Kensington homes and neighborhood guide

Living in Kensington

Kensington is a compact neighborhood on a mesa above Mission Valley, bordered by Normal Heights, Talmadge and City Heights. Its character comes from its architecture: curving streets lined with Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor and Mediterranean style homes, many built in the early and middle decades of the twentieth century.

Adams Avenue runs through the neighborhood with restaurants, cafes and small shops, and Kensington Park is a community gathering spot. Many streets feel more like a small town than a corner of a large city.

Homes you'll find

• Spanish Colonial Revival homes: with tile roofs, arches and stucco walls.
• Tudor and period revival homes: with steep rooflines and decorative details.
• Mid-century homes: mixed in on some streets.
• Canyon edge homes: with views and larger lots near the edges of the neighborhood.
• Smaller homes and cottages: near Adams Avenue.

Getting around and schools

Kensington is served by San Diego Unified School District, which also offers choice and magnet programs. I can help you confirm the assigned schools for any address.

I-8 and SR-15 are close, and local bus routes run along Adams Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard. Adams Avenue is a pleasant walk from much of the neighborhood.

Buying in Kensington

Kensington is one of San Diego’s most charming neighborhoods, with Spanish Colonial Revival and Tudor homes on curving, tree lined streets, a small town feel and the shops and cafes of Adams Avenue. Homes here are distinctive and well loved, and owners tend to stay a long time.

Period homes deserve a thorough inspection of foundations, plumbing, electrical, roofing and windows, and we will check permits on past work. Some homes may qualify for historic programs, which can bring property tax benefits. Because every home is unique, I compare values by architectural style, lot size and condition, not just square footage, so you pay the right price.

Selling in Kensington

Kensington buyers love architecture, so we will photograph the exterior and original details with care. We will highlight what has been updated and what has been preserved, and have permits and reports ready.

The walk to Adams Avenue and Kensington Park is a big draw, and we will make it a feature of the marketing.

Request a Kensington home value review and I will walk you through what your specific pocket of the area is doing.

Kensington FAQ