Here lies the story of Navajo, San Diego. This hilly community near East County, California is more than just a place on the map. It’s a designated planning area for the city of San Diego with a unique history.
Navajo, San Diego encompasses about 14 square miles. Imagine driving along Interstate 8 on the south. La Mesa is on the southeast. You continue to El Cajon and Santee on the east. The San Diego River marks the northern boundary of Navajo.
Did you know that Navajo is not just a name pulled from thin air? The community gets its name from Navajo Road. This major street winds its way through the area.
Navajo boasts natural beauty. Mission Trails Regional Park offers hiking and stunning views. Lake Murray is a great place for recreation. The San Diego River adds to the area’s charm.
Let’s step back in time. The planning history of Navajo began in 1887. The Junipero Land and Water Company had big plans for a town. They even registered a post office named Orchard. This area along Mission Gorge Road became Grantville. It was named to honor President Ulysses S. Grant.
Between 1948 and 1954, the City of San Diego annexed several tracts of land. This totaled more than 6,600 acres. The San Carlos and Del Cerro communities grew within these areas.
Today, Navajo includes Grantville, Allied Gardens, Del Cerro, and San Carlos. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character.
Consider the land use. The western part of Navajo features a mix of residential and commercial areas. You’ll find detached houses and apartments in Allied Gardens. Grantville has significant commercial and light industrial centers. These are mainly along Mission Gorge Road. The central and eastern parts of Navajo are primarily residential. These are the neighborhoods of Del Cerro and San Carlos.
Look for the pockets of commercial activity. These serve the community. You will find them at major intersections. Navajo Road at Jackson Drive and Lake Murray Boulevard is one example.
Navajo offers convenient transportation. The Grantville Trolley Station provides easy access to Downtown, San Diego State University, and other destinations.
In 2015, the City of San Diego took action. It adopted the Grantville Focused Plan Amendment. This plan promotes transit-oriented development. It focuses on the Grantville neighborhood. It aims to implement the City of Villages Strategy. By capitalizing on Grantville’s transit access, it concentrates new housing and commercial uses around the Trolley Station.
Navajo is located in Council District 7. So, the next time you’re in San Diego, remember Navajo. It’s a community with a rich past. It is a vibrant present. It is a community with a bright future.