5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in San Diego, California

San Diego, a charming city with numerous attractions, also grapples with crime and violence, typical of large urban areas.

Certain neighborhoods in San Diego are more susceptible to criminal activities, necessitating awareness and precautions among residents and visitors. Here are the top five risk-prone neighborhoods in San Diego, California, based on recent crime statistics.

1. Mountain View

Situated in the southeastern part of San Diego, bordered by Interstate 15, National Avenue, 45th Street, and Imperial Avenue, Mountain View is home to approximately 13,000 people, mainly Hispanic and African American. Characterized by high levels of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity, Mountain View recorded the highest per capita violent crime rate in 2020, with 1,291 incidents per 100,000 residents, more than three times the city average.

Violent crimes in Mountain View include aggravated assault, robbery, and homicide.

2. Lincoln Park

Adjacent to Mountain View, Lincoln Park, located in the southeastern part of San Diego and surrounded by Euclid Avenue, Imperial Avenue, 47th Street, and Logan Avenue, has around 16,000 residents, predominantly Hispanic and African American. Known for a history of gang violence, drug trafficking, and prostitution, Lincoln Park ranked second in per capita violent crimes in 2020, with 1,154 incidents per 100,000 residents, nearly three times the city average.

Common violent crimes in Lincoln Park include aggravated assault, robbery, and homicide.

3. East Village

Nestled in the downtown area of San Diego, with boundaries marked by Park Boulevard, Broadway, 18th Street, and Commercial Street, East Village boasts a diverse population of about 37,000 people. Despite being home to attractions such as Petco Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, it faces challenges like a sizable homeless population and numerous bars and nightclubs. In 2020, East Village recorded the third-highest per capita violent crime rate, with 1,050 incidents per 100,000 residents, more than twice the city average.

Common violent crimes in East Village include robbery, aggravated assault, and rape.

4. Valencia Park

Situated in the southeastern part of San Diego, with borders along Euclid Avenue, Market Street, 54th Street, and Imperial Avenue, Valencia Park has a population of around 11,000, predominantly Hispanic and African American. As a low-income area with limited resources and opportunities, Valencia Park ranked fourth in per capita violent crimes in 2020, with 1,021 incidents per 100,000 residents, more than twice the city average.

Common violent crimes in Valencia Park include aggravated assault, robbery, and homicide.

5. Sherman Heights

Located in the downtown area of San Diego, bordered by 19th Street, Market Street, 25th Street, and Interstate 5, Sherman Heights is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, hosting approximately 9,000 people, mostly Hispanic and Asian. Despite its historic significance, Sherman Heights faces challenges like gentrification, displacement, and crime. In 2020, it recorded the fifth-highest per capita violent crime rate, with 1,003 incidents per 100,000 residents, more than twice the city average.

Common violent crimes in Sherman Heights include robbery, aggravated assault, and rape.

Conclusion

These neighborhoods represent the five most dangerous areas in San Diego, California, based on recent crime statistics. While they may exhibit positive aspects and potential for improvement, residents and visitors should exercise vigilance, caution, and respect. Crime is a concern everywhere, but certain places pose a higher risk. Stay safe, San Diego!