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Bernal Heights Agency of Vivre Real Estate
Bernal Heights Park used to be one of the best-kept secrets in San Francisco — even after 2014, when Bernal Heights' North Slope micro-community was named the hottest neighborhood in the country for homebuyers.. Even still, many commuters haven’t been familiarized with the Bernal Heights’ small-town-in-the-middle-of-San-Francisco vibe, because it isn’t really on the way to anywhere. As top Bernal Heights real estate agents, we live, work, and play in Bernal Heights. Let us show you what it is like to live in this picturesque neighborhood.
The most prominent feature in Bernal Heights is the 435-foot tall peak of Bernal Heights Park. It is a fantastic spot to absorb sweeping, 360-degree panoramic views of San Francisco. The only way to get there is to walk the Bernal Heights Boulevard — a paved, limited-access road — all the way to the top.
There are many attractions and activities at the park, including an off-leash dog play area and the annual San Francisco Illegal Soapbox Society’s derby. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that the park is also a natural refuge, with native grasses and wildflowers that attract all kinds of animals, from red-tailed hawks and American kestrels, to lizards, gophers, and even the (once-extinct in the area) coyote.
Bernal Heights is a family-oriented neighborhood with a village feel. Colorful, period-style homes sit alongside rustic hideaways and contemporary, high-tech bungalows. There are fun and quirky details scattered throughout the community, such as secret staircases, slides, and even messages inscribed in unexpected places.
Bernal Heights features excellent transport links, with access to Muni rail and bus services, the J-Church trolley, and 24th St Mission BART. With US-101 to the east and I-280 to the south, it is also great for commuters.
There are two other open green spaces in the neighborhood: Holly Park (one of San Francisco’s oldest city parks) and Precita Park.
Holly Park is a great place to take the kids. It is a little pocket of green with a playground, basketball and tennis courts, a baseball field, and a wooden-fenced barbecue and picnic area.
Precita Park is the perfect place for a game of frisbee, being three city blocks long and one block wide. It also has a colorful play structure, a sandpit, and a gated playground with lots of benches around the perimeter.
Affectionately coined “the people’s market,” the open-air Alemany Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the US. It has been in its present location since 1947, with farming families who have been sellers there for three generations. It operates every Saturday, rain or shine. Look for the colorful stalls and free parking!
There is lots to see and do in Bernal Heights. The Cortland Corridor along Cortland Avenue, Bernal Heights’ main thoroughfare, boasts a historic public library, boutique shops, bars, and restaurants. There is also a collection of restaurants and cafés nearer Cesar Chavez Avenue, allowing an even wider selection of tasty dining to Bernal Heights residents. Bernal Heights sits just south of the Mission District too, where there are plenty more entertainment and recreation options.
Homes near Bernal Heights Park are still, surprisingly, relatively affordable compared with some other parts of San Francisco. Come check out the iconic views and beautiful parks, spend some time on the patio seats of a nice bar or restaurant, or enjoy the lush and green outdoor spaces. Contact us to find out more about living in this quaint, eclectic, friendly neighborhood
Parks are central to a healthy community. Not only is the well being a neighborhood reflected in the state of it’s park, so is the health of it’s community. In our series on the parks of Bernal Heights, we’ve covered the unique features of St. Mary’s Park and Precitia Park.
Holly Park, went through a major revitalization project in early 2002. Eugenie Marek and activist friends formed the The Friends of Holly Park . The result was a beautiful park that is safe, peaceful and a little sister to the infamous Bernal Hill. Here are some features of Holly Park that will make you add it to your next urban adventure with the kids or the dog.
Walking up Bocana Street you immediately see the grassy knoll of Holly Park Circle up the block. The park has a 360 view. Kids play on the baseball diamond, basketball courts and the jungle gym. There’s open grass areas, a BBQ pit and shady picnic areas. Neighbors walk dogs on leashes around the circle and play tennis on well maintained courts. A Workout on the Hill uses all the parks in Bernal Heights as their playground. They meet at Holly Park early in the morning to tone and tighten the mind, body and spirit, offering outdoor workouts to the neighborhood.
According to the Parks Alliance, community activism has strong roots in Bernal Heights. It’s one of San Francisco’s oldest parks, established in 1870. When houses, families and roads sprung up in the area, the Holly Park Improvement Club put pressure on the city to pave a circle around the park. It opened in 1874 so residents could use the park instead of making the long trek to Golden Gate Park.
You can get to Holly Park from Bocana Street, Highland Avenue, Appleton Avenue and Murray Street. It’s a short walk from the shops and restaurants on Cortland Avenue. Buses that go there are the #24 Divisadero, #67 Bernal Heights, #23 Monterey and the #14 Mission.
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Link Love:
A Walk in Precita Park for Mind, Body & Spirit
St. Mary’s Park: A Well Kept SF Secret
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Jen Baxter is a writer, photographer and San Francisco native. She tells stories encouraging people to be more independent, aware and creative. You can find other amazing articles about community at JenBaxter.com or follow her on Instagram @JenBaxterSF