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District 5 *
San Francisco
District 5 is known for mostly being situated in the "Sunbelt" of San Francisco. Great weather, walkability and it's vibrant neighborhoods, make this part of the city very desirable for any lifestyle!
District 5 includes: Glen Park, Noe Valley, Twin Peaks, Eureka Valley/Dolores Heights, Mission Dolores, Corona Heights, Clarendon Heights, Duboce Triangle, Buena Vista/Ashbury Heights, Cole Valley & Haight Ashbury.
Mission Dolores
It's home to the city's oldest building and cemetery-one of few still in city limits; but today's Mission Dolores is far from stale, attracting individuals who thrive in this vibrant, ever changing community. On weekends, expect to meet San Franciscans from all walks of life in Dolores Park, where frequent sunny days lure picnicking families, flirtatious sunbathers, athletes, dog lovers and a smattering of hipsters recovering from the night before. A variety of homes -- from multi-unit buildings to Edwardians to freshly built condos, and warm weather make Mission Dolores attractive to home buyers. This tight-knit neighborhood is a favorite for shoppers, foodies and night owls. It is bounded on one side by Valencia Street, offering music venues for many tastes, fashionable boutiques and an array of ethnic dining options to satisfy even the pickiest diners. The block of 18th Street between Dolores and Guerrero is a dining destination, with renowned restaurants Delfina and Tartine on one block. For a quick bite, there's the popular Bi-Rite Market and Dolores Park Cafe. You could easily have breakfast, lunch, and dinner right here! Workweek transit is easy, whether you utilize the 16th and Mission BART or a Muni line, take to the bike friendly streets or drive to the 80, 280 or 101. Make a splash at the city's only public outdoor pool and sunbathe beneath the building's mural by Susan Cervantes, Raul Martinez, and Juana Alicia. A new wave of unique street food vendors make dinner an adventure. And you can't miss 826 Valencia, a free writing workshop for kids cleverly fronted by a pirate supply store.
Eureka Valley/ Dolores Heights
Eureka Valley and Dolores Heights, which includes the world-renowned Castro district, have a wonderfully rich history as the epicenter of the gay rights movement. Today, the neighborhood is undergoing another transition as the long-standing gay community welcomes young families to the increasingly diverse neighborhood. On the eastern end, coveted Liberty Hill offers tremendous views and one-of-a-kind residences. Located centrally with downtown access via Muni streetcar and freeway access just off of Market Street, the hard-to-resist neighborhood is also graced with a wide variety of architectural styles and property types -- including many pre-Quake Victorians. Bustling Castro Street is home to some of the city's most beloved landmarks, including Harvey Milk's store front and the historic Castro Theatre, as well as great restaurants and bars, clubs and pubs serving all your nightlife needs. A celebratory attitude often reigns, as each year the streets come alive during the Castro Street Fair and Pride Week. Venture up the hills and you'll find quieter streets lined with charming, well-kept homes. Locals love to take advantage of many hidden mini-parks like Kite Hill, and the Seward Street slides.
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Noe Valley
Over the years, Noe Valley has become one of San Francisco's most coveted residential areas. Many of the Victorian and Edwardian homes in the area have been updated for modern living, and the area is very convenient for out-of-town and downtown commuters alike, with easy access to highways and the J-Church Muni Metro line. Twin Peaks rises high above the valley, blocking much of the fog that lingers in the city's Western neighborhoods; frequent sunny days make this a wonderful home for those who love socializing with their neighbors. 24th Street is the heart of the neighborhood, and here you will find friendly faces popping in and out of boutiques, restaurants, charming cafes, salons and a bevy of long-standing small businesses. Throughout San Francisco, this area is known as a popular place for both new parents and dog lovers to congregate - watch out for strollers and dog leashes while window-shopping! The inclusiveness of the neighborhood is bolstered by a number of community events, including a weekly farmers market and October's much looked-forward-to Harvest Festival. Of course, Noe Valley neighbors find reasons to gather every day -- whether at Douglass Park playground, the newly opened recreation center and dog run, or just out in front of one of the many coffee venues.
Glen Park
Tucked away from much of the city's hustle and bustle by sprawling Glen Canyon Park, the Glen Park neighborhood has the feel of a small, inclusive village. Conveniently served by a BART station and easy freeway access, residents can find themselves downtown or headed to the South Bay in no time. Just south of Noe Valley, Glen Park offers much of the same small-town feeling at more affordable prices. The area is quite popular with families who want to enjoy city living in a more peaceful corner of San Francisco. Known as "the Village," the neighborhood's commercial strip is centered at the intersection of Diamond and Chenery streets near the Glen Park BART station. Here you'll find charming mom-and-pop shops, a number of trendy restaurants and old-fashioned cafes and more! Glen Park offers a variety of housing types, from single-family homes to multi-unit buildings. A wide variety of architectural types can be found here as well. "Lovely Laidley" Street offers a mini-tour of the neighborhood's architectural spectrum. Many homes in the neighborhood also boast incredible views. The neighborhood is ideal for those who find enjoying the outdoors an absolute must. Glen Canyon Park occupies nearly 70 acres and offers miles of hiking trails. Walter Haas Park sits atop the hill and could definitely compete for the title of best bay views from a swing set.
Twin Peaks
The Twin Peaks neighborhood is so-named for, well...Twin Peaks. With an elevation of approximately 922 feet, they are the second highest points in San Francisco. They form a natural barrier for the summer fog causing the western slopes to be more foggy, while the eastern side usually is sunnier. Sutro Tower offers a stunning view of the Bay, while homes are built like staircases into the hill. Villa Terrace, a street originating in nearby Clarendon Heights, winds into Twin Peaks with a charming Tuscan quality. The fortunate residents of the property along the summits are blessed with spectacular views, as are most of the homes and apartments on the slopes.
Duboce Triangle
There's much to love in this tiny sliver of San Francisco. Duboce Triangle is bounded by Market Street to the south, Hayes Valley to the north, and is just northeast of the Castro. Two of its points are bustling Muni streetcar stations, offering quick and easy access to downtown. The neighborhood is graced with charms that make it feel like an oasis in the urban landscape. With flat streets and light traffic, Duboce Triangle is very accessible for bicyclists; the popular bike path known as "The Wiggle" runs through the neighborhood, and packs of cyclists can be spotted streaking past the area's gracefully adorned Victorian and Edwardian single family homes and multi-unit buildings. The heart of this little hood is Duboce Park, a popular grassy park popular with dogs and their owners, which sports a new children's playground at its western end. This is a relatively warm part of town, as Twin Peaks and Buena Vista Heights block much of the fog, and its not unusual to see people lingering outside at sidewalk cafes, showing off their furry friends or sharing neighborhood news. The neighborhood also benefits from its proximity to the businesses on Market Street, where you can find all the basics including dry cleaners, organic foods, and a gym. The nearby historic F line streetcars rattle past quite frequently, taking more easy-going commuters and tourists between downtown and the Castro. Duboce Triangle is an ideal place for those seeking a relaxed, yet vibrant, home base.
Corona Heights
Just south of Buena Vista Park and west of the Duboce Triangle is the small affluent neighborhood of Corona Heights. Many streets are narrow, steep, quiet and quaint while 17th Street and Market Street come alive with traffic and commerce. The architecture runs the gamut from fine Victorians to modern masterpieces. The Randall Museum, located on Museum Way, focuses on arts, crafts, sciences and natural history geared toward children. It has been home for the Golden Gate Model Rail Road Club since 1961. The nearby neighborhoods of the Castro, Haight Ashbury and Cole Valley offer great shopping and dining opportunities, and public transportation is excellent.
Clarendon Heights
In the central part of San Francisco, north of Twin Peaks and east of Mount Sutro, lies Clarendon Heights. Boasting incredible views of both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Clarendon Heights is also home to a wide spectrum of architecture. Tudors and villas blend comfortably with sleek modern homes in a neighborhood that's very well kept. Some of San Francisco's famous hills also reside here; no need for a health club membership. Just take a brisk walk around the neighborhood, use some of the convenient hillside stairs, and enjoy the views. Primarily a residential community, its hills presented a challenge to builders, but the opportunities for views inspired them to persevere. Many of the original dwellings still remain, giving the area an eclectic feel.
Buena Vista / Ashbury Heights
The Buena Vista neighborhood is of course named for Buena Vista Park, and is located in the immediately surrounding area. The homes here are primarily single-family Edwardians and Victorians with a smattering of more contemporary abodes to round out the mix. Some vintage multi-units on Alpine and Walter add to the charm. Perched high on a hill, great views abound. Worthy of note is the abundance of palm trees for a little tropical ambience. The park itself is San Francisco's first in the park system, dating back to 1867. Dotted with staircases, pathways, trails, tennis courts and a baseball field, the park achieved some notoriety during the 1967 Summer of Love. The neighborhood association has been extremely effective in bringing the park to its current child-friendly, highly accessible status. To the West of Buena Vista Park sits the upscale neighborhood of Ashbury Heights. This area is known for its beautiful homes, quiet streets and beautiful trees. Proximity to the Cole Street shops and restaurants is a boon to residents. Many properties in the Heights enjoy amazing views, and property does not turn over as quickly as other neighborhoods.
Cole Valley / Parnassus Heights
Most San Franciscans think of Parnassus and Ashbury Heights as the area surrounding the distinctively charming commercial district that runs along Cole Street. With its sidewalk cafes, bakeries and fromageries, Cole Valley brings a bit of je ne sais quoi to the heart of San Francisco. Residents can stroll down hill to find several very good restaurants, gourmet food and wine stores, some mom and pop storefronts and a locally-owned hardware store. Everyday basics like a mechanic, dry cleaner, gym and coffee shops are right here as well. The older single family homes in this district are popular with buyers; there are quite a few newer multi-unit buildings and condos to be found for investment buyers as well. The trees and lush landscaping that flourish here add to the area's overall charm. Weather patterns are fairly consistent, with foggy mornings and sunny afternoons, and the wind picks up the higher you head uphill. The N Judah Muni line stops right at Cole Street, making downtown transit a breeze. Several bus lines serve the neighborhood, and freeway access is easy, too. This is a very tight-knit neighborhood, and you're sure to start seeing familiar faces after a few short weeks here. The Cole Valley Improvement Association hosts an annual street fair, and Halloween on Belvedere Street is a family friendly spectacular every year.
Haight Ashbury
The Haight radiates around one of the city's most popular shopping destinations. You can find books and art, vintage and trendy attire, high end chocolates and second hand records. There are many popular dive bars, but that doesn't keep up and coming mixologists away. And when dinner time rolls around, the dining options are endless. The neighborhood is home to many Victorian and Edwardian homes, some of which have been restored in eye-popping palettes. Homes near the Panhandle are exceptionally desirable. There are also multi-unit apartment buildings and condos for the investment buyer. Beautiful parks surround the Haight. The Panhandle is a great spot to bike, shoot hoops or just chill out by the bandstand. Golden Gate Park is home to many cultural attractions and outdoor pursuits. And Buena Vista Park is near the eastern edge of the neighborhood, popular with joggers, dog walkers, and anyone who loves a great view. Running along the north edge of the neighborhood, both Oak and Fell streets are major thoroughfares offering quick auto access to downtown and freeways. A number of busses serve the area, and a Muni street car stops just south of Haight. Bicyclists utilize a path called The Wiggle to access the neighborhood without taking on major hills or busy intersections.
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