Classic and timeless describes the Cortez district, located east of Little Italy and south of Bankers Hill. This centrally situated district is bordered by Interstate 5 to the north and Ash Street to the south. One of the Centre City’s oldest areas, Cortez takes its name after the historically significant El Cortez Hotel.
Old world charm abounds in the Cortez district with original Victorian designed homes of the first settlers and cute sidewalk cafes. Residents enjoy picnicking or Frisbee games at the Cortez Hill community park, Tweet Street. This quieter district is actually two neighborhoods in one. The Cortez Hill rises east of Sixth Avenue while just west of Sixth Avenue is the flatter region referred to as Cortez West. Family oriented development includes schools, pocket parks and churches for a well rounded community. Like other areas in metropolitan San Diego, this district has noticed residential growth yet has maintained a more placid atmosphere.
