Meaning “of the hill” in Spanish, Del Cerro overlooks the east part of San Diego. Within small communities including Del Cerro Highlands, Princess Del Cerro, and Olde Del Cerro, are upper-middle class neighborhoods with a limited selection of pricey luxury homes. Because it is an extremely small population, the community of Del Cerro is very tight knit. 

There are many different community events that give Del Cerro a well-known place within San Diego. One of these events, the annual Del cerro block party, includes live music, delicious food, entertainment for all ages, and many fun activities. It is held in Lower Del Cerro. On the Fourth of July, Del Cerro goes all out with a huge, community-hosted pool party and fireworks show, which always draws a large crowned from this community and surrounding areas.

Centering around Del Cerro Boulevard, Del Cerro has a reasonable, but somewhat limited commercial center. Along this boulevard are a number of restaurants, shops and gas stations. However, many residents are compelled to seek beyond this street’s available shops to find what they are looking for. The most convenient alternative is Westfield Shoppingtown Mission Valley, a shopping mall complex just a few minutes west. Aside from this center, there are several other shopping options just minutes away from the community.

Because Del Cerro is in the midst of many active neighboring communities including San Carlos, Allied Gardens, College Area, Grantville Lake Murray, and La Mesa, there is activity year-round. Across interstate I-8 from San Diego State University, Del Cerro, because it is usually out of the price range for students, houses mostly resident families and some university staff and faculty members.