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Bernal Heights Agency of Vivre Real Estate
Looking for restaurants with healthy options to eat in Bernal Heights? This San Francisco neighborhood is chock full of great restaurants, many of which offer healthy and nutritious (and delicious) food on their menus. If you're in the mood for a fresh salad, plant-based menus, or international flavors, Bernal Heights has something to offer just about everyone. Let's explore some of the best healthy, or healthy-adjacent, restaurants in Bernal Heights.
A modern, petite café known for its Japanese curry, noodle dishes, and sushi. Healthy options like seaweed salad, house salad, and sunomono provide light yet flavorful choices.
Address: 3303 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
A cozy spot blending Southern and Caribbean flavors in a warm setting with tin ceilings. While known for comfort food, the menu also offers plenty of healthy choices to satisfy a balanced diet.
Address: 65 29th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
A local favorite serving fresh, high-quality food with consistently great service. Healthy options include the Roasted Tofu Rice Burger and Mushroom Fries, offering delicious plant-based alternatives.
Address: 903 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
A casual eatery featuring Northern Chinese dumplings and hand-pulled noodles. Health-conscious diners can enjoy tofu dishes, dan dan noodles, and other nutritious selections.
Address: 525 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
A vibrant Honduran-Latin American restaurant offering a mix of casual and refined dining experiences. With a variety of fresh and healthy options, this welcoming spot is perfect for groups, families, or solo diners.
Address: 3322 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
A lively Nicaraguan-Latin American restaurant serving a mix of traditional and vegetarian-friendly dishes. The menu includes flavorful, healthy choices, along with breakfast items, in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Address: 3385 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
Enjoying Healthy Dining in Bernal Heights
Many of Bernal Heights' restaurants offer healthy options, which, along with parks like Bernal Hill, makes this neighborhood perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you’re interested in buying a home in Bernal Heights or want to get to know the area better, our real estate team is here to help. Contact us here. We look forward to speaking with you!
It's no surprise that we think there are TONS of reasons to buy a home and live in Bernal Heights. (What gave us away? 😂) Really though, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial when purchasing a home. Located in southeastern San Francisco, Bernal Heights offers a unique blend of community charm and urban convenience that makes it an enticing destination for many SF homebuyers. Let's explore just five of the many reasons why Bernal Heights could be your perfect place to settle down.
Breathe in the fresh air and stunning city and bay views from Bernal Heights Park, a local favorite for hiking and dog walking. Not to mention, Precita Park and Holly Park offer serene settings for relaxation and lively community gatherings that enrich your day-to-day life in the neighborhood.
Stroll through Bernal Heights and admire its eclectic architectural tapestry. From charming Victorian cottages to sleek modern homes, the neighborhood flaunts a variety of styles, providing potential homeowners with a plethora of aesthetic choices to suit any taste.
Feel instantly welcomed by the tight-knit community of Bernal Heights. Whether it’s local events, farmers' markets, or neighborhood get-togethers, the warm and inclusive atmosphere here fosters a strong sense of belonging and community spirit.
Homeowners in Bernal Heights enjoy great connectivity to the rest of SF and the greater Bay Area with excellent transportation links. With quick access to major highways like I-280 and US 101, and a variety of public transit options and bike-friendly routes, getting around Bernal Heights (and beyond) is a breeze.
If you're thinking about buying a home in Bernal Heights, take an afternoon to immerse yourself in the neighborhood's main business district, running east to west along Cortland Avenue. This lively commercial strip is bursting with Bernal Heights shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering everything from your daily necessities to cozy coffeeshops to unique culinary experiences right at your doorstep.
Bernal Heights isn’t just a place to live but a charming and laid-back San Francisco lifestyle. The neighborhood's scenic parks, architectural offerings, strong community, convenient transport, and vibrant local scene combine for a balanced urban/suburban life that caters to a variety of preferences and lifestyles. If these features resonate with you, Bernal Heights might just be the place to buy your new home.
If you want to learn more about buying a home in Bernal Heights or other neighborhoods in San Francisco, reach out to us any time. We’d love to help guide you through the home-buying process in San Francisco and find the right fit. Contact us today!
Looking for the best Mexican food in Bernal Heights? Whether on Cortland Avenue in the heart of Bernal, Mission Street to the west, or the Mission District to the north, this area is home to many incredible taquerias and Latin American restaurants serving up flavorful burritos, tacos, and homestyle dishes. Here are just a few spots to check out the next time hunger strikes.
A standout in San Francisco’s competitive burrito scene, Taqueria Cancun is known for its signature Super Burrito and fresh, flavorful ingredients. Unlike most taquerias, they skip steaming tortillas and instead toast them on the plancha, creating a deliciously crisp texture. Packed with Monterey Jack cheese, rice, beans, onions, cilantro, and creamy avocado, every burrito is built for bold flavor. Open late, this vibrant spot is a go-to for authentic Mexican eats.
Address: 3211 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
Bringing the warmth of a traditional Mexican home kitchen to Bernal Heights, El Buen Comer specializes in guisados—slow-cooked stews packed with rich, earthy flavors. Chef Isabel makes everything from scratch, using organic masa for hand-rolled enchiladas and stewing meats in her signature red and green sauces. With dishes like albóndigas (Mexican meatballs) and comforting coditos con crema, this cozy eatery is a must-visit for true homestyle cooking.
Address: 3435 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
This inviting spot offers a relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional Mexican dishes and refreshing cocktails. With a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Las Brisas de Acapulco is perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.
Address: 3137 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
What started as a small catering venture has grown into a beloved neighborhood taqueria. Known for its generous portions and commitment to authentic flavors, Tacos Los Altos serves up delicious, traditional dishes that keep customers coming back. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, this family-owned gem delivers quality and tradition in every dish.
Address: 737 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
For classic tacos, burritos, and traditional Mexican favorites, La Alteña is a neighborhood staple. Known for its no-frills, welcoming atmosphere, this taqueria serves up bold flavors that keep locals coming back.
Address: 3346 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
Honoring generations of family traditions, Cocina Mamá Cholita brings the heart of Mexican home cooking to Bernal Heights. With recipes passed down from grandma Mamá Cholita herself, every dish is crafted with love and appreciation for fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. From rich moles to handmade tamales, this restaurant celebrates heritage through food.
Address: 3471 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
Bernal Heights offers an amazing variety of Mexican cuisine, whether you're craving street-style tacos, slow-cooked stews, or a late-night burrito. Which of these delicious spots will be your next stop?
We hope you find this blog helpful. If you’re ready to find your perfect home in Bernal Heights, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
Buying a home for the first time is a big step, and choosing the right neighborhood makes all the difference. For first-time homebuyers in Bernal Heights, this charming hillside community offers a mix of affordability, convenience, and strong community ties. Located just south of the Mission District, Bernal Heights provides first-time buyers with diverse housing options, beautiful parks, and easy access to the city.
Let’s explore why first-time homebuyers love Bernal Heights.
Bernal Heights has a variety of housing options and property types, from single-family homes to condos and TICs, making it easier for first-time buyers to find the right fit. The neighborhood features classic SF Victorian and Edwardian properties, along with updated bungalows and some modern condos too. Whether you want a cozy starter home or a fixer-upper with potential, Bernal Heights has options worth exploring.
San Francisco real estate is competitive, but Bernal Heights real estate prices often provide better value for first-time homebuyers than nearby Noe Valley. While home prices in Bernal Heights are still a hurdle for many first-time buyers, homes here typically offer more space for the cost. Many even come with yards—a particularly desirable feature in the city!
One of Bernal Heights’ biggest draws is its strong sense of community. The neighborhood feels like a small town within San Francisco. Neighbors know each other, and local events bring people together. Farmers’ markets, block parties, and community meet-ups make it easy to feel at home. Our friends at websites like Bernalwood foster a sense of community. If you’re looking for a friendly and connected San Francisco neighborhood, Bernal Heights is a great choice.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy Bernal Heights Park, a local favorite with panoramic city views, walking trails, and open spaces for picnics and dog walks. Other parks, like Holly Park and Precita Park, provide even more green space. Having so much nature within walking distance is a huge perk for city living.
Despite its quiet feel, Bernal Heights is well-connected to the rest of San Francisco. The neighborhood has easy access to Highway 101 and I-280, making commutes to downtown SF or Silicon Valley easier. Public transit is also reliable, with Muni bus lines and the 24th Street BART station just a short ride away.
Bernal Heights isn’t just a great place to live—it’s a fun place to explore! Cortland Avenue, the neighborhood’s main street, is filled with local shops, restaurants, and cafés. If you’re grabbing coffee, enjoying a weekend brunch, or picking up fresh groceries, everything you need is within walking distance.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in San Francisco looking for community, outdoor spaces, and city convenience, Bernal Heights is worth considering. While San Francisco real estate is always competitive, this neighborhood offers more than just a house—it’s a place to call home.
If you need help navigating neighborhoods in San Francisco, please reach out to us. We’d love to guide you through the home-buying process and help you find the perfect place. Schedule a call today!
Looking for grocery stores in Bernal Heights? Whether you need fresh produce, specialty ingredients, or everyday essentials, this neighborhood offers a variety of options to suit different shopping needs. Here’s a guide where to buy groceries locally in Bernal Heights.
A trusted neighborhood market, The Good Life Grocery offers a selection of fresh produce, organic goods, and specialty items. Known for its quality products and friendly service, it’s a go-to spot for everyday essentials and locally sourced ingredients.
Address: 448 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110 | Visit Website
Avedano’s Meats is a specialty butcher shop offering high-quality, sustainable meats, house-made sausages, and prepared foods. With a commitment to ethical sourcing, it’s a top choice for fresh, premium cuts in the neighborhood.
Address: 235 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110 | Visit Website
A curated gourmet shop, The Epicurean Trader features artisan foods, craft spirits, and small-batch goods. From gourmet cheeses to specialty coffee, this store is perfect for discovering unique, high-quality products.
Address: 401 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110 | Visit Website
San Francisco’s oldest farmers' market, Alemany Farmers’ Market is a Saturday-only destination for fresh produce, local goods, and artisanal products. Open early, it’s a great spot to stock up on seasonal fruits, vegetables, and specialty foods.
Address: 100 Alemany Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94110 | Visit Website
A neighborhood staple, Andi’s Market offers fresh produce, dairy, snacks, and beverages. It’s a convenient stop for everyday essentials and locally sourced goods, with friendly service that makes it a community favorite.
Address: 820 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Link
For a full-service grocery experience, Safeway has everything from fresh produce and bakery items to household essentials. With online ordering, delivery, and pickup options, shopping here is easy and convenient.
Address: 3350 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
Bringing the flavors of South America to Bernal Heights, El Chavo Market is the place for authentic ingredients, spices, and fresh produce. It’s a go-to spot for those looking to cook traditional dishes from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina.
Address: 3250 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
Known for its impressive selection of wine, craft beer, and small-batch spirits, Harvest Hills Market also carries fresh local produce, snacks, and a variety of gourmet items. A great place to find something unique.
Address: 3216 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
A small but reliable shop offering snacks, beverages, coffee, tea, and a selection of beer and wine. Perfect for a quick stop to grab the basics.
Address: 35 Precita Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Link
More than just a pharmacy, Walgreens offers mini-mart essentials, including snacks, drinks, household items, and personal care products.
Address: 3398 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Visit Website
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect local grocery spots in Bernal Heights! Whether you're shopping for fresh produce or everyday essentials, these stores have you covered. Ready to explore more of what this vibrant neighborhood has to offer? Stay tuned for more local guides, and feel free to reach out if you're planning to buy or sell in Bernal Heights – we’re here to help!
When most people analyze the real estate market in a given area, they only look at the obvious factors. They consider home values, local schools and amenities, property taxes and so on. The reality is, however, that even minor societal or economic changes can be like stones falling in the pond of a community, sending their ripples through the real estate market and beyond.
One of those stones is Proposition 22 or Prop 22 for short. While the legislation itself has been widely discussed throughout California and the US, its impact on California real estate has not.
Proposition 22 is a California proposition that was passed by the state voters in 2020. It is the latest in a tug of war among the state's leadership to decide how to handle the growing gig economy, especially as it pertains to freelance drivers for gig-based apps like Uber and Lyft.
In 2019, California passed Assembly Bill 5, or AB5. AB5 stated that all freelancers or independent contractors who performed more than a minimal amount of work for a company must be classified as employees.
This was meant to address the concern that companies take advantage of workers. Businesses label workers as contractors rather than employees, to avoid giving them benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and unemployment insurance.
However, the true effect this had in many cases was an inability for freelance workers to do their work and earn an income. Prop 22 is a compromise of sorts.
Prop 22 exempts app-based drivers, like rideshare and delivery drivers, from the AB5 employee classification. In exchange, it gives them other protections like minimum pay guarantees, health insurance in some circumstances, and compensation for on-the-job injuries.
Proposition 22 has had a positive reception overall, as it offers some benefits for both contract drivers and their client companies. There are several ways it's likely to impact the real estate market in the process.
With the Prop 22 exemption, there are increased opportunities for contract drivers now that companies can "hire" more of them. This will lead to an overall increase in income because more people are making money this way. Because those drivers will pay state income taxes on the new income, the overall amount of income tax in California is expected to increase.
Analysts also expect that rideshare and delivery companies who hire these drivers will see stock price increases. When their investors sell those stocks, they will pay income taxes on the profits. This further adds to the increase in state income taxes.
This could affect real estate depending on how the state decides to spend that money. For instance, if the state invests the added tax revenue in new developments, real estate prices in that area will increase. Or real estate prices could decrease if the state unveils a new (and sorely needed) affordable housing program.
While AB5 was meant to help gig workers, it sent a wave of fear through many in the freelance community. Many felt that they were overlooked or miscategorized in a way that would prevent them from continuing to operate as their own business. As a result, some either considered leaving or did leave California.
Because 36% of the US workforce does some amount of freelancing, we're talking about significant numbers here. For many app-based drivers, Prop 22 puts them in a better position in California than they would be elsewhere. Not only can they keep operating independently, but they also get benefits they wouldn't receive in other states.
The result is a higher population of earning adults, and that means a higher demand for real estate.
Independent contractors aren't only different from employees in the benefits they receive. Their income predictability is very different as well, and this affects their ability to receive mortgages.
Historically, contractors have had a more difficult time securing mortgages. Because their income is more varied, they need to provide long-term proof of income to qualify.
Now that we expect to see an increase in freelancing in California, this could go one of two ways. We could see a higher demand for rental properties because fewer people may be able to qualify for mortgages.
On the other hand, the number of contractors and freelancers in the US is expected to continue increasing overall. It is possible that we'll see changes within the mortgage industry that accommodate this growing population of solopreneurs.
It's important to note that the gig economy is not entirely made up of people who traded their 9-to-5 salaried job for independent contracting. In fact, many app-based drivers use driving to supplement their existing income.
Now that app-based gig work is a more available and an increasingly appealing option, we expect to see even more people taking advantage of it. This could lead to a higher average income in California.
For the real estate market, this would create a shift toward higher-priced properties. More people would have the income to afford these pricier homes, so the demand would increase.
We've talked about people who use app-based driving as their primary income source and people who use it to supplement their income. There's another common situation, though.
When people lose their jobs due to downsizing or other reasons, gig work can fill in the gaps. It's fairly easy for most people to get work from app-based driving services, because the need is so high. They may not earn the same amount they did previously, but at least they have some income while they hunt for a new, more permanent job.
Now that this on-demand earning potential is so accessible, fewer people may find themselves without the income to pay their mortgages. The result, barring other factors, is fewer foreclosures and short sales on the real estate market.
The real estate market is always complicated, with countless factors coming into play. Prop 22 is only one of many. Fortunately, you don't need to figure it all out on your own.
Contact our real estate team to discuss your options for buying or selling your home and the market circumstances you need to know.
2018 saw modest price gains for the Bernal Heights Real Estate market with a 5% year-over-year appreciation for single family homes. This is good by most standards across the country, but compared to city overall growth rate of 13%, Bernal’s recently hot real estate market has been tempered.
Bernal is one of the larger neighborhoods in San Francisco and has had more single family home sales than any other neighborhood in the city, by a considerable amount. 175 houses traded in 2018. Noe Valley is a distant second with only 128 homes sold in the same year. Since we cover such a large geography, we’ve analyzed our favorite neighborhood into micro-hoods, using nomenclature derived from our friends at Bernalwood.
Foggy Vista took the crown for highest median price per square foot for the year at $1,224/ft, followed closely by Cortlandia at $1,219/ft. Cortlandia is home to 497 Ellsworth, which sold for the highest price on a per foot basis at $1,744/ft. The highest priced sale of the year was also in Foggy Vista, where the founding and lone $4M club member sits on its perch at 2 Bonview. The bargain-priced sale of the year award belongs to 501 Crescent, which traded at $700k. This corner spot, which can best be described as a hole in the ground marked by a seemingly perpetual construction site, is an indication of value for a vacant lot around here.
2019 has started off with a bang, with busy open houses and strong buyer demand. Interest rates have stabilized and the Fed is signaling they may not raise rates for the short term. As the stock market holds steady and/or gains ground, buyers’ confidence increases and homes will likely trade more easily.
2018 was slower in the back half of the year than we’ve seen in a while, which may have caused some buyers to put on the brakes in anticipation of a market decline. However, the recent surge in new buyer demand since January 1st, assuming it sustains thru the first half of the year, may alter that expectation.
According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Report, hiring growth in the bay area is strong with a 5% increase in job postings for Dec 2018 compared to Dec 2017. Job and wage growth are the biggest factors affecting consumer’s confidence in real estate. SF companies, Uber, Lyft, Slack and Postmates are all expected to IPO this year with AirBnB and Pinterest hot on their heels. This fresh new batch of millionaires will almost certainly have a lifting effect on housing prices.
Overall, we believe the 2019 market looks good for sellers and remains challenging for buyers. Political chaos at the National level is the greatest concern for market stability and appreciation locally.
This market report is brought to you in partnership with Phillip Cannon of Guaranteed Rate®.
