NORTH PARK

 

 

North Park is only four miles from downtown San Diego, but this leafy, residential oasis can feel worlds away — and residents are here for it. This pretty spot is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods and dates back to the 1870s. But North Park refuses to be defined by a mere number, and this eclectic enclave is known for its youthful approach to everything from fine dining and architecture to art and music.
 

The mix of suburban tranquility and bohemian creativity is evident in North Park’s coveted real estate market. Properties here showcase the town’s architectural history, with several standouts from 1920s star architect David Owen Dryden. Here you can find California craftsman styles, darling vintage bungalows, classic Spanish Revivals, and spacious estates with lush outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining. Most properties in North Park feature indoor-outdoor conversion details so residents can take full advantage of the warm sunshine and balmy weather.

 

North Park has the unique distinction of being both on the cutting edge of trends while also staying true to its family-centric roots. The pretty, tree-lined streets here are quiet and perfectly residential, and the famous Balboa Park sets the scene for lazy afternoon picnics and family outings to the zoo.

On the flip side, North Park is also ready to swoop in with a playful, youthful vigor, as seen in the hip eateries and of-the-moment breweries. Residents here enjoy the peace of a sunny day spent on the expansive park lawn but are also keen to enjoy the chef-driven bistros and stylish, retro cocktail lounges. Luckily, North Park delivers both.

 

North Park is known for having a hip approach to dining, and the culinary scene here deserves the reputation. The Smoking Goat Restaurant fuses French and American cuisine to create a modern, classically Californian menu. Standouts include local swordfish and escargot, and the wine list is impeccable. Chef-owned Et Voila! celebrates more traditional French fare, as well as a vintage Parisian bistro setting.

The wine bar concept gets a stylish makeover at Little Thief, a small bistro known city-wide for exquisite offerings and expert sommeliers. Just north of North Park, Soichi awaits and has a dazzling menu of fresh sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese fare. Part Time Lover exemplifies the retro vibe and sense of vintage chic North Park does so well, with a nod to the cocktail lounges of decades past.

 

North Park is perhaps best known for the idyllic Balboa Park, a sprawling green space that looks like something out of a fairytale. With over 1,200 acres, there is plenty of space for Balboa Park’s many attractions, including museums, athletic fields, golf courses, and the San Diego Zoo.

The park's southern end contains museums like the San Diego Air & Space Museum, which shares interactive exhibits showcasing air and spacecraft, and The San Diego Museum of Art, where an extensive collection of acclaimed work is on display. The historic Balboa Park Golf Course provides a challenging championship course, as well as a cozy clubhouse and spectacular panoramic views.

 

North Park families have access to excellent public schools through the San Diego Unified School District, as well as elite private schools, including: