For those that want to migrate from the confines of La
Jolla living but don’t want to donate 500 hard-earned dollars to
the school for a parking permit, Hillcrest is the neighborhood for you.

Being so far south of campus brings you closer to the heart
of San Diego and creates a more
city-like atmosphere that small-towners and city-lovers alike can appreciate.
But the distance from campus is not necessarily detrimental, assuming you find
a place within walking or biking distance of the UCSD
Medical Center.
There, a free shuttle that actually runs regularly every half-hour transports
people back and forth between Gilman Drive
and Hillcrest, allowing students to avoid gas and parking prices and relax.

And Hillcrest has plenty of options to spend all the money you
save, from clothing to cuisine to clubs. Dining is definitely the highlight,
though, with options ranging from cheap fast food drive-thrus to five-star
restaurants. Within a two-block radius of my house, I can grab some Greek food
or New York style pizza, choose from one of two 24-hour Mexican food places, or
go to my personal favorite, Sushi Deli One, where the dirt-cheap sushi combined
with the sake and beer drink special make it worth the hour-long wait.

The nightlife in what locals call the “Gayborhood” is
obviously oriented toward a specific crowd, but for the straight and single,
there are a few bars in Hillcrest and a lot more in North Park, which is only a
cheap cab ride away. In Hillcrest, a stretch on University
Avenue in between Sixth and 10th Avenues has a
great combination of different types of bars and clubs, like Alibi or the
just-opened Universal.

Whether you prefer to base your housing choice on nightlife,
food or convenient commuting options, Hillcrest is a great place to call home
while you finish up your college career in San Diego.