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