San Diego Neighborhood

Is Normal Heights 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.

Hoodscore
49

Crime Summary:

Crime Overview (last 12 months)

Severe1016
Medium511
Low1754
Other10105

218 Registered Offenders Nearby

Rape41
Child involved164
Assault23
Other18

Crime Details:

Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.

Crime dateCrime descriptionAddressCrime category
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a 95-year-old male patient with hematuria is being transported to Kaiser Zion hospital with an estimated arrival time of 10 minutes. Current vital signs include blood pressure 121 over 70, pulse 80, and oxygen saturation 95%. The patient was discharged from Kaiser Zion recently and is now returning. A run number was provided as one zero.Zion Ave, San Diego, CA 92120Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As 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 92101Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical aid was requested for Medic 37 near Bergenard Boulevard and Lister Street in San Diego.Lister St, San Diego, CA 92110Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a 34-year-old man was reportedly assaulted by his roommate and the roommate’s girlfriend at a private residence, including being punched near the left eyebrow and slapped across the cheek. He had a small hematoma by his left eye with mild pain and was transported to UCSD East for evaluation.Alvarado Rd, San Diego, CA 92120Assault Report
Jul 16, 2026As 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 92110Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As 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 92102Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a 64-year-old female was transported from a private residence to UCSD East after a home health nurse found pieces missing from her intravenous line. The patient was receiving antibiotics for an infection and had no current complaints. Vital signs were stable and no treatment was expected during transport.Alvarado Rd, San Diego, CA 92120Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As 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 92102Medical Emergency
Jul 16, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a report of a silver or gold Toyota Highlander driving recklessly near Valley Sun Road and Rock Hill Ranch, including brake-checking and swerving on the roadway. The license plate was not obtained.Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111Traffic
Jul 16, 2026As 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 92104Medical Emergency

For all crime details - View Safety Report

Median Home Price
$1,043,318
Average Rent
$3,355
Vacancy Rate
5.7%

Overview

Normal Heights is a densely urban neighborhood in San Diego with a median home price of $1,043,318, higher than 60.1% of California neighborhoods. The average rent is $3,355, which is lower than 48.3% of California neighborhoods.

The neighborhood is notable for its high proportion of small rental units and a strong bike commuting rate, with 2.9% of residents biking to work, exceeding 95.7% of U.S. neighborhoods.

Densely UrbanHigh Renter OccupancyStrong Bike Commuting

Quick Facts

Child Poverty Rate6.9%

Housing market and real estate character

Normal Heights real estate is dominated by small to medium-sized apartments and single-family homes, with a high renter occupancy rate.

Renter Occupied Rate84.7%
Small Unit Share (1-2 bedrooms)93.6%
Vacancy Rate5.7%
Housing Built 1970-1999Majority

What buyers will notice right away

Most properties are renter occupied, which is uncommon compared to most neighborhoods.
The neighborhood has one of the highest shares of small apartments in the U.S.

Families & Lifestyle

Normal Heights hosts a diverse community with a notable presence of same-sex couples and a moderate income profile.

Diverse Community — Languages spoken include English, Spanish, and Polish, reflecting cultural variety.
Active Commuting — A significant share of residents bike to work, supporting an active lifestyle.
Same-Sex CouplesHigher than 98.7% of U.S. neighborhoods
Middle IncomeHigher than 57.7% of U.S. neighborhoods

Demographics

Executive, Management, Professional Occupations53.4%
Child Poverty Rate6.9%
English Speaking Households75.3%
Foreign Born Residents15.2%
Top Ancestries["Mexican (28.8%)","Irish (17.1%)","Italian (9.7%)","German (7.6%)","English (7.5%)"]

Commute

Most residents have a commute under 30 minutes, with a strong preference for driving alone and notable bike commuting.

Normal Heights offers a balanced commute profile with strong bike commuting and moderate drive-alone rates.

Short Commutes — Most residents spend less than 30 minutes commuting.
Active Transportation — Bike commuting is significantly higher than average.
Main Commute Time15-30 minutes (57.2%)
Drive Alone Rate66.1%
Carpool Rate10.5%
Bike Commute Rate2.9%

Homes for sale near 92116

For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.

$1,700,000
3 bd | 2 ba | 1,508 sqft
1240 Golden Gate Dr
San Diego, CA, 92116
View Safety Report
$419,000
1 bd | 1 ba | 530 sqft
4524 Wilson Ave Unit 201
San Diego, CA, 92116
View Safety Report
$1,045,000
2 bd | 1 ba | 838 sqft
4762 E Mountain View Dr
San Diego, CA, 92116
View Safety Report
$1,750,000
3 bd | 2 ba | 1,908 sqft
5036 Litchfield Rd
San Diego, CA, 92116
View Safety Report
$2,790,000
5 bd | 4 ba | 3,826 sqft
1414 Franciscan Way
San Diego, CA, 92116
View Safety Report
$1,645,000
3 bd | 3 ba | 1,898 sqft
4540 E Talmadge Dr
San Diego, CA, 92116
View Safety Report
$1,750,000
3 bd | 3 ba | 1,826 sqft
5011 E Mountain View Dr
San Diego, CA, 92116
View Safety Report
$3,150,000
10 bd | 10 ba | 7,405 sqft
4629-35 Alabama St
San Diego, CA, 92116
View Safety Report

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median home price in Normal Heights?

The median home price is $1,043,318.

What is the average rent?

The average rent is $3,355.

How common is bike commuting?

2.9% of residents bike to work, higher than 95.7% of U.S. neighborhoods.

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