In Lemon Grove, you’ll find the zest of San Diego. With 26,000+ residents, the community in the East County has a small town feel and its homes are below the San Diego median price — yet it’s still close to the city’s biggest attractions.
So don’t dismiss this city as lemon because of its name. We wanted to squeeze into the city’s history and culture, and learn why the locals love this sweet location.
🍋 The quick history
Lemon Grove’s name speaks for itself — it was once a land filled with lemon trees. The name first appeared on a San Diego map in 1892 when Joseph Allison filed for a subdivision. Before that, the land was once part of the Kumeyaay Nation’s homeland, then was a Mexican rancho before California became a state.
Starting in 1915, Lemon Grove resident Charles L. Good served on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. He advocated for roads + bridges, and connected the area to the rest of San Diego. After World War II, many of the lemon orchards were removed for housing, and by 1977, Lemon Grove officially became California’s 414th city.
If Lemon Grove is known for one thing (other than lemons) it would be its motto “Best Climate on Earth.” If you like mild winters and warm, dry summers, you’ll know the motto is true.
Cheers to Lemon Grove. | Photo via @13pointbrewingcompany
🍺 Eat + drink
With food in its name, Lemon Grove is home to some great grub.
- Beer lovers will enjoy drinking locally at 13 Point Brewing Co.
- Giardino’s offers an upscale Italian dining experience, with outdoor seating + cheese wheel pasta on Mondays.
- Coop’s West Texas Barbecue gives residents a taste of Texas in the California city.
- If you like Mexican cuisine, you’ll have options — like Santiago’s Mexican Food.
🌳 Parks
With its great climate, Lemon Grove residents love to get outside, so a park is always an easy walk away.
- Berry Street Park offers space for dogs, a playground + a gazebo.
- Children will enjoy the playground and outdoor space at Lemon Grove Park.
- Dan Kunkel Park offers plenty of quiet, outdoor space and basketball courts.
🎨 Arts + culture
The artwork doesn’t stop with the big lemon greeting you on Main Street, there’s plenty more to see throughout the city.
- The Parsonage Museum preserves the city’s history and offers exhibits highlighting important people + developments.
- Plenty of artwork can be found around the streets, but the Hidden Murals east of Lemon Grove Avenue adds a splash of color and displays the community’s talent.
- The community’s unique eye for art can be seen in the “Lemon Grove Lips” on 7699 High St. (technically, La Mesa — but Lemon Grove loves this work of art, too.)
📚 Community
As its own city, you can be sure that Lemon Grove has the essentials that you’ll need for daily living.
- Lemon Grove is home to many K-12 schools, including six elementary schools.
- Follow local news and developments through City Hall + Lemon Grove City Council.
- The city has plenty of grocery options, including an Albertson’s + Food 4 Less on Broadway + a Sprouts on Lemon Grove Avenue.
- Crack open a book + learn something new at the Lemon Grove Library.
🏘️ Live in Lemon Grove
If you’re hoping to buy a home, Lemon Grove has some housing options currently on the market.
- $900,000 | This 3-bed, 3-bath property will get you three separate units, plenty of parking, and a patio + yard with different fruit trees.
- $800,000 | If you’re looking for a single-family home, this 3-bed, 2-bath house has a modern design, updated appliances, and a large yard with a pool.
- $700,000 | This 3-bed, 2-bath single-family home has a large backyard with hillside views + is close to schools and parks.