SF: Bernal Heights

Bernal Heights is a neighborhood on the rise. So much so that it’s been referred to as the hottest neighborhood in San Francisco. It has a more residential feel while still being close to the action of the city, with a charming commercial street called Cortland Avenue. And it’s located south of the Mission, next to Highway 101 and Interstate 280, making it a doable commute for high-tech workers going into Silicon Valley.

Photo by: Daniel Abadia on Unsplash

Development of the area began after the 1906 earthquake. The land mostly survived the quake and subsequent fires undamaged, thanks to its terrain of bedrock. Small “earthquake shacks” sprung up to house workers rebuilding the city and refugees who lost their homes. There are still a few left standing today. It remained a working class neighborhood for the rest of the 1900s, populated during WWII by workers from the naval shipyard in Hunters Point and by anti-war activists during the Vietnam War. It was considered a dangerous part of the city into the 80s and beyond. 

Many SF neighborhoods experienced gentrification much earlier and faster than Bernal Heights. It was eventually seen for the gem it is and young professionals started to buy up homes. Many were dilapidated but as interest peaked, construction became prevalent. It’s popularity continues to grow with its developed hillsides, panoramic views and its commute-friendly location (though that can mean loud freeway noise for homes in close proximity). Homes here have appreciated drastically but are still more affordable than comparable neighborhoods like Noe Valley or Potrero Hill. It’s a good middle ground for city dwellers looking to transition to a family home without leaving the city completely.

Businesses are concentrated on Cortland Avenue with small markets (Good Life Grocery, The Epicurean Trader), bars (Wild Side West, Holy Water), coffee shops (Pinhole Coffee, Progressive Grounds, Martha & Bros.), restaurants (Nute’s, Piqueo’s, Little Nepal) and salons. There’s a pet store I frequent on Cortland called Bernal Beast that supports this very dog-friendly area. There are more businesses in the northwest corner along Mission Street. Beneath the freeway intersection is Alemany Farmers’ Markets, founded in 1943 as California’s first farmers’ market and one of the longest running in the United States. The space is occupied by a popular flea market on Sundays.

Bernal Heights is known for its views but the best one is at the summit in Bernal Heights Park. In addition to hiking the summit, there’s a playground, off-leash space for dogs, community garden and a swing atop the hill that’s a popular photo aqpp. Nearby, you’ll also find Holly Park and Precita Park—both recently cleaned up and renovated, giving them new life and a much better reputation. Fiesta on the Hill is an annual, family-friendly street festival with live music and plenty of activities for the kids.