Kensington-Talmage

The neighborhoods of Kensington and Talmage are often linked together, although each neighborhood is decidedly different.

Kensington is made up of 1.3 square miles with a population of about 6000.  A majority of the residents are white and enjoy household incomes significantly above the city average.  Rent is about 20% higher than the city average and single family homes sell for significantly more than that of the city.  Residents tend to be older (about 7 years older) and more educated than the residents of the city of San Diego on a whole. The residential area has a great number of Spanish Revival style homes which were built in the 1920’s when Kensington was first under development.  For the most part, homes have been kept up well and yards are well manicured.  A replica of the historic Kensington neon sign hangs above the small business district on Adams Avenue where one can find several nice restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars.

Talmage is about a square mile and home to about 10,000 residents.  The demographics are diverse, with a large Asian, Hispanic and African American population.  Household income and rents tend to be significantly below the city average.  Educational attainment for residents of this area is close to the city average. The architecture of the homes in Talmadge is eclectic, with styles including Spanish Revival, California bungalows, and Cape Cod cottages.

What Staff are Saying:

• Residents of Kensington-Talmadge seem to enjoy the shopping centers in their community, giving it an above average rating.  Residents gave average ratings to the community’s access to public transportation, accessibility to coffee shops and cafes, and access to grocery stores and farmers markets.  Residents did give lower ratings to the nightlight in the Kensington-Talmadge communit

• “The homes and yards are well maintained, it's fairly safe, and it's close enough to the major freeways to make getting around very convenient.”
• “Close to the major shopping malls and freeways.”
• “Some nearby communities (City Heights, for instance) are a little rough.”
• “Although the Kensington/Talmadge areas have been grouped into one community, there is a vast difference between the two areas.  I am in the lower Talmadge area, which is much louder and crime-ridden.”

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