San Diego Neighborhood
Is Normal Heights South 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)
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 date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As 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 92120 | Medical Emergency |
| 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 aid was requested for Medic 37 near Bergenard Boulevard and Lister Street in San Diego. | Lister St, San Diego, CA 92110 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As 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 92120 | Assault Report |
| 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, 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 92120 | 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, 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 92111 | Traffic |
| 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 |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$967,259
Average Rent
$2,973
Vacancy Rate
4.5%
Overview
Normal Heights South is a densely urban neighborhood in San Diego with a median home price of $967,259, higher than over half of California neighborhoods. The average rent is $2,973, which is lower than most California neighborhoods.
The neighborhood is notable for its high concentration of small apartments and a diverse community including a significant number of same-sex couples and residents with Yugoslav and Portuguese ancestry.
Densely UrbanHigh Small Apartment ShareAbove Average IncomeDiverse Languages
Quick Facts
| Same-Sex Couples | Higher than 97.7% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Normal Heights South's housing stock is dominated by small to medium-sized apartments and single-family homes, mostly renter-occupied.
| Small Unit Share (1-2 bedrooms or less) | 82.0% |
|---|---|
| Housing Age (Built 1970-1999) | Majority |
| Renter Occupied | Majority |
What buyers will notice right away
The neighborhood has one of the highest proportions of small apartments in the country, ideal for singles or small households.
Low vacancy and above-average demand may indicate potential for price growth or new construction.
Families & Lifestyle
Normal Heights South is a good choice for first-time home buyers and young professionals, with a diverse and inclusive community.
High owner occupancy often points to long-term residential stability.
Diverse languages and ancestries enrich the cultural fabric.
Young Professionals — The neighborhood attracts many young, single professionals due to its housing and community features.
| Same-Sex Couples | Higher than 97.7% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 14.7% |
Demographics
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 56.9% |
|---|---|
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 14.7% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 15.8% |
| Top Languages | ["English (63.8%)","Spanish","Tagalog","African languages (3.8%)"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["Mexican (30.6%)","German (12.2%)","Irish (9.8%)","English (9.7%)","Asian (9.1%)","Yugoslav (1.2%)","Portuguese (2.2%)"] |
Commute
Most residents have a short commute, with many driving alone or walking to work.
Normal Heights South offers manageable commute times with a high rate of solo drivers and some walkability.
Short Commutes — Over half of residents commute less than 30 minutes.
Car Dependence — Most residents drive alone, reflecting typical urban car use.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 72.9% |
| Walk to Work Rate | 7.7% |
Homes for sale near 92116
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Normal Heights South?
The median home price is $967,259, which is more expensive than 52.3% of California neighborhoods.
What types of housing are most common?
Small apartments (studios to two bedrooms) make up 82% of the housing, along with some single-family homes.
How diverse is the neighborhood?
It has a diverse population with significant foreign-born residents and a variety of languages spoken, including English, Spanish, Tagalog, and African languages.