Serra Mesa - San Diego, CA

Originally the property of the Catholic Church, this area's land changed possession several times after Mexico took control of it in 1834. The neighborhood began growing rapidly after World War II, when it started housing military families. The population has been steady since 1970, when a majority of the current residences were completed.

The City View Church holds the Serra Mesa Craft Fair every spring and fall, showcasing handmade pieces designed by the artisans of San Diego. You can bring your kids to pick out a unique item no one else will have, then grab a bite to eat at one of the foods trucks that service the event.

No matter where your favorite food comes from, you are sure to find it in this area's combination of international restaurants and American dining options.

Sushi lovers should head over to Kokoro Restaurant. Kokoro makes food quality its number one priority, getting its ingredients locally or importing them directly from Japan. Reserve the Omakase three days in advance, and allow the chef to prepare a custom made meal for you.

Those who prefer Argentinean cuisine may want to visit Pampas Argentine Grill. Stepping into this restaurant makes you feel like you're visiting Buenos Aires. If you really want to immerse yourself in another culture, come on a Friday or Saturday for live tango performances. Bring your significant other for a romantic evening, and make sure to try the Parrillada Buenos Aires for a generous portion of Argentine meats designed to feed two.

Little Sam's Pizza brings the flavor of a New York pizza all the way to San Diego. The dough gets made fresh daily from high quality flour and the mozzarella cheese comes straight from California. For a lot of everything, get "The Works," Sam's largest specialty pizza featuring almost every topping you could imagine.

With the club scene a short drive away, this area's nightlife focuses on bars and lounges that give locals and visitors a place to have a drink and be entertained. Visit the Kearny Mesa Moose Lodge for fun events throughout the week, including live music, dancing and karaoke. Grab a drink and play a game of pool or try one of the video games.

In close proximity to four freeways, Serra Mesa motorists have several options for commuting around the county.

You can take surface streets to drive around the area with ease and connect to the nearby freeways for longer trips. Interstate 15, running north and south, borders Serra Mesa on the east. Interstate 805, running diagonally north and south, borders Serra Mesa to the west and connects with California State Route 163, which also runs north and south on a diagonal. Immediately south of the neighborhood, all three freeways connect with Interstate 8, which runs east and west. Serra Mesa has street parking available, just read the signs posted to stay in compliance with any rules and time limits.

Bus route 928 services the area, and you can ride it to a nearby transit center to take the San Diego Trolley. Some of the streets in the neighborhood have bike lanes, and you can usually walk to a restaurant or bar. However, the community's design makes driving the most convenient option for most errands. Taxis and ride share companies such as Uber service the area, and pick ups usually happen quickly thanks to the neighborhood's central location.

Several parks and a multi-level recreation center provide residents with places to hike or try out a new sport.

Open to kids and adults, the Serra Mesa Recreation Center has activities to entertain the whole family. Sports leagues, grouped by age, give kids the chance to burn off some energy and learn about teamwork. Adults can get a workout too by trying one of the self defense classes. Stop by the picnic area on the weekend for a family barbecue. The park area allows dogs, just make sure to keep them on a leash. Fees vary based on the activity. Annual activities include a fall festival with a haunted scavenger hunt and a lunch with Santa in mid-December.

If you want to connect with the outdoors, hike around the Ruffin Canyon Open Space Preserve. At 84 acres, it spans most of Serra Mesa. Bring some water so you can walk the entire trail and experience the creeks, wild flowers and calming views.

Serra Mesa offers a variety of homes that truly capture the essence of San Diego living. For those considering a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around $2,940 per month. Alternatively, if a house is more your style, the average house for rent costs around $5,000 per month. For those dreaming of homeownership, the average house price typically hovers around $949,488.

With Qualcomm Stadium nearby, the specialty stores in this area focus on sports. Residents have access to several large retailers to stock up on the essentials, and major shopping centers are a short drive away in the surrounding neighborhoods.

If physical fitness plays a big part in your lifestyle, check out San Diego Running Institute. The institute has physical therapy for those coping with an injury, classes to improve running ability and customer orthotic shoes tailor made for the shape of your foot.

Soccer fans should stop by soccerloco on Murphy Canyon Road. Whether you're looking for some cleats before your next game or you want a custom jersey, soccerloco can handle it. The well-trained staff ask the right questions to make sure you get exactly what you want.

Walmart and Vons sit a block away from each other, giving residents two grocery options that stay open late. Small neighborhood stores in the area include Stadium Market and Nex Serra Mesa. Stop by either one when you need to pick up some snacks or beverages in a hurry, without spending hours at a larger retailer.