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The Mission Bay neighborhood is on the rise. When the University of California, San Francisco moved its research campus to Mission Bay, people began to take notice - about $4M has been invested in its development so far. As a result the neighborhood is an oasis for young, single techies. Defined by Townsend Street on the north, Third Street and San Francisco Bay on the east and Mariposa Street on the south, residents find themselves close to both the Caltrain and the I-80 and I-280 highways. It is very convenient for professionals who work in Silicon Valley and for people who value being able to get to the bustling parts of downtown San Francisco in a flash. This means that Mission Bay represents a stimulating fusion of students and techies from all over California and the world.

Though this neighborhood is not as foodie-inclined or culturally rich as the Mission or Haight, it is definitely up-and-coming. We have no doubt that in a couple of years, the rest of the Bay Area will be clamoring to see the culinary adventures that new chefs are offering and the new, unique experiences that only Mission Bay can offer. In the meantime, rest easy, there are still many ways to spend your weekend. For instance, the AT&T Park is just a short block away for those who live here! Did someone say Go Giants? Additionally, its proximity to the water makes for a relaxing weekend picnic.

Due to its broad boulevards and vacant lots, Mission Bay has seen and will continue to see a boost in the housing development. Some high-rises that already exist boast bewitching sky-line views and all the amenities of the best luxury apartments.

One such apartment complex is Azure Apartments located at 690 Long Bridge Street, San Francisco. These apartments feature private balconies, walk-in closets, wood-style flooring, community grilling area and even electric car charging stations! The latter seems even more fitting as the area is filled with early-adopter techies.

According to an article in the San Francisco Business Times, rent for this building starts at about $3,650 a month for a 660-square-feet of space and starts at about $5,150 for 960-square-feet of space 2 bedroom apartment.

If you aren’t an apartment lover, Mission Bay also offers condos. Arden by Bosa is at the center of the Mission Bay neighborhood. Its closeness to the water presents residents with scenic running/walking trails and also opportunities for a variety of water sports. At the Arden, you will be able to make friends with your neighbors due to the condos’ plethora of community-orientated spaces such as the open-are grilling and dining area, the social lounge with entertaining kitchen and billiards and the luxurious library lounge.

Here, a two bedroom, two bathroom condo (1386 square-feet) has a going-rate of $1,425,000.

Another condo complex – Madrone – offers similar luxurious amenities to the interested buyer.

Now is an exciting time to explore the Mission Bay area. As a resident, you will be able see the community development each day. Being the first of the neighborhood’s bartender favorites is sure to offer great story at happy-hour! If that honorary title does not sweep you off your feet – you can take “First Techie to Move-In” or “First Neighbor to Throw Summer’s Last Bar-B-Que”!

If you are looking to live in a place with growing energy that has a lot of potential, Mission Bay may be perfect for you. Make sure to visit today and see where the future can take you.

Potrero Hill is not considered a tourist destination. And the residents of Potrero Hill like it that way. However, this does not mean that you should not visit this neighborhood. In fact, we highly encourage it. Here, you will find young families basking under the sun while looking out at the views of San Francisco buildings and twinkling Oakland lights. All from the steep inclines of their homes. That benefit alone is reason enough to go there.

This quiet neighborhood, located on the eastern part of San Francisco is bordered by the Mission District, and 16th street. Nearby is Potrero Avenue, U.S. Route 101 and Cesar Chavez Street. The residents who have been in Potrero Hill for generations to those who are fresh on the block all agree that Potrero Hill is for the person who enjoys certain things in life. Let’s look at the list.

Potrero Hill is for people who like to read
The San Francisco Public Library is located on 20th street. Just like many other buildings in the neighborhood, this space offers some of the best views of the San Francisco skyline. And of course it offers a wide selection of books for children, teenagers and adults. Additionally, the Potrero Hill newspaper, The Potrero View is delivered at residents’ doorsteps each month. It delivers unique and local content to interested parties in the neighborhood.

Potrero Hill is for people who love city views
As we mentioned earlier, Potrero Hill is a great place to be if you love gazing at the San Francisco skyline. Let’s be honest – who doesn’t? Because of its location, this neighborhood is usually sunny when other parts of the city are under a thick carpet of fog. These spectacular views are why many movies are filmed here and why so many couples want their engagement photographs to be taken with the skyline as a backdrop.

Potrero Hill is for people like the City but do not want to live in the City
Potrero Hill is quiet. It’s the reason it attracts many young families. It welcomes a variety of people who are either: pushing a stroller up a hill, checking out open houses or dipping into one the many surrounding neighborhood restaurants. At night, it can feel deserted but a quick walk will land you in some great bars and other nightlife. This quiet cultivates a sense of community that urges many to call this neighborhood, “a village on a hill.”

As you can see, Potrero Hill is a great neighborhood to check out if you are craving a chill day (though the hills do count as exercise). If you plan to go this weekend here is a list of places that you should absolutely drop-in on:

Chez Maman: serves authentic French Provencal cuisine in a casual bistro setting.
Blooms Salon: a sports offer where you can play darts, pinball and drink good beer.
Christopher’s Books: a 24-year old independent bookstore with awesome customer service.
Goat Hill Pizza: The most famous pizza place in Potrero Hill

We hope that you can visit soon!

Some people will say that the best thing about The Haight is “Cha Cha Cha” a tapas restaurant that serves SF’s tastiest Sangria. Most (smart) people will not disagree. The popularity of the restaurants in this neighborhood speaks to the quality of the food here. Just to name a few, restaurants like Zazie, Nopalito and Parada 22 really stand out.



The Haight is a culturally-rich and colorful neighborhood, which historians agree is the birthplace of the hippie movement. Bordered by Divisadero Street, Buena Vista Avenue, Stanyan Street, and Fulton Street, it dead-ends into the Golden Gate Bridge Park. On pleasant days, you can see many tourists and locals riding their bikes to the park to see the Bridge for the first time or return to lounge in their favorite spots.



Walking through the streets, you can see glimpses of that “past hippie life” because of thrift stores like Buffalo Exchange and Goodwill, the incense shops and the painting of “The Grateful Dead” on 710 Ashbury Street. The colored Victorian Houses or “Painted Ladies” which survived the 1906 earthquake definitely add to the nostalgic air of this district. These can be found at 710–720 Steiner Street, across the street from Alamo Square park. In the 60s and 70s, people were separating these homes into multiple units. In the 10’s they are trying to preserve the original designs. It seems to me that they are tastefully bringing this district into the 21st century.



So, the next question is, “What can I do in Haight Ashbury?” Like many other neighborhoods in San Francisco, shopping is a big deal. And the shopping in “The Haight” mirrors the atmosphere with stores like Piedmont Boutique - they sell fetish wear, lingerie and feather boas and the Jammin’ on Haight that offers tie-dye clothing and The Grateful Dead keepsakes.



One of The Haight’s most famous attractions is a festival held once a year in the summer.

The Haight Ashbury Street Fair (HASF) is held every year on a sunny second Sunday in June. It provides exposure and increased revenue for over 200 small merchants in the Haight Ashbury District who bring to the fair – arts & crafts, music and food. One of the highlights is the official fair poster that is selected via entries to the yearly contest. As you can probably imagine, the images are very reminiscent of hippie culture. For example this year’s image featured a green-skinned flower-child peering into a future-ball. Maybe you can try your luck at next year’s competition!



As with almost every neighborhood in San Francisco – the food is amazing. From the unconventional Alembic that serves pork belly and bone marrow to the more traditional Ice-cream Bar and Soda Fountain that reminds one of poodle skirts and striped red straws to the Mexican-inspired eateries like The Little Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant. I say, why not give all of them a try.



The Haight is truly one of San Francisco’s most vivacious and eccentric districts. You will be missing out if you never cross its borders.

As Bernal Heights is on a hill, some would say that it is both South of and on top of San Francisco’s Mission District. Lovingly referred to as “Maternal Heights,” the BH is a haven for dog-owners, the hippie-minded and mamas with young children. However, you can still find a diverse group of residents who have lived in The BH for years and don’t intend to leave. Why? It’s less expensive, warmer than many of its neighboring districts and several green spaces (some attached to houses!) are scattered around the neighborhood. Like Bernal Heights Park, Precita Park and Holly Park. Neighborhood Tip: If you are looking for something to do in Bernal Heights, make sure to check out park schedules, there is likely to be an affordable concert or show playing for your enjoyment.

The neighborhood is mostly residential and is not as gentrified as the Mission, however more and more city-dwellers are discovering this little oasis on a hill. Cortland Avenue is one of the main streets and you can find bakeries, “The Good Life” grocery store, cafes, fruit stands, bars and restaurants here. Some popular places include: Moki’s Sushi and Pacific Grill, Piqueo’s and Paulie’s Pickling. Cortland Avenue also provides a home for one of the coolest community events in BH. The Bernal Heights’ HillWide Garage Sale is held in August each year. This event gives residents an opportunity to sell furniture, trinkets and clothes that they no longer use. It’s the biggest one in San Francisco and about 100 people register to sell.

Like Haight Ashbury, Bernal Heights has an annual festival that takes over its streets. On the third Sunday in October, “Bernal-ites” host “Fiesta on a Hill.” At that time over 100 arts & crafts, local goods & services and food vendors stretch across about seven streets. Residents’ favorites include the live music, dancing, petting zoo and donkey rides. Proceeds from this event benefit the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center.

Another neighborhood attraction is the Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema that takes place in September and October. This Bernal Heights Tradition shows free screenings from local filmmakers. Movies like ‘Miss Finknagle Succumbs to Chaos’ and ‘Garden for the Future’ have played here. Featured artists show works from as short of seven-minute documentaries to longer length films.

The quiet, small-town feel is what many appreciate about Bernal Heights, no doubt heightened by the many community-oriented events that take place through-out the year. Bernal Heights’ steep hills, and the fact that it only serviced by two bus lines - the 24 and the 67 - deter many from venturing up its inclines. But residents like this characteristic of the neighborhood. It has definitely slowed the gentrification process and allowed the neighborhood to keep its charm for a much longer time.

Make a friend here who has access to their rooftop. I guarantee you that looking at the city lights from there will take your breath and your stress away immediately.

Hurry up and visit before the magic disappears.

Originally posted on this site: http://www.mysfba.com/2015/10/bernal-heights-for-dog-lovers-hippes-families/