University Heights

Welcome to UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS

Tucked in between the 163 Freeway to the west, Texas Street to the east and perched along the bluffs overlooking Mission Valley, University Heights, is a hip and highly desirable neighborhood to live in. Originally founded in the late 1800’s, it’s name is derived from a plan to build a branch of the  University of Southern California in the area.  The plan ultimately fell through, and the land once set aside for the university is now occupied by the headquarters for the San Diego Unified School District.  

Perhaps one of the best aspects of living in University Heights is the wide selection of cuisine that is available at local restaurants. Drive along Park Boulevard, Adams Ave or El Cajon Boulevard, and you’ll find you have a seemingly never-ending list of highly-rated dining options representing cuisines from every continent on the planet.  Rest assured; your taste buds will never get bored.

Homes in University Heights have a unique character and style—you don’t have to worry about living in anything that could be considered a “cookie-cutter” home! Every property has something special about it, and no two homes are ever the same. The median list price for a detached home, as of January 2024, is $1.4M, while condos in this neighborhood are closer to $600K.

What to Love

• Central location
• Desirable and trendy living
• Exceptional and unique restaurants

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping 

Small businesses flourish in University Heights. Instead of being surrounded by big-box stores and national chains, you can frequent a tapestry of one-of-a-kind establishments for all facets of your life.

Want to add some exciting new pieces to your wardrobe? Look no further than Frock You Vintage Clothing—which sells vintage clothing and accessories that date all the way back to the 1920s. Further up Park Boulevard, game card collectors will love the impressive selection found at Brute Force Games. Also, be sure to make a stop at The Cave of Wonders gift shop on El Cajon Boulevard—where you can purchase unique minerals, jewelry, and other curiosities.

Your mouth will water at all of the local dining options available throughout University Heights. While there are too many restaurants to include on a single list, resident favorites include Pop Pie Co., Flavors of East Africa, TapRoom Beer Company, Bahn Thai, Kairoa Brewing Company, Madisons and Lestat’s on Park.

Things to Do

Trolley Barn Park, located off of Adams Avenue, is a  spacious and beautifully-maintained city park that features a playground and is the site of the area’s summertime concert series. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a run, or simply take in the gorgeous Southern California weather.

Meeting up with a friend? Schedule your next outing at one of the many coffee shops in University Heights. If you live on the northern end of town, check out Meraki Café or Mystic Mocha. Further south, you’ll find Twiggs and Lestat’s on Park. Not a coffee drinker? Wellspring Tea Room is a wonderful place to visit on Park Boulevard.

Schools

University Heights is home to a highly-rated elementary school:

• Alice Birney Elementary School, K-5