Up until WWI, Kearny Mesa was mainly used for grazing cattle. Once the war hit, the army founded Camp Kearny here. And during WWII, an airbase was established by the Marines which was later taken over by the Navy following the war. In 1997, this base was again returned to the Marines. It was through Camp Kearny, named after Brig. General Stephen W. Kearny, that Kearny Mesa got its name. Today is considered to be an extremely residential area known for its large number of automobile dealerships and Asian food. But why are people deciding to move there?
1) Convoy Street
Convoy Street is better known as San Diego’s Asian Restaurant Row. Here you will find amazing Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese cultures collide in a variety of flavors to fill your plate. Some of the more popular restaurants on this street include RakiRaki Ramen and Tsukemen. And if you prefer to cook your own, the Shabu Shabu House allows you to do just that. Also on the row are a variety of bakeries, day spas, markets, and specialty shops.
2) The Next Little Italy?
Kearny Mesa may offer up its fair share of Asian Cuisine, but business owners are hoping to turn it into the next Little Italy. According to San Diego Magazine, Kearny Mesa is one of the best places to live in San Diego and the outlook is only getting better. In the near future, the city plans to make the area more pedestrian friendly. It also intends to add more than 200 angled parking spaces on side streets to make it more accessible for visitors.
3) San Diego Night Market
Remember the Convoy District we were speaking about earlier? Well, every spring the area turns into the San Diego Night Market which includes even more food vendors along with a variety of unique and modern performances. The large open-air market is actually inspired by night markets from cities throughout Asia. While there, also be sure to check out the performance stage that features a variety of bands, live DJs, and cultural performances. Each year the market attracts over 200, 000 visitors, and is an event not to be missed!
4) Nearby Attractions
When you live in Kearny Mesa, there is little reason to ever say, “I’m bored”. Within a 13 minute drive of the area, you will find the world-renowned Balboa Park. Listed as one of the largest public parks in the United States, Balboa Park offers a variety of free activities like hiking, sporting, and more. You can also find a variety of museums and theatres within the park, as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
If you’re willing to drive a little bit further, Seaport Village is only 20 minutes away. Seaport Village is a must-see regardless of whether you are living in San Diego or just visiting. Here you will find over 50 different shops and eateries, along with a variety of outdoor entertainment options.
5) Job Opportunities
One of the main draws of Kearny Mesa is the endless job opportunities. It is home to a variety of corporate headquarters including that of Northrop Grumman and Jack in the Box. Kearny Mesa is considered to be an extremely industrial area with plenty of working opportunities for all. And as an added bonus, if you live in the enclave known as Spectrum you don’t even need to drive to work – everything is within biking distance.
So, if you are looking for a place to start a new life, Kearny Mesa has everything you need – a new job, lots of entertainment, and plenty of mouth-watering food!