Is Balboa Park a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in San Diego, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
202 Registered Offenders Nearby
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical aid incident appears to involve Medic 2 and Engine 201 near Welch Road in San Diego. | Welch Rd, San Diego, CA 92101 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical personnel from Medic 32 were dispatched for a possible medical issue near Mawana Drive and Hill in San Diego. | Cross St, San Diego, CA 92110 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to provide medical aid at an apartment on 34th Street in San Diego. | 34th St C, San Diego, CA 92102 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid was dispatched to an apartment near 34th Street in San Diego and later downgraded. | 34th St, San Diego, CA 92102 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical crews and Engine 20 were dispatched to provide medical aid for a reported assault near Coastline Place in San Diego. | Coastline Pl, San Diego, CA 92110 | Assault Report |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical dispatch called for truck 14 to a location near 32nd Street and Lincoln Avenue. | 32nd St, San Diego, CA 92104 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers reported a woman lying in a sleeping bag on a southbound transit platform and refusing to leave, and officers coordinated which unit would respond to the apparent trespassing complaint. | Imperial Ave Ste 1000, San Diego, CA 92101 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical call reported near 32nd Street at Lincoln Avenue and Polk Avenue in San Diego; dispatched to Truck 14. | 32nd St, San Diego, CA 92104 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a 46-year-old male experienced chest pain at the Truck 14 station in San Diego. Advanced life support was requested with Medic 38 dispatched. | 32nd St, San Diego, CA 92104 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency call was reported near Lace Place and Carolina Lane, San Diego. Units Engine 12 and others were dispatched with medical priority codes. | Lace Pl, San Diego, CA 92102 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Nearby neighborhoods
Neighborhood Overview
Balboa Park is a suburban neighborhood in San Diego known for its historic homes built entirely between 1940 and 1969. The housing supply is very tight with a 0.0% vacancy rate, indicating strong demand.
Residents here predominantly rent large, detached single-family homes, with 100% renter occupancy and a high share of large homes. The neighborhood also has a notable walk-to-work culture, with nearly two-thirds of residents commuting on foot.
Quick Facts
| Renter Occupied Rate | 100.0% |
|---|---|
| Walk to Work Rate | 64.7% |
| Vacancy Rate | 0.0% |
Housing market and real estate character
Balboa Park's housing market is characterized by large, historic single-family homes with very high renter occupancy and minimal vacancies.
| Large Home Share | Highest in U.S. |
|---|---|
| Detached Single-Family Homes | 100.0% |
| Homes Built 1940-1969 | 100.0% |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
Balboa Park offers a unique lifestyle with a high proportion of renters living in large homes and a strong walk-to-work culture.
| Children in Poverty | 0.0% |
|---|---|
| Advanced Degree Holders | 58.6% |
| Military Employment | 26.9% |
Demographics
| Advanced Degree Holders | 58.6% |
|---|---|
| Military Employment | 26.9% |
| Manufacturing/Labor Employment | 47.8% |
| Native American Ancestry | 2.7% |
| African Ancestry | 5.4% |
| Top Languages | ["English (82.2%)","Spanish","Polish","Italian"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["Mexican (12.9%)","German (8.1%)","Sub-Saharan African (5.4%)","Irish (5.1%)"] |
Commute
Balboa Park residents enjoy some of the shortest and most active commutes in the nation, with a majority walking to work.
Balboa Park's exceptional walk-to-work rate and short commute times contribute to a lifestyle with less reliance on cars and more neighborhood interaction.
| Walk to Work | 64.7% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone | 22.4% |
| Carpool | 12.9% |
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 58.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Balboa Park?
The median home price is $1,122,487, higher than 67.2% of California neighborhoods.
What is the vacancy rate?
Balboa Park has a 0.0% vacancy rate, indicating very tight housing supply.
How do most residents commute to work?
64.7% of residents walk to work, the highest rate in the U.S.