Midway District - San Diego, CA

Originally pioneered by investors in the 1850s, the Midway District developed rapidly in the 1930s and housed several wartime industrial sites in the 1940s. Over the course of several decades, the area shifted from an industrial region to a mix of industry, commercial and residential buildings.

The National Register of Historic Places includes two sites in this area. Mission Brewery, a brick building that began as a brewery in 1912, now houses stores and offices. The Marine Corps Recruit District in the area has a historic district due to the high amount of recruits brought in during World War II.

The Midway District has a variety of dining options in close proximity to one another, with classic American food choices right next to international restaurants. Barbecue lovers should head over to Phil's BBQ, considered one of the top 10 restaurants in the San Diego area. Make sure to try the beef ribs with plenty of Phil's barbecue sauce, a secret recipe the owner came up with himself. The friendly attitude of this restaurant doesn't end with its customers, as it has also contributed to several local children's charities. If you're looking for Caribbean cuisine, check out Embargo Grill. A casual atmosphere keeps everyone in a festive mood. Get the ropa vieja if you enjoy slow-roasted meat, then wash it down with one of Embargo's refreshing house-made sangrias. The Natural Style Chicken provides every style and flavor a poultry fan wants. It roasts the chickens daily in a wood-burning stove, and the meat just falls off the bone. For a healthiet fare, try their teriyaki chicken and pair it with a side of fresh vegetables for a healthy meal packed with vitamins and protein. The nightlife options in the area tend to be neighborhood bars, but if you're looking for a more upscale experience, spend a night at the Stella Artois Lounge inside the Valley View Casino Center.

Two freeways and several different transportation options make this area easy to travel, whether you're staying local or commuting to another part of the county.

Interstate 5 lies to the east, providing residents with north and south access to the entire San Diego area. For trips farther inland, Interstate 8 lies to the north of the area and runs east and west. The community has several major roads, including Rosecrans Street, Midway Drive and Sports Arena Boulevard, which tend to be the most traveled roads in the Point Loma area. The neighborhood houses multiple public parking lots, with an average daily price of about $14.

People who love to travel will have close proximity to San Diego International Airport, located on North Harbor Drive, toward the south side of the area. No matter where you live in the neighborhood, the airport is a short drive or cab ride away.

MTS services the area with nine bus routes, giving residents without cars plenty of options to get around. The Old Town Transit Center lies just outside the northeast corner of this neighborhood, providing access to several bus lines and the San Diego Trolley. Routes 922 and 923 both service the airport area. Taxis and ride-share companies like Uber service the area, and wait times tend to be short due to the neighborhood's popularity and location.

The small size of the area means walking or biking locally won't take long. Most of the streets don't have bicycle lanes, but cyclists can ride on the sidewalks, and the flat terrain makes rides less strenuous.

The area may be mostly urbanized, but Liberty Station provides residents with one area to connect with nature. A former Naval Training Center, Liberty Station sits between the Midway District and Point Loma, with each area claiming the station as its own. The station has plenty of stores and services to keep you occupied, with the park area as its main attraction. A waterfront view and well-maintained grounds make this an ideal area to go walking or running.

The station has playgrounds for younger and older children, and you can even bring your dogs to roam around the trails. An annual ArtWalk event allows visitors to check out pieces under the natural lighting of the San Diego sky, then relax with a glass of wine at the Ingram Plaza area. The park can be visited free of charge.

Life in the Midway District carries a premium due to its popularity and nearby amenities. The cost of leasing apartments or houses tends to be reasonable, though, considering the location. A one-bedroom apartment usually costs about $1,400, although you may find a cheaper arrangement.

A Metro ride to the city center costs about $2.25, and gas prices come in around 12 percent higher than the national average. A pint at the local pub runs about $5.

The shopping experience in this neighborhood is characterized by major retailers and a few smaller shops sprinkled in. For everyday errands, residents can head over to Point Loma Plaza. It includes multiple banks, Fedex and Vons. California Tan and 24-Hour Fitness call this plaza home as well, giving residents the opportunity to look and feel good. The plaza also provides food and entertainment options, including Firehouse Subs and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Deal shoppers will love the area's collection of thrift and boutique stores. Rock Thrift Store, in the Scandia Plaza Shopping Center, carries new and used apparel, appliances and furniture at low prices. The store's daily in-store specials drop prices even lower. A friendly staff, many of whom are volunteers, adds to the store's charm.

Up-and-coming artisans should check out Paper Tales. The vibrant walls and decor will make you feel like a kid again, and the store packs its shelves with paper craft items. Kids who want to learn about art can even take a craft class here.

The area houses San Diego's largest outdoor market, Kobey's Swap Meet. Held in the Valley View Casino parking lot once a week, it provides a chance to find merchandise at a low cost. Spend a day there to sort through the deals, and remember you may be able to bargain the price down even more. Kobey's has electrical outlets throughout the swap meet, allowing you to ensure that any electrical items you buy there will work when you get home.

If you like to get your groceries at a major retailer, Ralphs and Vons can be found in the neighborhood. The area also includes all-natural food options if you prefer to buy organic. Sprouts Farmers Market, on Rosecrans Street, has healthy produce at an affordable price. Pick up one of their varieties of trail mix for a healthy snack.