Neighborhoods, City of San Diego
© McCormack's Guides
Zip Code: 92123
Serra
Mesa is the residential
neighborhood just north of the Qualcomm Stadium. Kearny Mesa, home to many
commercial and high-tech firms and several medical centers, including
Children’s Hospital, is located north of Serra Mesa and borders Montgomery
Field, a large civilian airport. www.mccormacks.com
Freeways
and trolley close by; also thousands of jobs. Short distances to major job
centers of Sorrento Valley, Mission Valley, UC San Diego and State
University. About 6 to 10 miles to
downtown San Diego. If you want the short commute, look here.
Serra
Mesa, 22,870 residents living in 4,564 single homes and 3,800 multiples. Many
streets in Sierra Mesa don’t connect. Ravines divide the neighborhood. Many
homes are built along the lip of the mesa, looking down into the ravines and
over the countryside.
Secluded,
fragmented community but some people will like this. Close to the city and
thousands of jobs but somewhat removed from the bustle of urban life.
Many of the homes were built in the
1950s and 1960s and favored standard three-bedroom model.
Some
infilling with modern homes and with replacement military housing (about 900
units). Small shopping plaza with drugstore and supermarket. www.mccormacks.com
Montgomery's flight paths line up more
with the industrial Kearny than residential sections, but if buying or renting
in the area, ask about noise. These neighborhoods also may catch some noise
from Miramar Air Station.
Kearny
Mesa, 4,415 residents, 148 single homes, 2,041 multiples, 314 mobiles. Another
neighborhood with great views.
Kearny
Mesa has several “populations,” one over 153,000. All are “correct,” meaning
that you are likely to hear people talk about Kearny Mesa as a region, a large
community or a tiny neighborhood. If you approach Kearny Mesa as an industrial-commercial-medical
section, it will make more sense.
Kearny
Mesa also has several media stations, government facilities and car dealerships
and a popular BMX bike racing course.
Opened in 2006, a Wal-Mart.
Three
community parks in Serra Mesa. City recreation programs. Playing fields at
schools. Close to Mesa Community College. www.mccormacks.com
For decades the force that drove life in
the larger Kearny Mesa was the General Dynamics plant that employed 8,000. In
1996, the last buildings were demolished. In its place, many commercial
buildings are being erected.
For
Kearny Mesa, zero homicides in 2005, 2004, 2003, two in 2002, zero in 2001. For
Serra Mesa, two homicides in 2005, zero for preceding four years. See Crime.
•
Opened in 2006, a library for both communities: 54,000 books, 40 computers,
community meeting room with grand piano.
