National City is the second oldest city in San Diego County. It was incorporated in 1887 and its current population is 57,799 of which 63% are Hispanic, 20% are Asian and 10% are Caucasian. The city is located within a 9.2 square mile area. It is within 10 miles of the Mexican border and thus is known as a bi-national city. It is only 5 miles south of downtown San Diego with easy access to all the activities and events the county offers.
National City is a mix of residential neighborhoods with industrial and commercial businesses. The “Mile of Cars” is a big part of this city’s economy as well as the Naval Station San Diego, Paradise Valley Hospital and the National School District.
National City offers several major shopping centers with a wide variety of dining experiences as well. The city has four parks: El Toyon Park, Kimball Park, Sweetwater Heights Park and Las Palmas Park. Together they comprise 87.2 acres of land. The parks offer recreational opportunities such as picnics, volleyball, baseball, tennis, and soccer. A nine-hole golf course, the National City Golf Course, offers affordable rates to residents. The city is located by the San Diego Bay and offers a marina, and beach activities. National City has public transportation throughout the city limits and access to the county wide transportation system.
Being the second oldest city in San Diego, historic buildings are a showcase of this city. Those sites include: Granger Music Hall (acoustically superb Victorian venue still used today), Brick Row on Heritage Square (a East Coast rowhouse style homes), St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Stein Family Farm (19th century farm life is displayed) and the Santa Fe Rail Depot (railroad museum built in 1882). Restored Victorian homes are also within the historical society’s list.
The Kimball Senior Center is centrally located between three senior facilities as well as a Senior Nutrition Center. Activities include games, trips, support groups, health services, dancing, transportation, cards, potlucks, billards, and bingo.
Their website is: http://www.nationalcityca.gov/index.aspx?page=156.