Downtown San Diego Profile – zip code 92101

Downtown San Diego had a population of over 28,500 in 2004 and the population is forecast to grow to over 45,000 by 2010. The downtown area has a median household income of $27,788 and the fastest growing income group from 2004 to 2030 will be families making over $200,000/year which is forecast to grow by over 600%.

San Diego's downtown area has been undergoing urban renewal since the early 1980's; the revitalization of downtown was led by projects such as the Horton Plaza shopping mall, the Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter. Over the past 25 years the mostly abandoned downtown has been turned into waterfront skyscrapers, live/work condos and lofts, hotels and many cafes, restaurants and specialty boutiques. The City is committed to further mixed-use development to continue the progress of developing Downtown into a vibrant urban center.

The topography of San Diego provides for the natural occurrence of parklands scattered throughout the City. The effect of the canyons is to create natural breaks between various areas of the City reducing the visual impact of density.

Downtown San Diego is broken into 8 distinct districts; Columbia, Core, Cortez Hill, East Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Marina and Horton. Each district has its’ own ambiance and life style.

The western district of Downtown is Columbia and while it is mainly commercial there are many highrise condo complexes. In 2007 there were seven highrise buildings under construction; 5 condo buildings, an office building and the Federal Courthouse. Included within the boundaries of Columbia are the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, Maritime Museum and the Santa Fe Depot serving the trolley, Coaster and the Pacific Surfliner.  Some of the major condo complexes within Columbia are:

The Core District is the major Downtown business district and is located in the center of the City. A major condo complex is:

Cortez Hill is one of San Diego’s oldest residential neighborhoods and is the north-east district of Downtown. The highest land mass in Downtown lies in Cortez Hill and has been a draw to residents for over a century. The area maintains its Victorian charm today.  Some major condo complexes in Cortez Hill are:

East Village is the largest of the downtown districts and is home to Petco Park and Ballpark Village. Some of the major condo complexes are:

The Gaslamp Quarter is Downtown’s nightlife district which includes restaurants, shops and nightclubs. This historical neighborhood is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Quarter includes 94 historic buildings constructed in the Victorian era and still in use today. Some of the Gaslamp Quarter’s major condo complexes include:

Little Italy is a scenic neighborhood comprised of Italian restaurants, retail shops, home design stores, art galleries and residential units. Little Italy is one of the more active Downtown neighborhoods with many festivals and events. The area is maintained by the Little Italy Neighborhood Association which takes care off trash collection, decorations and festivals. Some major condo complexes in Little Italy include:

The Marina District is the south-west district of Downtown and prior to urban renewal was mainly warehouses and vacant lots. The district is now comprised of mid and high rise hotels, apartments, condos, medical offices and retail stores. Both Seaport Village and the San Diego Convention Center reside in the Marina District. Seaport Village overlooks San Diego Bay and is comprised of more than 70 shops, galleries and restaurants. Some of the Marina Districts major condo complexes include:

The Horton District is in central downtown and includes Horton Plaza shopping mall and surrounding buildings. A major condo complex in the district is: