Hillcrest, San Diego

Did You Know?

• The Hillcrest Pride flag, erected in 2012, is located in the median on Normal Street near the intersection with University Avenue.
• A rainbow crosswalk was unveiled at the intersection of Normal and University in January 2020.
• The Hillcrest Pride Promenade broke ground on February 16, 2025, with a cost of almost $30 million and expected completion in late 2026.

Geography

Hillcrest is an older neighborhood shaped by gentrification, with tree-lined streets and abundant greenery. Lush canyons like Vermont Canyon and Richmond Canyon offer hiking paths, some historically linked to youth organizations. A pedestrian-only bridge over CA-163 connects Richmond Street to Bankers Hill. The area’s architecture ranges from Craftsman homes to Mid-century modern condos. It borders Mission Hills, Bankers Hill and Balboa Park, University Heights, and North Park, with a ridge overlooking San Diego Bay to the west. Hillcrest is part of the Uptown planning area, which also includes Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Park West, and University Heights.

History

Hillcrest was originally a chaparral-covered mesa inhabited by Kumeyaay Indians. In 1870, Mary Kearney obtained a deed from the city for the land, which was later purchased by railroad tycoon George Hill. Real estate development began in 1910 and the area was built out by 1920. During the 1920s and 1930s it was a suburban shopping area for downtown San Diego.

In the 1910s, Hillcrest was connected by Class 1 streetcars built by John D. Spreckels, which operated until 1939. The "HILLCREST" lighted sign at University and Fifth Avenue was first erected in 1940, donated by the Hillcrest Women's Association. After World War II, the neighborhood had aging infrastructure. During the 1970s, gays and lesbians began establishing residences and businesses.

In 1974, 200 gays and lesbians marched downtown after the city refused a parade permit. The first city-permitted gay pride parade was held in 1975. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center moved to Hillcrest in 1980. The Hillcrest Business Association formed in 1984 and hosted the first CityFest in 1985. A new Vermont Street pedestrian bridge was completed in 1994.

Government

Hillcrest is governed by the elected officials of the city of San Diego and is part of the City Council's Third district. The current councilmember is Stephen Whitburn, who replaced Chris Ward in the 2020 election. Whitburn is the fifth consecutively elected openly LGBT representative of District 3 since Chris Kehoe's election in 1993. The Uptown Planners, an elected planning group, advises the city on land use. The Hillcrest Town Council, formed in 2007, provides a conduit for information from citizens to the government and meets monthly.

Transportation

Hillcrest is a walkable neighborhood with cafés, restaurants, and shops near residential pockets. It is served by MTS bus lines 1, 3, 7, 10, 11, 120, and 215. State Route 163 provides access at University Avenue, Washington Street, and Robinson Avenue. University Avenue and Washington Street are major east–west thoroughfares, while Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Avenues connect to downtown.

Dozens of public parking structures exist. The uptown neighborhoods are managed by a community parking district created in 1997. Initially managed by the Uptown Partnership, the district faced criticism after spending $2.5 million over 12 years to create only 50 new parking spaces. The Partnership withdrew in 2010, and the district was revived in 2012.

In 2013, a free trolley was introduced on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, and the website AccessHillcrest helps find parking, share rides, or bicycle.