Little Italy Blends Modern Trends With Old world Values

(San Diego is an ever-growing city made up of many different neighborhoods and eclectic areas. )

One area, in the midst of monstrous downtown, is called Little Italy, and although its housing developments are adapting to the current times, this area still stays true to its traditional roots, despite its surmounting trendiness.

A November 19, 2006 article by Irene Lechowitzky of The Los Angeles Times, “It’s the old country, with new condos,” discusses the facts behind this little town amidst a very big one.

“Once the humble home of immigrant fishermen, today San Diego's Little Italy is a sophisticated urban community. There have been dramatic changes — stylish condos, art galleries, chic eateries — but from the first whiff of espresso in the morning to the aroma of simmering marinara sauce at night, this is a neighborhood that has stayed true to its roots.”

Little Italy has been around since the end of the 19th century, where it was a fishing village for Italian and Portuguese immigrants.

Although you probably won’t find too many fishing immigrants in the area anymore, Little Italy has become a popular place in San Diego to work and live.

“This historic district covers about 50 square blocks with India Street as its center and home to most of the hip restaurants, shops and the landmark establishments from the early years. There's plenty of curb appeal with sidewalk piazzas, fountains and hanging flower baskets. New residential development is within easy walking distance.”

The area is attractive to many potential homeowners and existing residents because of the proximity of everything. Most residents of Little Italy can walk to their home from the market, a restaurant or the park.

Although this area has experienced tremendous growth throughout most of its lifetime, some long-time residents are not all that thrilled with the most recent progress.

“‘Apartment building construction has dwarfed us and our neighbors,’ says Stacey Himmel, owner of India Ink, a stationery store. ‘We used to be able to see the sun set over the harbor, but now a building blocks the view.’ Other problems include the scarcity of parking and finding housing to accommodate larger families. Much of the new construction is of one- and two-bedroom units.”

The most apparent housing trend in this area is the influx of condominiums as opposed to apartments or houses.

“Condos are the big story here. The original smaller homes have been squeezed out in recent years by urban development. More than 2,000 condos, town houses and apartments have been built in the last decade with 700 slated in the next couple of years. Some development is mixed use: retail on the ground floor and residences above.”

“As of mid-November, there were about 105 properties for sale in Little Italy, nearly all of them condos or town houses. At the low end, there's a one-bathroom, 552-square-foot studio with city views listed for $285,000. For $1,799,900, there's a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 2,150-square-foot condo with city views. Listed single-family houses include one with three bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms in 1,132 square feet for $549,000 and a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,232-square-foot house for $1,960,000.”

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