Bakery, the Fire Station, and the Farmer’s Market. A short bus trip provides a speedy link to San Diego’s light rail trolley system, which runs south to the U.S.-Mexico Border and east to Qualcomm Stadium and Viejas Casino. Taxi service is available on a call basis for the most part, and Uber offers transportation to downtown San Diego.

Golden Hill is practically bounded by three of San Diego’s main highway thoroughfares, making getting around by car easy. The 94 east/west freeway along the southern border of Golden Hill connects Interstates 5 and 15, which run north and south. These freeways provide convenient access to coastal, inland, and North and South County areas.

Called the “gateway to Balboa Park,” Golden Hills Park has a dog-friendly, mellow vibe. Trails radiate from this locals’ park, connecting it to greater Balboa Park with its open space and attractions. Don’t miss the views overlooking the golf course to the east, or follow the western loop with gorgeous vistas of downtown and the Point Loma peninsula. Bring kids, and explore the old Arts and Crafts style Fountain Grotto that dates from the turn of the 20th century.

If you could choose any city park in the United States to live by, Balboa Park would certainly rank high. This expansive 1,200 acre oasis of open space, gardens and paths also contains dozens of entertainment options. The world-famous San Diego Zoo makes its home within the park with more than 3,700 animals on display, offering a days' worth of enjoyment. Every year in September the zoo puts on "Wildfest," a food and wine event that benefits the park's conservation efforts. Of the seventeen local museums, don’t miss the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and Southern California's only IMAX Dome Theater. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum displays 28,000 square feet of model layouts that enchant kids and grown-ups alike. Catch a show at the Tony-award winning Old Globe, or spend Sunday taking in a free outdoor organ concert at the famous Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

Costs in Golden Hill generally rank lower than many San Diego neighborhoods. One bedroom apartments rent for just under $1,000: close to 80 percent of the San Diego area average. A pint of draught beer can be purchased for $6 at the local taverns.

Gas prices come in about 5% higher than the national average but 6% lower than the state average. Public transportation, plentiful in and around San Diego city, can be a bargain, however, with $5/day passes and $78 for a monthly pass.

If you are looking for boutique shopping or mainline retail stores, travel a few blocks to downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. Macy’s and Nordstrom anchor the iconic Westfield Horton Plaza, which contains 6.5 city blocks and five-levels of exciting shopping. More than one hundred boutiques display irresistible wares from sunglasses to designer clothing. More locally, Nora's Boutique, located on Broadway, carries an array of women's casual to formal clothing with accessories and shoes.

For more essential purchases, find the freshest local produce at the Golden Hill Farmer’s Market, located between 27th and 28th Streets, on Saturday mornings. Try some specialty hummus with pita chips at the Baba Foods display, and don’t miss the crepe stand for a Saturday morning farmer’s market breakfast. Krisp Golden Hill offers a unique take on specialty grocery stores, offering everything from organic produce to hard-to-find liquor. In nearby Hillcrest, shoppers will find the familiar aisles and helpful staff of Trader Joe's.

And speaking of breakfast, no neighborhood is complete in the Southwest without a fragrant Mexican panadería. Panchita’s Bakery serves up heavenly soft bolillos, sugar crusted pan dulce and makes the best pan de muerto en the county.