Talmadge Neighborhood Guide
TALMADGE, SAN DIEGO GUIDE
Talmadge Neighborhood Guide
What it is like to live in Talmadge, from the architecture and the streets to how the market moves.
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GET TO KNOW THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Living in Talmadge
Talmadge covers about one square mile, and every utility line in it is buried, so nothing crosses the view down the street. The original tract joined the National Register in 2024.
Here is what it is known for:
- The historic 1926 Talmadge entry gates (a historic district since 1999)
- Quiet, tree-lined residential streets and Spanish-style homes
- A foothill setting bordered by canyons, near Adams Avenue and SDSU
OUT & ABOUT
Things to Do in Talmadge
Talmadge organizes most of its own events, and nearly all of them happen within walking distance of home. Here is what fills the year:
- The Talmadge Fourth of July parade, starting at the historic traffic circle at Adams Avenue and 49th Street
- A full community calendar: the annual Talmadge Block Party, a Dia de los Muertos festival, a Pride celebration, and holiday caroling at the traffic circle
- Colina del Sol Park and its Gopher City off-leash dog park
- Hiking Cowles Mountain at Mission Trails Regional Park, about seven miles away
We also print a neighborhood guide every month with what is going on nearby, just ask us to add you to the mailing list.
HOW IT BEGAN
The History of Talmadge, San Diego
- 1920s
Talmadge Park is laid out by the Southern California Realty Association, financed by Hollywood figures including producer Joseph M. Schenck, and named for actress Norma Talmadge and her sisters Constance and Natalie.
- 1927
The ornamental gates go up at the entrances and have marked the neighborhood ever since.
- 1920s and 30s
Spanish Revival homes, California bungalows, Cape Cod cottages and Normandy style homes fill in the streets, several designed by Cliff May.
- 2024
The original Talmadge Park tract is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Talmadge Park Estates Historic District.
LOCAL FLAVOR
Where to Eat & Drink in Talmadge
Talmadge has no commercial strip of its own, so dinner is a short walk or drive to Adams Avenue in Kensington and Normal Heights, or over to El Cajon Boulevard.
That is part of the trade here. No storefronts or through traffic on the residential streets, and restaurants a few minutes away.
SCHOOLS & LEARNING
Talmadge Schools
Talmadge shares Kensington’s schools, including the well-rated Patrick Henry High (9/10) and the Franklin STEAM magnet.
At a glance:
- Elementary: Franklin Elementary STEAM Magnet (K-5), 5/10 (shared with Kensington)
- Middle: Lewis Middle, on the Patrick Henry track
- High: Patrick Henry High, GreatSchools 9/10
- About 8 to 10 public schools nearby
How are the schools rated?
We show GreatSchools ratings (out of 10) for the main local schools above; check current state test scores too.
What programs are offered?
Look for GATE (gifted), IB, dual-language immersion, STEAM, and magnet programs; the list above flags which schools have them.
How big are the classes?
San Diego Unified publishes class-size and student-teacher ratios by campus; ask us for a specific school.
Are there charter or specialized options?
Yes, from German-immersion (Albert Einstein Academy) to tech (High Tech High) and downtown’s e3 Civic High; we note nearby ones above.
Which school will my home feed into?
Attendance boundaries can shift, so confirm your exact address at sandiegounified.org before you buy, we are happy to help.
LOCATION & TRANSIT
Where Talmadge Is and Getting Around
Where Is Talmadge in San Diego?
Talmadge sits in central San Diego, just east of Kensington. Fairmount Avenue runs along its west edge, Montezuma Road to the north, Collwood Boulevard and 51st Street to the east, and Monroe Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard to the south.
Canyons wrap much of the neighborhood, which is part of why it feels tucked away. Inside, the streets curve and roll under a mature tree canopy, and the historic gates mark the entrances.
SDSU is minutes away, and I-8 and I-15 both sit within about half a mile.
Walk Score
74, walkable core
Transit
MTS on El Cajon Blvd
Freeways
I-8 and I-15, about half a mile
Bike
Moderate
THE LOCAL MARKET
Talmadge Real Estate Market
Talmadge offers historic character and quiet streets at a lower price point than Kensington, in a steady, lower turnover market. Like the rest of San Diego, values have roughly doubled over the past decade.
5-Year Appreciation
+39%
About five-year growth
10-Year Appreciation
~+100%
Roughly doubled in value
Since 2000
+340%
Average annual growth of ~4–6%
2008 Market
Recovered to record highs
Fell during the downturn, then fully recovered
Countywide Median Price
~$962K
All home types, countywide
Appreciation and market-cycle figures from the S&P Case-Shiller San Diego Home Price Index. Countywide median from Redfin, August 2026. Updated periodically.
BEYOND THE MORTGAGE
Cost of Living in Talmadge
Beyond the mortgage: groceries, gas, and utilities run near or above the California average, though the mild climate keeps heating and cooling bills low. California income tax applies (no separate city income tax); newer developments can carry Mello-Roos or HOA fees, while older neighborhoods like Talmadge usually do not. Talmadge pairs quiet residential streets with quick freeway access. A quick pre-approval turns those numbers into a real budget, so you know what a Talmadge payment looks like before you tour anything.
(619) 846-2083 SEE WHAT’S AVAILABLE
Homes for Sale in Talmadge
WHO YOU WORK WITH
Meet the Team
Who you work with matters. You get a full team of specialists, not one solo agent.
YOUR SELLER CONTACT
Patrick Mercer
DRE #01964971
Team Leader and Seller Specialist
Email PatrickBACKED BY OUR FULL TEAM
Kristyna Lukacova
CA DRE #02117121
Buyer’s Specialist
Kai Elliot McMaster
CA DRE #02234126
Buyer Specialist & Director of Marketing
Catherine Fagan
CA DRE #01210747
Buyer’s Specialist
Lindsay Hoffmann
CA DRE #02151557
Buyer’s Specialist
Shannon Herlihy
Client Care Coordinator
Rio Cameron
Transaction Coordinator
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Buying
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Sell My Talmadge HomeCOMMON QUESTIONS
Talmadge Guide FAQ
What is it like to live in Talmadge?
Living in Talmadge, San Diego feels like a peaceful hillside enclave inside the city. The neighborhood is known for its 1920s and 1930s Spanish Revival homes and cottages, mature tree canopy, historic entry gates and streets with no overhead utility lines, so nothing crosses the view. With canyon views, small pocket parks and easy access to Kensington’s Adams Avenue, SDSU and Downtown San Diego, Talmadge offers a distinctive lifestyle that continues to attract San Diego homebuyers.
Is Talmadge a good place to live?
Yes, Talmadge is one of central San Diego’s most sought-after residential neighborhoods, known for its historic gates, Spanish-style homes, curving tree-lined streets and quiet, tucked-away feel. Residents are a few blocks from the shops, restaurants and cafés along Kensington’s Adams Avenue while being minutes from SDSU, Mission Valley and Downtown San Diego. Talmadge offers a calm residential setting with a central San Diego location, making it a popular choice for homebuyers looking for character, quiet and convenience.
What are the schools like in Talmadge?
Talmadge, San Diego is served by the San Diego Unified School District, with access to public elementary, middle and high schools as well as magnet, charter and private school options throughout central San Diego. School assignments vary by address, and San Diego Unified offers a School Choice program for those interested in schools outside their neighborhood boundaries. Buyers considering homes for sale in Talmadge can use the district’s School Finder to verify the schools assigned to a specific property.
Where can I see homes for sale in Talmadge?
Browse current listings on the Talmadge Homes for Sale page, or find your home’s value on the Talmadge home value page
Where is Talmadge in San Diego?
Talmadge is a centrally located San Diego neighborhood just east of Kensington, bounded by Fairmount Avenue, Montezuma Road, Collwood Boulevard and El Cajon Boulevard. The community offers convenient access to Kensington, Normal Heights, the College Area and Mission Valley, as well as major freeways including I-8 and I-15, both within about half a mile. Its central location makes Talmadge a desirable place for homebuyers who want a quiet residential neighborhood while staying close to many of San Diego’s most popular destinations.
How old are the homes in Talmadge?
Most Talmadge homes date to the 1920s and 1930s, led by Spanish Revival designs with California bungalows and cottages mixed in.
Do Talmadge homes get Mills Act tax savings?
Yes, some historic homes in Talmadge, San Diego may qualify for significant property tax savings through the Mills Act. To be eligible, a property must be historically designated by the City of San Diego and have an approved Mills Act agreement. The original Talmadge Park tract is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is separate from the City of San Diego register, so eligibility is confirmed home by home. Property tax savings vary by property, but the City of San Diego reports reductions have ranged from approximately 40% to 70%, making the Mills Act an attractive benefit for qualifying Talmadge homeowners and homebuyers.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
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