Is Hillcrest Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hillcrest
Hillcrest offers a vibrant community atmosphere with a diverse population and a range of amenities. The neighborhood is known for its lively culture and active social scene, making it an appealing place for many. It provides a unique blend of urban convenience and a distinct neighborhood feel, attracting residents who appreciate its dynamic character.
The area boasts a variety of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes, catering to different preferences and budgets. Its location within a larger metropolitan area provides access to a wide array of services, entertainment, and employment opportunities. Hillcrest’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a balanced lifestyle for its residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Hillcrest?
Safety in Hillcrest, San Diego, CA, is a mixed bag, with a “use caution” overall safety rating according to Safemap. The neighborhood experiences crime rates that are notably higher than most of the areas analyzed. Hillcrest ranks in the 13th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than only 13% of neighborhoods, while being less safe than 87% (CrimeGrade.org). This means that residents generally consider the west part of the neighborhood to be the safest.
The violent crime rate in Hillcrest is 9.301 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime can vary significantly by area within Hillcrest, ranging from 1 in 61 in the northeast to 1 in 208 in the west. The southeast parts of Hillcrest see the most total crime incidents, approximately 23 per year, while the west part has the fewest, around 4 crimes annually (CrimeGrade.org). Common crime types include simple and aggravated assault (Safemap).
Cost of Living in Hillcrest
The cost of living in Hillcrest, Texas, is approximately 9% lower than the national average (Payscale). Housing expenses are notably lower, being 19% below the national average, and utility prices are also 9% less than the national average. Transportation costs, such as gas prices and bus fares, are about 4% lower than the national average.
However, the cost of living can vary. For instance, in Hillcrest, San Diego, CA, the median rent for an apartment is $2,345, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $2,295 and two-bedroom units at $2,695 (Zumper). Houses for rent in this San Diego Hillcrest are even more expensive, averaging $4,647 per month. The median home value in Hillcrest, San Diego, CA, was $783,000 as of March 2026 (Redfin), while in Hillcrest, Texas, the median home price is $430,263 (Payscale).
Housing Market Overview
In Hillcrest, San Diego, CA, the housing market is described as somewhat competitive. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $783,000, which was a 2.2% decrease compared to the previous year (Redfin). Homes in this area typically sell in about 31 days on the market. The median sale price per square foot is $710, showing a 6.4% increase from the prior year (Redfin).
Conversely, another report indicates a median home value in Hillcrest of $272,700 and a median rent of $1,259 (Niche). This discrepancy highlights the importance of specifying the exact Hillcrest location when discussing real estate data. For example, in Hillcrest, Texas, the median home price is $430,263, with median rent at $1,291 per month (Payscale).
Job Market and Employment
The employment rate in Hillcrest, San Diego, CA, is currently around 96.41%, indicating a low unemployment rate (BestNeighborhood.org). Specific major employers in the broader San Diego area include UC San Diego Health. While specific major employers for Hillcrest itself are not detailed in the search results, the presence of large healthcare and educational institutions in the vicinity suggests potential job markets.
For Hillcrest, Texas, employment has seen growth, with common sectors including manufacturing, educational services, and retail trade (Data USA). In Hillcrest, NY, employment declined slightly, with key sectors being healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and administrative & support services (Data USA). Average salaries can vary significantly by location and industry, with reports of average annual salaries around $90,438 for Hillcrest Hospital employees (Salary.com) and $89,595 for Hillcrest Holding LLC employees (Salary.com).
Climate and Weather
Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, experiences a climate with an average annual temperature of 23.66ºC, which is slightly higher than South Africa’s averages (Weather & Climate). This region typically receives about 110.32 millimeters of precipitation annually, with an average of 165.27 rainy days per year (Weather & Climate). The weather is characterized by moderate precipitation patterns and significant seasonal changes.
In contrast, Hillcrest, New York, United States, has a climate where summers are warm and wet, and winters are freezing and snowy, with it being partly cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically range from 21°F to 83°F (Weather & Climate). The chance of a wet day is higher from April to August, with July having the most wet days. The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 83°F (Weather & Climate).
Education and School Ratings
School ratings for Hillcrest vary depending on the specific location. Hillcrest Elementary School in Orlando, FL, is a highly rated public school, with an overall Niche grade of A. It ranks well for its teachers and diversity within Florida (Niche). Students at this school show high proficiency in math and reading, with 81% proficient in math and 84% in reading according to state test scores.
In contrast, Hillcrest High School in Riverside, CA, has a B+ overall Niche grade. It is considered an above-average public school with a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1. However, proficiency in state test scores is lower, with 20% proficient in math and 64% in reading (Niche). Another Hillcrest High School in Memphis, TN, is rated C- and is a public charter school with significantly lower test score proficiency rates: 3% in math and 14% in reading (Niche).
Demographics and Population
Hillcrest, San Diego, CA, has a diverse population with a median age of 41 (Census Data). The racial makeup is predominantly Caucasian (69.2%), followed by Hispanic (12.4% identifying as another race, plus 81.2% Hispanic in another source), Asian (7.9%), and African American (2.5%) (Census Data, Map of Population by Race). The population is 57% male and 43% female (Niche).
In Hillcrest, California, the racial/ethnic breakdown shows a significant Hispanic majority at 81.2%, with White individuals making up 14.2% (US Census Data). The median household income in this Hillcrest was $46,285 in 2024, with a notable 26.9% of families living in poverty (US Census Data). The median age for residents is 30.2 years (US Census Data).