There are various downpayment assistance programs in City Heights. Take a look at Community Housing Works, http://www.chworks.org

I am one of their Certified Lender Partners, and can assist you in your search for a home loan along with downpayment assistance.

Brendan Bracken
Mortgage Planning Specialist since 1998 http://www.brackenteam.com
858-518-0523

DRE#01259687

Hello Shelly, as Participant as a Voluntary Speaker in the City Heights Community Housing, for 1st Time Buyers, thier is Grant Money for First Time Home Buyers. If I can be of service, keep me posted.
Sincerely,
Ruben Sanchez:Realtor/Mortgage Broker

City Heights does have some first time home buyers opportunities, but you have to find good pocket areas.Let me know if you would like me to send you some profiles of homes you may want to consider. Right now is a great time for first home home buyers. Remember to talk to your lender about FHA and CalHFA loans

Shelly,

My wife and I just bought a home in City Heights. We looked at crime maps for the safer areas (see the link) of City Heights. I talked to the local polic responsible for that area. We found some wonderful pockets of safe areas (not even vandalism). We talked to the neighbors and found out that we picked the right area.

Of course, time may change things, but City Heights has changed significantlly over the last 10 years. Good luck.

Shelly, I recall a few years back that a certain city councilperson owned some rental property in City Heights. It was interesting to see that the immediate neighborhood received a lot of improvements while that person was in office.

If you discover a neighborhood where the movers and shakers are investing, it might be a good bet for you too.

Shelly,
Please visit the following site. Many of the home buyer assistance programs are listed there.
http://www.hud.gov/local/ca/homeownership/buyingprgms.cfm
Look at the information listed and see the site that gives information by city.
I am also sending you the following link specifically regarding city heights...
http://www.sandiego.gov/redevelopment-agency/pdf/nofaprograms.pdf
We have lots of useful information on homebuying on the site below.