Hipper and more laid-back than its cousin to the north, Hillcrest is full of beautiful turn-of-the-century homes and cottages. Home prices are lower than in The Heights, and there are more rental options as well. Charming Craftsman bungalows, American Foursquare houses and two-story Tudor-style homes sit cozily along oak-lined streets. In the mornings and evenings, residents (mostly young professionals and active and artistic types) emerge to walk pets along Kavanaugh Boulevard. All day long, the historic district’s diverse shops and restaurants bustle with customers. And at night, voices carry across the neighborhood from the patios of favored gathering spots like Ciao Baci, The House, U.S. Pizza’s patio, The Fountain and more.

Like The Heights, Hillcrest’s industry consists mostly of retail, dining and service-oriented businesses. In both neighborhoods, most businesses are located along main thoroughfare, Kavanaugh Boulevard, and the patrons tend to be middle- to upper-class.

Hillcrest is always having people over — especially when the local merchants host “Shop ‘N’ Sip” on the first Thursday of every month. Businesses stay open late and invite customers to enjoy a glass of wine and refreshments while they shop. After shopping, plan on dinner at a local eatery, like Café Bossa Nova or Acadia. Hillcrest is also home to beautiful Allsopp Park, which boasts trails, tennis courts, a playground and more than 10,000 annual visitors every year.