One of the main things new residents look for when moving into a new neighborhood is its walkability. Homeowners who don’t have a car will want to be within walking distance of certain amenities like grocery stores, parks, restaurants, public transit, and business offices. This is even more important if they plan to live in Southern California where traffic is a drag. Besides lowering your carbon footprint, there are many benefits to living in a walkable neighborhood in San Diego. Not only is daily walking or biking good for your health, you’ll also be saving money on gas. Check out these 5 neighborhoods in San Diego that have great walkability.

Little Italy

Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego

If you want to live in Downtown San Diego, Little Italy is a great neighborhood that provides a bit of old world charm. With a WalkScore of 97, you’ll be within walking distance of many of the neighborhood’s cultural venues, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Italian Cultural Center, or the Little Italy Festa, which is the second largest Italian festival in the country. You can stroll through the San Diego Art Walk or just people watch at the European-style Piazza della Famiglia. In Little Italy, there are also many authentic Italian restaurants to choose from, such as the Bencotto Italian Kitchen. And if you’re looking for fresh produce or artisan wares, Little Italy Mercato, the local farmers market, offers about 200 vendors lined along W. Date Street, from Kettner Boulevard to Front Street.

East Village

East Village neighborhood of San Diego

East Village is home to numerous amenities and attractions such as Petco Park, making it easy to walk to a San Diego Padres baseball game during the season. The neighborhood is also as a great hang-out spot thanks to fun options like food trucks, greenspaces, dog parks, and a craft beer garden at QuartYard, which also hosts events like free yoga and rose bingo. With a walk score of 93, East Village residents have easy access to daily conveniences like grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and bars. And for those who still have to commute to work, East Village has great public transit options available as well as well as convenient access to the freeway. 

Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter Dog Park

Gaslamp Quarter is the fourth most walkable neighborhood in San Diego. Residents are within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center, which is known for hosting the popular Comic-Con International event every year. If you’re a San Diego Padres baseball fan, the Gaslamp Quarter is also within walking distance to Petco Park, which is perfect for avoiding traffic and parking hassles. Besides bars and sports events in the neighborhood, the Gaslamp Quarter also features many art galleries along Fourth, Fifth and Sixth avenues. The historic Balboa Theatre, which is also located on Fourth Avenue, offers cultural attractions and live performances.

Hillcrest

Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego

LGBT-friendly Hillcrest has a walk score of 81, and it’s the prime spot for the annual Pride Festival each summer. The neighborhood is also home to the top-notch Hillcrest Farmers Market that features over 175 vendors selling local produce, arts and crafts, flowers, clothing, and other products. Hillcrest puts culture and the outdoors at your fingertips, as it’s located just northwest of Balboa Park, the city’s largest urban cultural park. Thanks to the neighborhood’s parks, gardens, and entertainment options, walking around Hillcrest is always an exciting event. Shopping is also made easy, with grocery stores like Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, and Ralphs just a few blocks away.

North Park

North Park Main Street

Great walkability and public transit options make North Park a popular neighborhood in San Diego. North Park has an array of restaurants, art galleries, shops, and bars, all within walking distance. Local eateries like Carnitas Snack Shack, The Mission North Park, and Tribute Pizza are just some of the places you’ll find as you walk down University Avenue. Breweries like Mike Hess Brewing Co. and North Park Beer Company are also welcoming places to gather with friends. Entertainment is also just a few steps away with performances at The Observatory North Park.