Hillcrest Neighborhood Evolves Amid Growth and Change

Longtime resident reflects on the transformation of the San Diego community over the decades

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Hillcrest neighborhood in San Diego has undergone significant changes over the years, evolving from a sleepy suburb in the early 1900s to a bustling community with a mix of residential and commercial development. The author, a longtime resident, discusses the various phases of change the neighborhood has experienced, from the introduction of apartment buildings in the 1960s to the more recent construction of large-scale developments that are transforming the neighborhood's skyline and character. While the author acknowledges the need for more housing, they express concerns about the impact these changes are having on the LGBTQ+ community and the affordability of the neighborhood.

Why it matters

Hillcrest has long been a hub for San Diego's LGBTQ+ community, and the rapid development and rising costs in the neighborhood are displacing many longtime residents. This story highlights the challenges of balancing growth and preserving the character and community of a neighborhood, especially one with deep historical and cultural significance.

The details

Over the decades, Hillcrest has seen a variety of changes, from the introduction of apartment buildings in the 1960s to the more recent construction of large-scale developments that are transforming the neighborhood's skyline. The author notes that while these changes have often been met with pushback from residents concerned about the neighborhood losing its charm and character, the current wave of development seems more drastic than ever. The author expresses concern that many of the new "luxury apartment communities" are changing the character of the neighborhood and displacing longtime LGBTQ+ residents who can no longer afford to live there.

  • Hillcrest had its roots in the early 1900s as a suburb of downtown San Diego.
  • By the 1960s, the neighborhood began to change as some of the original homes were replaced by smaller-scale apartment buildings.
  • In the early 1980s, strip malls began to replace the car sales lots that dotted University Avenue, and major developments like The HUB Hillcrest Shopping Center and Village Hillcrest Plaza were constructed.
  • Today, Hillcrest is changing again, with the construction of the Normal Street Promenade and numerous large apartment developments.
  • The Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails events are scheduled for March 14, June 13, September 5, and December 5, 2026.

The players

Benny Cartwright

A longtime resident of the Hillcrest neighborhood in San Diego.

Rick Cervantes

Cartwright's partner, who co-created the Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails events.

Uptown Community Planning Group

An advisory body to the City of San Diego, recognized as the community planning group for the Uptown neighborhoods including Hillcrest.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, studies have shown that rents have finally started to go down by a very tiny percentage in San Diego, but most of those rent decreases have been in the 'luxury housing' that is not filling their units, leaving everyone else to fight for the lower-priced older housing stock — which has, in turn, become unaffordable because of the demand.”

— Benny Cartwright (timesofsandiego.com)

“Building more community in Hillcrest in 2026 is now more important than ever to maintain the vibrancy, neighborhood spirit, and sense of community that has been built over the decades.”

— Benny Cartwright (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

The Normal Street Promenade, a new central gathering point for the Hillcrest community, is expected to open later this year and will host daily events and activities.

The takeaway

Hillcrest's evolution highlights the challenges of balancing growth and development with preserving the character and affordability of a historic, culturally significant neighborhood. As the community faces rapid changes, building a stronger sense of community and finding ways to support longtime residents will be crucial in maintaining Hillcrest's unique identity.