District 5: Central

There are two types of San Franciscans: those who love Haight-Ashbury, and those who hate Haight-Ashbury. This polarizing neighborhood is definitely not for everyone, though most locals embrace this funky neighborhood’s endearing kitsch and grungy vibe. Locally referred to as “the Haight”, Upper Haight (Haight-Ashbury) was at the center of the 1960 and 70s counterculture movement. Today Upper Haight is mecca for modern hippies, thrifters, and curious tourists. This green-friendly (in more than one way) neighborhood enjoys a number of organic markets and cafés and other independently owned boutiques that are loved by tourists and locals alike. Upper Haight is home to some of San Francisco’s most ornate Victorian-style properties and is within walking distance to Cole Valley, Inner Sunset, UCSF, The Panhandle, Kezar Triangle, and Golden Gate Park.

Perched above Haight-Ashbury and San Francisco’s oldest park, Buena Vista Park, Buena Vista Heights offers unique views of San Francisco and its northwestern and western neighborhoods. Homes in this neighborhood are completely different from one another, offering an eclectic mix that ranges from classic Victorians to more modern styles. This quiet and mostly residential neighborhood enjoys a strong sense of safety, but if you’re itching for a night on the town, both Upper and Lower Haight are a short walk away.

Anchored by the iconic Castro Theatre, The Castro (Eureka Valley – Dolores Heights) is one of San Francisco’s most well-known neighborhoods. As the first, and now largest, gay neighborhood in the United States, The Castro is considered ground-zero for San Francisco’s LGBT community. Restaurants, bars, and shops light up Castro Street, keeping this neighborhood buzzing with life at all hours. Rainbow flags and an eclectic mix of classic San Francisco architecture proudly file along this neighborhood’s quirky streets. While this neighborhood is often bustling with locals and tourists alike, quiet streets do exist in The Castro’s Eureka Valley and Dolores Heights microhoods. While home to a buzzing nightlife, equally popular neighborhoods, like The Mission (Mission Dolores), Mid-Market, and Downtown are just minutes away for even more dining, drinking, and shopping options. Public transit couldn’t be easier in The Castro with with Castro Station, Church Station, F–Market & Wharves line, and multiple bus lines running through the neighborhood.

Named for Mission San Francisco de Asís built by Spanish colonists in 1776, The Mission (officially recognized as Mission Dolores) is possibly San Francisco’s most popular neighborhood. Known for arts, grit, and some of the city’s best restaurants, this destination neighborhood is highly desired by San Francisco homebuyers and renters. While The Mission features several main arteries, Valencia Street is perhaps most notable for its collection of bars, acclaimed restaurants, hip cafés, trendy boutiques, and other local dives. The Mission is an interesting and diverse neighborhood with a storied past; historically a predominantly Latino neighborhood, The Mission experienced rapid gentrification over the past decade, transforming it into a multi-cultural melting pot where taquerias, pupuserias, and corner bodegas share walls with posh restaurants and boutiques. San Franciscans embrace the neighborhood’s rich history and enjoy cultural celebrations like Carnaval and Día de los Muertos. Also known for its significantly warmer and sunnier weather, locals flock to their favorite park, Dolores Park, on weekends to escape the fog and work on their tans (or a salted caramel ice cream from Bi-Rite).

Noe Valley is a quiet and upscale neighborhood located in the central part of San Francisco, bordered by Castro, Twin Peaks, Mission and Bernal Heights. This neighborhood is super family-friendly, so much that locals have nicknamed it “Stroller Valley.” Edwardian and Victorian single-family homes line Noe Valley’s streets, offering prime examples of the architecture that San Francisco is famous for. Noe Valley’s main street, 24th Street, is lined with cafés, boutiques, and upscale restaurants that attract visitors from all over the city. Combine those enticing offerings with persistent sunshine and it will become immediately obvious why Noe Valley is such a desirable place to live.

This friendly and secluded neighborhood is a San Francisco gem; Glen Park enjoys a small-town feel, complete with mom-and-pop shops, well-maintained homes, and long-term residents. Quaint coffeeshops, organic grocers, small restaurants, and other independently-owned businesses line Glen Park’s picturesque streets. Nearby Glen Canyon, a 70-acre park, offers winding trails with scenic nature views. Glen Park BART Station and the 280 are nearby, making transportation into Downtown San Francisco, and the rest of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley fairly quick and simple.