The location is great for a trip in SD. The Northpark is very nice with good restaurants (the fish tacos at City Taco were our favorites ;-)). To sum it up, the neighbourhood was pleasant. You need ~ 15 minutes to the Balboa Park by foot. Traveling by bus is also very easy with a 5 min. footwalk.
The cottage was very clean and cozy. It is equipped with everything you need and more!