Neighborhood Feature: Noe Valley

Noe Valley is still one of the best neighborhoods to live in in San Francisco. It is a safe, family-friendly neighborhood with plenty of commercial and recreational options. Majority of the residences are Victorians and Edwardians- giving it the “old SF charm”. Families, empty nesters and couples seem to love that vibe since they are the general demographic makeup here. In addition, Twin Peaks blocks the coastal fog and wind from Pacific Ocean making Noe’s microclimate sunnier that others. That + walkability = Stroller Mommy Dream! 

Boundaries:

Its borders are generally considered to be 21st street to the north, Randall Street to the south, Dolores Street to the east, and Grand View Avenue to the west. The Castro (Eureka Valley) is directly to Noe Valley’s north, although the border is not well defined and can stretch into Noe Valley, and The Mission is to its east.

Commercial:

Because of its proximity to both The Mission and Castro, there’s a variety of food, shopping and recreation options available at Noe Valley. Small and privately-owned businesses galore. They have not just one but two shopping strips- The first along 24th Street, between Church Street and Diamond Street, and the second, less dense corridor along Church Street, between 24th Street and 30th Street. Xela Imports, Isso, Common Scents, Wink and Ambiance are a few notables. 

Dining:

Infamous Mitchell’s Ice Cream and crowd-favorite Patxi’s call Noe home. Try the Chicago deep dish with cornmeal crust. You’ll thank us later. 

Schools:

James Lick Middle School, Alvarado Elementary School, Everett Middle School, Thomas Edison Charter Academy and Immaculate Conception Academy (borderline)

Public Transportation:

24th St BART Station, Muni

Notables:

St Paul’s Catholic Church, Dolores Park (ISH)

Neighborhood Feature: SOMA (South of Market)

South of Market (or SoMa) is an up-and-coming neighborhood in San Francisco. It encompasses several micro-neighborhoods including South Beach, Mission Bay, Mission Rock and Rincon Hill. Young professionals, couples, and small families make up the residential population and for good reason- plenty of commercial and recreational options, modern residences, a flourishing “tech hub” reputation and great water views. It simply is one of the best neighborhoods to live in right now. It’s hip, it’s trendy, it’s cool, it’s now.

Boundaries:

Its boundaries are Market Street to the northwest, San Francisco Bay to the northeast, Mission Creek to the southeast, and Division Street, 13th Street and U.S. Route 101 (Central Freeway) to the southwest. It is the part of the city in which the street grid runs parallel and perpendicular to Market Street. The neighborhood contains many smaller neighborhoods such as South Park, Yerba Buena, South Beach, and Financial District South (part of the Financial District), and overlaps with several others, notably Mission Bay, and the Mission District.

Commercial:

Considered a tech hub, SOMA houses the headquarters of Weebly, Foursquare, GitHub, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Trulia, Dropbox, IGN, Salesforce and Yelp, to name a few. Big Box retailers Costco, REI, Nordstrom Rack and Best Buy also have a SOMA address.

Dining:

Home to not one but two Michelin-starred restaurants plus a multitude of bars and dining establishments, there’s a always a variety of options in SOMA. Saison by Chef Joshua Skeenes is a standout not only because of the coveted 3-Michelin stars but because of “Bay Area’s Most Expensive Meal”. Chef Corey Lee’s Benu shares this prestigious title. Waterbar is another mentionable because of who doesn’t love Happy Hour Champagne and Oysters with amazing views?

Schools:

Golden Gate University, Marin Day Schools, Youth Chance High School

Public Transportation:

Caltrain, Montgomery BART Station, MUNI, Greyhound Station, Cable Car via Embarcadero

Notables:

ATT Park, Exploratorium, Children’s Creativity Museum , SF Railway Museum