El Cajon Blvd & 35th Street Info. (San Diego, La Mesa: apartment, renting)

[SD Observer]

Can anyone tell me what the area around El Cajon Blvd & 35th Street is like ? What are the homes like ? Is there a high crime rate ? Are there any Big Box type stores around there ? And what is the name of that particular neighborhood ?

[tande1n5]

That would be City Heights, one of the worst areas of San Diego. Go north on 35th a bit and it becomes Normal Heights, a trendy, fun, up-and-coming type urban neighborhood, but anywhere around the boulevard itself and South is City Heights, and is best avoided to live in if possible. El Cajon boulevard itself is pretty sleazy, especially thru the City Heights Corridor - prostitutes, folks standing around looking tough and the like. There are pockets of City Heights that aren't as terrible as others, but you have to take the bad with the good in City Heights as they're right next to each other, and know that the bad areas are quite rough. Most of the big box stores are off the boulevard in Mission Valley, which is surprisingly accessible despite the mesa cliffs via Texas Street.

[SD Observer]

Originally Posted by tande1n5

That would be City Heights, one of the worst areas of San Diego. Go north on 35th a bit and it becomes Normal Heights, a trendy, fun, up-and-coming type urban neighborhood, but anywhere around the boulevard itself and South is City Heights, and is best avoided to live in if possible. El Cajon boulevard itself is pretty sleazy, especially thru the City Heights Corridor - prostitutes, folks standing around looking tough and the like. There are pockets of City Heights that aren't as terrible as others, but you have to take the bad with the good in City Heights as they're right next to each other, and know that the bad areas are quite rough. Most of the big box stores are off the boulevard in Mission Valley, which is surprisingly accessible despite the mesa cliffs via Texas Street.

Thanks Tande for the very useful info. ......... Is this a mostly hispanic area ? Any good restaurants in the vicinity ?

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by SD Observer

Thanks Tande for the very useful info. ......... Is this a mostly hispanic area ? Any good restaurants in the vicinity ?

That part of City Heights (Teralta) is mostly Hispanic. There is a lot of crime there, in particular gang crime. There are a lot of good ethnic and funky restaurants all over City Heights ranging from Vietnamese on the east side and Mexican on the west side. I just served on jury for a rape/kidnap case of a prostitute that happened on 34th and El Cajon Boulevard. Generally, stay west of the 805 into North Park or go all the way east of 54th street towards the SDSU and La Mesa area where things get better. Alternatively stay North of El Cajon Boulevard, the further north the better.

[FashionD]

Personally, I wouldn't live anywhere around El Cajon Blvd. I know some people might try to say that not all parts around El Cajon Blvd are bad, but just to be safe, I'd stay away. University Ave is generally a pretty bad area to hang around as well.

[SD Observer]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

That part of City Heights (Teralta) is mostly Hispanic. There is a lot of crime there, in particular gang crime. There are a lot of good ethnic and funky restaurants all over City Heights ranging from Vietnamese on the east side and Mexican on the west side. I just served on jury for a rape/kidnap case of a prostitute that happened on 34th and El Cajon Boulevard. Generally, stay west of the 805 into North Park or go all the way east of 54th street towards the SDSU and La Mesa area where things get better. Alternatively stay North of El Cajon Boulevard, the further north the better.

Thanks Sassberto for the detailed info. ............ I will be conducting work related business there and wanted to find a good Mexican restaurant for lunch and/or dinner. ............ But I don't want my car stolen or any other non-sense !!!

Is that area safe enough in daytime ? I'm not afraid to go anywhere but its good to know what you are walking into.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by SD Observer

Thanks Sassberto for the detailed info. ............ I will be conducting work related business there and wanted to find a good Mexican restaurant for lunch and/or dinner. ............ But I don't want my car stolen or any other non-sense !!!

Is that area safe enough in daytime ? I'm not afraid to go anywhere but its good to know what you are walking into.

It's fine during the day, even at night there are parts of City Heights that are pretty quiet. ECB and University and the blocks immediately next to and between are the real problem areas but this is still San Diego and there's nothing really to be afraid of.

For Mexican food it's mostly taco shops, if you are looking for sit-down not sure what there is to offer. ECB and University are the business districts in the area.

[Mr. Caddy]

I'am new to the area and thinking about renting and apartment around 52 Street, El Cajon Blvd. Can anyone tell me if that area real bad? I would appricate your inputs. Thank you.

[jksouthbay88]

Originally Posted by Mr. Caddy

I'am new to the area and thinking about renting and apartment around 52 Street, El Cajon Blvd. Can anyone tell me if that area real bad? I would appricate your inputs. Thank you.

I wouldn't want to live over there either

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by Mr. Caddy

I'am new to the area and thinking about renting and apartment around 52 Street, El Cajon Blvd. Can anyone tell me if that area real bad? I would appricate your inputs. Thank you.

It's real bad.