San Diego county real estate
City: North Park


Located, you guessed it, along the north and east sides of Balboa Park. Many business districts along 30th Street, El Cajon Boulevard and University Avenue. A recent addition of a reconstructed North Park neighborhood sign is in the center of University near 30th Street.

An impressive welcome mat at the west end of El Cajon Boulevard simply proclaims The Boulevard. Host to the annual Toyland Parade to start of the Christmas season. A neighborhood of the City of San Diego, and one of the first suburbs when the city began to grow early in this century. ZIP Code: 92104.

Population 42,586. Median income 26,624.

A quick glance through an optometrist's window reveals North Park's charm. Eye charts in languages from around the world hang on the wall. The densely populated neighborhood is one of San Diego's oldest, busiest and most ethnically diverse, home to young people just starting out, recent immigrants and new homeowners cashing in on quaint Craftsmans in the rapidly gentrifying area. Restaurants selling delicious, exotic food can be found on every block, and at night, North Park attracts scores of San Diegans with its hip bars and coffeehouses. With some tender, loving care, North Park has cleaned up its act over the past few years, transforming from dodgy to developing. Every year, the Lions Holiday Parade and Spring Festival draw visitors to the neighborhood, as does the monthly Ray at Night art walk. But there's also plenty to do on any given day.

Rise and shine: Start your morning with news and views with a trip to Paras News, which boasts an enormous selection of international newspapers and magazines. Perk up with a cup of coffee from The Other Side, a quirky cafe on 30th. Settle down for pancakes or a hearty breakfast burrito at The Mission, which is worth the long waits on weekends. Or head to Ranchos Cocina for chilaquiles and a piping-hot Mexican Mocha. While you're there, pop in next door to Ranchos Natural Foods Market for some fresh, organic produce and nutritious drinks and snacks. For a touch of morning exercise, stroll along residential streets for a tour of the neighorhood's funky old architecture.
Also nearby: Trolley Barn Park, Parkhouse Eatery (University Heights), Rebecca's (South Park), Hillcrest

Around the world: With its central location and ample parking (try side streets), North Park is a great place to get a cheap bite to eat at lunchtime. Recharge with a delicious panini followed by a hot cup of strong espresso at Caffe Calabria, where you can warm up by the fireplace on the rare, chilly afternoon. Nosh on cheap, tasty Middle Eastern food at the hole in the wall Mama's Bakery & Lebanese Deli. Put away the fork and eat with your hands at Harar Ethiopian. Or check out the specials at simple but appetizing Thai Time on 30th.
Shopping adventure: North Park is packed with thrift and 99-cent stores that occasionally yield a cool find. There is also a growing number of cute boutiques, bookstores, salons and galleries. The R Spot Barbershop and Bookstore is a cheery space with a cultural conscience. Go for a haircut and come back for a poetry reading. Ladies looking for a retro 'do should visit postcard-perfect Salon Cabana. Pick out an obscure bottle of wine at The Cabernet, or surprise your family with a yummy dessert from The Incredible Cheesecake Company.

Old-school: For some historical perspective on San Diego, check out the once-magnificent North Park Theater, which may soon house the San Diego Lyric Opera. The InnSuites Hotel, which spans a city block, used to attract glamorous Hollywood celebrities and is now a family-friendly, pet-welcoming place to stay. Get active at the North Park Recreation Center, founded in 1928 and rumored to be early stomping grounds for a young Ted Williams.

Also nearby: Balboa Park, M-Theory Records (South Park), Twiggs (University Heights), Plush (South Park)

Cheap eats: Not known for its fine dining, North Park has affordable options galore. Dao Son Noodle House has spicy Vietnamese that might hurt your tongue, but not your wallet. For comforting Italian grub in a family-friendly setting, try Vesuvio. Or discover robust Russian cuisine at the cheerful Pomegranate Russian Georgian Restaurant. Over on El Cajon Boulevard, the half-century-old Chicken Pie Shop serves up a mean, affordable dish of chicken, potatoes and gravy that's popular with seniors and youngsters alike.
You love the nightlife: Neighborhood bars and coffeehouses make North Park a happening place come sundown. Hipsters hang at Live Wire for its killer jukebox, and all ages mingle around the piano bar down the street at Red Fox Steak House. Aspiring musicians and poets try their luck at Claire de Lune or Hot Monkey Love Cafe. Local and touring punk and indie bands deafen at the divey Scolari's Office. Like neighboring Hillcrest, North Park welcomes both straights and gays. Shooterz hosts '80s and goth-industrial club nights, the Bacchus House is glam-gorgeous and Wolf's caters to the leather bar crowd.

Art magnet: The second Saturday of every month, North Park's Ray Street comes alive with people, music and art during Ray at Night. Going strong after a few years, this art walk typifies the artsy, culturally diverse vibe of the ever-developing neighborhood.

Also nearby: South Park Bar & Grill (South Park), El Zarape (University Heights), Tower Bar (City Heights), Zombie Lounge (City Heights), Kadan (Normal Heights), The Whistle Stop