Without Petco Park, East Village wouldn’t be what it is today. When the new Padres stadium was built in 2004, vacant parking lots and decaying buildings gave way to enviable lofts and high-end commercial properties. The 130-block neighborhood adjacent to downtown is also a thriving arts center, home to studios, galleries, theaters, and shops. And come baseball season, it’s the only place to be for pre- and post-game dining and nightlife.
