Hillcrest is known for its "tolerance and acceptance", its prevalent LGBT community presence,[1] and its diversity of races, nationalities, genders, and social classes.

[7] The sign was retrofitted in 2023 from white to color lighting in 16 million hues with pre-programmed shows for various events and holidays.

The sign was relit on February 21, 2023, in the purple, gold, and green colors to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Its mission statement is "To provide a voice & enhance the quality of life for Hillcrest renters & homeowners while supporting actions that benefit our neighborhood.

Hillcrest has dozens of public parking structures including garages, lots, and spots along most streets.

It was initially managed by a local nonprofit organization called the Uptown Partnership, which received a portion of the income from area parking meters, amounting to about $700,000 per year.

This money was meant to be used to improve parking availability, traffic circulation, transit effectiveness, and pedestrian mobility.

[33] After 12 years and $2.5 million, the Partnership had created 50 new parking spaces, leading to criticism from a county Grand Jury[34] and calls from the community to abolish it.

[36] After several years of inactivity, during which revenue was collected but not spent, the Uptown Community Parking District was revived in 2012 with a new board of directors and a new operations manager.

[37] In 2013 the parking district introduced a free trolley that runs along main streets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

[38] There is also a website, AccessHillcrest, which helps people find parking spaces, share rides, or bicycle.

[40][41][42][43] Other regular events in Hillcrest include a weekly farmers market on the grounds of the local Department of Motor Vehicles, a Book Fair and Mardi Gras.

[45][46][47][48] San Diego Pride is an annual celebration each July for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

It features the Pride Parade on a Saturday morning, preceded by the Hillcrest Block Party on Friday night and followed by a two-day festival in Balboa Park.