One of the last ’sign’ marked neighborhoods in San Diego, Kensington revels in a nostalgia that appeals to many moving to one of America’s most traveled cities. Situated along the southeast rim of Mission Valley, Kensington boasts some of the more pricier homes in San Diego but with that, offers solice from the inner city. The neighborhood is known today for its appeal as a historic residential area with single-family homes, distinct in their California style. This reputation can be attributed to the efforts of real estate developers, especially the Davis-Baker Company of Pasadena, California in 1926. Their promotional efforts and aesthetic demands for a specific architectural style made Kensington Heights appealing to buyers. At the same time, Davis-Baker created a visual identity for the neighborhood which became emblematic of the other housing developments with Kensington in their name.
The neighborhood thought of today as Kensington is a collection of five original subdivisions: Kensington Park, Kensington Park Annex, Kensington Park Extension, Kensington Talmadge, and Kensington Heights. Kensington Heights was the last of the parcels to be developed, and consisted of 115 acres overlooking Mission Valley. As it did then, this general area today makes an ideal residential location; it sits high on a dry mesa surrounded by chaparral-wooded canyons, overlooks a broad rambling valley, and is cooled by breezes blown in over the ocean from the west.
When the residents aren’t socializing with each other, the community hae great restaurants and entertainment within walking distance:
- The Green Tomato: for a more intimate meal, the Green Tomato is great for brunch on Sundays’.outside seating available. Menu includes their famous Green Tomato soup!
- Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant: Since the early 1970’s. Great home-style Mexican food and at a price that won’t break your wallet. Full bar with incredible margarita’s!
- Just Fabulous: Another great brunch locale’..and like the names states, their desserts are ’just fabulous’! Try their smaller confections, they are to die for. Full menu for brunch, lunch and dinner: very upscale, Californian cuisine.
After a nice meal at any of these places, one can hit up Starbucks for a latte or a cocktail at Club Kensington. However, the most notable landmark of Kensington, has to be the Ken Theater. Most people associate the theater with our neighborhood. The theater plays the latest in art films, foreign films and many classics. It is not uncommon on a Friday night to see a line down the block for a ticket!
And if you are not in the mood to sit in a theater, there is Kensington Video, voted best independent video store by City Beat. This store has new releases along with classic and cult films that the chain stores don’t have the space for. It is really just worth a visit to take in their incredible inventory.
A typical home would be a early 1900 Spanish Adobe. Other home styles that populate the neighborhood are the Craftsman and Tudor. A walking tour along the canyon drives showcase some of the most impressive homes of the area and are not to be missed. Kensington also hosts a Holiday Tour of homes in which for a fee, those who are curious as to what are actually behind some of those doorways get their chance.
One of the most meaningful characteristics about Kensington is that residents know their neighbors! In this hustle and bustle world, it is so easy to stay within your own little world and never venture out to meet anyone on your street. The residents of Kensington are a tight-knit group: every last Friday of the month, one neighbor hosts a party in their home where everyone in the neighborhood is invited to share wine, an appetizer or a new recipe. It really is a nice way to keep in touch with everyone.
All in all, Kensington has managed to retain small-town charm while being part of a sprawling and exciting city. Kensington reminds its’ residence what is important in life: not keeping cell phones charged, or answering all our Treo text pages, but staying connected to people through the enjoyment of art, dining or just a casual stroll down Adams Avenue.
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