Cortez Hill is bordered by Interstate 5 and Bankers Hill to the north, the Core District to the south, Cortez Hill to the west, and the East Village to the east. Distinguishable by the lights of the historic El Cortez Hotel, which was converted to a condo building in 2004, the Cortez Hill District was fittingly named for this San Diego landmark.

Cortez Hill marks the highest elevation in Downtown San Diego boasting views all the way to San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Balboa Park and of the Downtown skyline. In 1992, the Redevelopment Agency envisioned reviving this district by further developing the hill for residential use, and encouraging a mix of residential and commercial infill. Schools, churches and a pedestrian-friendly environment now characterize the western portion of Cortez Hill. The hill has drawn residents for over a century, and the original Victorian style dwellings of the first settlers have now become part of its charm. Commercial shops and sidewalk cafes line Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and Ash Street provides a gateway to the waterfront. The intimate neighborhood feeling, diverse housing, proximity to the downtown core and Balboa Park, and waterfront and mountain views make Cortez Hill a desirable location.

Select a Region

• Columbia
• Core
• Cortez Hill
• East Village
• Gaslamp
• Horton Plaza
• Little Italy
• Marina

• Mortgage Calculator
• Understand
  All of Your Costs