San Diego Neighborhood

Is Normal Heights East 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
$700,970
Average Rent
$3,009
Vacancy Rate
9.6%

Overview

Normal Heights East is a densely urban San Diego neighborhood with a median home price of $700,970, less expensive than most California neighborhoods. Average rent is $3,009, below the state median.

The neighborhood is unique for its very high concentration of small apartments and apartment complexes, and it has one of the lowest child poverty rates in the U.S.

Densely UrbanHigh Apartment ShareLow Child PovertyDiverse Languages

Quick Facts

Childhood Poverty Rate0.0%

Housing market and real estate character

Normal Heights East's housing is dominated by small apartments and high-rise complexes, mostly renter-occupied, with a higher vacancy rate than average.

Small Unit Share (1-2 bedrooms or less)90.6%
Apartment Complex Share72.4%
Housing Age (Built 1970-1999)Majority

What buyers will notice right away

The neighborhood is almost entirely composed of apartment complexes, ideal for renters or small households.
Higher vacancy rate may indicate weaker demand or recent new construction.

Families & Lifestyle

Normal Heights East is notable for having no children living in poverty and a high presence of same-sex couples.

Low child poverty suggests strong family support or economic conditions.
High apartment concentration suits singles and small families.
Diverse and Inclusive — The neighborhood supports a diverse population with various ancestries and languages.
Same-Sex CouplesHigher than 98.7% of U.S. neighborhoods
Childhood Poverty Rate0.0%

Demographics

Executive, Management, Professional Occupations36.7%
Childhood Poverty Rate0.0%
Foreign Born Residents35.5%
Top Languages["English (52.3%)","Spanish","Polish"]
Top Ancestries["Mexican (23.3%)","English (9.1%)","Asian (8.6%)","South American (7.9%)","German (5.8%)","Ukrainian (2.2%)","Scots-Irish (3.5%)"]

Commute

Most residents have short commutes, with a high rate of solo driving to work.

Normal Heights East offers manageable commute times with a high rate of solo drivers.

Short Commutes — Over half of residents commute less than 30 minutes.
Car Dependence — Most residents drive alone, reflecting typical urban car use.
Main Commute Time15-30 minutes
Drive Alone Rate77.3%

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 East?

The median home price is $700,970, less expensive than 66.6% of California neighborhoods.

What types of housing are most common?

Small apartments make up 90.6% of housing, with 72.4% being apartment complexes or high-rises.

How is the child poverty rate?

The child poverty rate is 0.0%, lower than all U.S. neighborhoods.

Find Your Home in Normal Heights East

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