EXPLORE
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS

OUR HOME

University Heights is a historic “streetcar suburb” of San Diego located near the central Uptown area. It is bordered on the west by Highway 163, on the north by Mission Valley, on the east by Texas Street, and on the south by Lincoln Street. More than just a place on a map, however, University Heights enjoys a distinct sense of place developed with loving care and pride of place over many years.

Residents and visitors alike enjoy the intimacy, charm, and walkability of our neighborhood, which for many years was a well-kept secret. Today the word is out, and our café’s, restaurants, shops, and markets offer a lively weekend of shopping, dining, and entertainment, a friendly place for morning coffee, or a relaxing afternoon stroll. You will find art, music, theater, and special events as well as jewelers, realtors, hair stylists and more. Our outstanding schools, parks and churches complete the fabric of our community.

Click HERE for a map of University Heights

OUR HISTORY

As one of the oldest districts in San Diego, University Heights has played an important part in the city's history for over a century. The name resulted from an overly-optimistic 1880’s plan to build a southern campus of the University of Southern California. When the boom went bust, the State Normal School was eventually built instead. In time, it was renamed San Diego State University and later moved east.

If you’ve walked our streets, you may have noticed the ostrich as a recurring sight. The ostrich is a reminder of our colorful past and proud heritage dating back to the 1900’s when the Harvey Bentley Ostrich Farm, located across from Mission Cliff Gardens, was a popular attraction for visitors who came to ride on the backs of the great birds. A rich and amusing history gives our community a unique character well worth learning about.