San Diego Neighborhood Guide: North Park
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, music lover, foodie, or fashionista, North Park in San Diego has something for you. Northeast of downtown San Diego and Balboa Park, North Park is an eclectic and vibrant neighborhood bustling with eateries, breweries, coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, music venues and bars. Below is Ascent Real Estate’s guide to North Park, from food, to nightlife, to real estate (and everything in between).
Restaurants In North Park
North Park is a food lover’s paradise, boasting some of the most unique restaurants in San Diego. Walk down the main drag and you’ll find popular brunch spots, mouth-watering burgers, high-quality sushi, vegetarian restaurants, coffee shops, artisan ice cream, Latin American food, French fare, Italian, and much more. You can view some of North Park’s best restaurants at www.explorenorthpark.com/eat
The North Park Farmer’s Market is a great place experience a variety of local vendors in one place. Open every Thursday from 3pm to 7:30pm, the market features over 30 independent vendors offering locally grown produce and flowers, handmade arts and crafts, and gourmet food set to the backdrop of live music.
Nightlife & Bars In North Park
North Park is quickly becoming one of the most popular nightlife spots in San Diego. The cross-section of University Avenue and 30th Street is known as the epicenter of beer bars, breweries, and tasting rooms, in what is considered “the best beer neighborhood in the nation” by some.
If beer isn’t your thing, the neighborhood has several wine bars and craft cocktail bars offering creative concoctions to whet your whistle. Learn more about bars and nightlife in North Park at www.explorenorthpark.com/drink
Outdoor Activities In North Park
Between all the beer and great food, you might find yourself in need of some fresh air and exercise. Luckily North Park has many wonderful outdoor spaces for you to enjoy. Catty-corner from North Park, Balboa Park is home to lovely gardens, miles of hiking trails of all difficulty levels, playgrounds for kids, and designated off-leash dog parks (in addition to museums and art venues).
Switzer Canyon Open Space Park is a canyon oasis of natural vegetation and hiking trails between North Park and South Park. Other popular parks in the North Park area include Bird Park and North Park Community Park.
Shopping In North Park
You won’t find a lot of big box chain stores in North Park. This neighborhood is all about supporting great local businesses. There are tons of unique stores and boutiques offering clothing (vintage or new), home decor, accessories, locally made gifts, and much more.
One of the most popular stores among both locals and tourists is Pigment, offering unique gifts, furniture, paper goods, planters, terrariums, baby apparel and accessories, jewelry, art and much more. Pigment also hosts a variety of events and workshops, including classes in watercolors, calligraphy, and floral design. Learn more about the stores in North Park at www.explorenorthpark.com/shopping
Art & Culture In North Park
North Park is home to an array of art galleries and studios, performing arts and music venues, dance studios and more. The 1920’s Birch North Park Theater was restored in 2005 to a beautiful and intimate concert venue now known as Observatory North Park. The historic renovation won the prestigious San Diego Architectural Foundation Orchid Award. Learn more about North Park’s art scene at www.explorenorthpark.com/art
Ray at Night, San Diego’s longest-running monthly art walk, is a popular art event in North Park. Every second Saturday of every month from 6-10 PM, patrons enjoy new art by local and nationally known artists at over 25 participating gallery and business venues, in addition to live street performances and local food vendors.
Events In North Park
North Park is home to many weekly, monthly, and annual events, such as:
North Park After Dark (various dates throughout the year)
Ray at Night (second Saturday of every month)
North Park Farmer’s Market (every Thursday)
Taste of North Park (October 14, 2017)
Festival of Arts in North Park (May 19, 2018)
North Park Demographics (www.city-data.com)
Area: 2.984 square miles
Population: 35,158
Population density:
North Park: 11,781 people per square mile
San Diego: 4,301 people per square mile
Median Rent in 2015:
North Park: $1,141
San Diego: $1,371
Percentage of Units with a Mortgage in 2015:
North Park: 73.9%
San Diego: 72.3%
Average Estimated Value of Detached Houses in 2015:
North Park: $567,983
San Diego: $718,201
Median household income in 2015:
North Park: $59,177
San Diego: $67,871
North Park Real Estate
North Park’s real estate market is hot. However, homes for sale in North Park are still more affordable than many areas of San Diego County. You can view some homes for sale in North Park by clicking here.
Ascent Real Estate’s REALTORS® are experts in the North Park housing market and are happy to answer any of your questions. Contact Ascent Real Estate today to learn more about buying or selling a home in North Park, San Diego at https://www.ascenthomefinder.com/contactus/
Written by Casey Olaya on September 8, 2017. Posted in San Diego Neighborhood Guides, Uncategorized Tags: north park, north park guide