There are many ways to become involved in your community, and that doesn’t necessarily always mean donating your time so much as spending time with neighbors and participating in local events. For instance, attending a school function or game, shopping at farmers markets, joining a class or group, or supporting the local art scene are all great ways to stay in touch with what’s happening in your neighborhood. And if you want to find ways to give back to your community, you can always find ways to volunteer like donating food or gently-used clothes and other items like books at a local shelter. When it comes to a big city like San Diego, there are no shortage of options for you to get involved. So if you’re looking for ways to get involved in your community, check out these five neighborhoods in San Diego.

Little Italy

Crack Shack in Little Italy

Shopping in your local community is one of the best ways for getting involved in your neighborhood. Not only are you supporting small businesses, you’re also supporting and strengthening the local economy. A good place to start is at the Little Italy farmers market, which is also known as the Little Italy Mercato. Farmers markets, generally speaking, are a good place to mingle with your neighbors as well as get to know local farmers and business owners. Not only will you be buying fresh, locally grown produce, but you’ll also find artisan products and handmade crafts. The Little Italy Mercato features over 200 tents sprawled along Front Street to Kettner to W. Date Street. Stroll through the market where you’ll feast on fresh baked goods while listening to live music.

City Heights

Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park in City Heights

Neighbors that clean together, stay together, and City Heights is at the top of its game thanks to its City Heights Clean & Safe Coalition program and Facelift event. Since its inception in 2013, the Clean & Safe Coalition has helped maintain the overall safety and cleanliness of the neighborhood. Residents work together to keep the neighborhood safe and clean by collaborating with local law enforcement as well as other members of the community to help fight gang activity, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, graffiti, and litter.

The City Heights Community Organization created FaceLift, where they not only clear litter from the neighborhood streets, but also help renovate over 550 single-family homes. FaceLift ultimately has two goals, to beautify the neighborhood and to enlist neighbors helping neighbors. It doesn’t get much more involved than that.

Downtown San Diego

Arts and crafts shops in Balboa Park

Downtown San Diego is home to numerous activities, but one of its most famous is Balboa Park. This popular landmark allows residents to spend time outdoors while also learning about culture, science, and nature all in one place. You can spend time strolling through the beautiful flowers and plants in the Japanese Friendship Garden, enjoy a picnic in the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, learn about the city’s unique biodiversity in the San Diego Natural History Museum, or admire the exotic animals at the San Diego Zoo. You’ll feel more connected to your neighborhood thanks to this urban park that spans 1,200 acres. With so many attractions in one place, it’s easy to spend hours in Balboa Park.

Columbia District

Museum of Contemporary Art in Columbia District

Within Downtown San Diego is the Columbia District. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get involved such taking a harbor cruise or going on a whale watching tour. This neighborhood is also home to a few museums that provide cultural enrichment like the Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. And If you want to take your local involvement up a notch, you can check out some of the volunteer opportunities available at each museum that range from library helpers and docents to ship restoration and WWII Veteran storytellers.

Lake San Marcos

Lake San Marcos photo courtesy of Taylorj661

Just 35 miles from San Diego is the town of Lake San Marcos. This city offers no shortage of activities as well as plenty of places to hang out with your neighbors. The lake itself is the epicenter for getting involved in this town, with daily activities like fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or cruising on a luxury Bennington. If you wish to dine and be merry, the locals enjoy the bar at Decoy Dockside. The floating lakefront bar also offers a nightly light and water show, which makes a charming backdrop for casual drinking and conversation with friends.

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