Serenity on 14th Street

Sunny, flat, and centrally located, the Mission represents the heart and especially the soul San Francisco. Equally attractive to immigrants and a burgeoning herd of hipsters in ironic t-shirts, the Mission is still the melting pot of San Francisco. Here you'll find traditional Mexican taquerias and panaderias, pop up galleries, freshly minted block-long live/work lofts in former canneries, and a new generation of chefs determined to make their mark and earn a Michelin star. The neighborhood is highly walkable: a major urban shopping center at 16th and Potrero offers groceries, a gym, post office, office supplies, and a Peets Coffee. The museum district at 3rd and Howard is nearby, and the ball park is not far. Public Transportation is great. MUNI bus lines crisscross the neighborhoods and there two BART stations at 16th and Mission and 24th and Mission serve the neighborhood.

With the rise of the dot-coms in the mid-90s, the old industrial warehouses of the Mission district were converted into open air, floor through workspaces. These attracted a new kind of immigrant population: educated, highly skilled, and eagerly looking for the next big thing: be it entertainment, dining, culture, or dance club. And they wanted to be able to walk to work, or at least ride their bike.
Housing was developed to match the taste and needs of this generation of newcomers. Many of the old warehouses preserved their old brick facades. Inside luxury interiors feature exposed brick walls, huge timbered beams, two-story high living rooms with airy ceilings, industrial kitchens, and of course, high speed Internet connections.

The vibrant neighborhood of Dolores Heights is located just west of the Mission District and is sandwiched between The Castro and Noe Valley and is considered one of the Bay Area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Victorian and Edwardian-style homes – many of which were built in the early 20th-Century – make up a majority of the real estate in Dolores Heights, with condos and townhomes sprinkled throughout. Since the Twin Peaks block the strong winds from the west, Dolores Heights residents enjoy a warm, sunny climate compared to other San Francisco neighborhoods.

Mission Dolores Park hugs the eastern border of Dolores Heights, and is a popular gathering place for outdoor activities and festivals. The grassy lawns are ideal for afternoon picnics or kicking around a soccer ball. Amenities provided at Mission Dolores Park include tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, and two off-leash dog areas. The park also hosts a variety of events including Film Nights and live performances.

When residents of Dolores Heights want to enjoy a fun night out with friends, or a delicious meal without venturing too far from home, 24th Street is one of the more popular options. Notable shops and restaurants in Dolores Heights include:

Terra Mia Ceramic Studio: Let your creativity shine with your children or friends with a day of painting ceramic pottery! Terra Mia also offers a private room for parties and groups, which can hold anywhere from 6 to 14 people!
Hi-Way Burger & Fry: With massive portions of high-quality burgers, fries, and milkshakes, Hi-Way Burger & Fry is the ultimate burger joint near Dolores Heights.
Saru Sushi Bar: This quaint sushi and sake bar may not look like much, but with a Zagat rating of 4.6 for their food, it’s easy to see why locals and tourists flock here. If you love sushi, Saru Sushi Bar is a must-visit.

The 24th Street and Mission BART Station is less than a mile from Dolores Heights, which provides easy access to Silicon Valley, the Financial District, and Oakland. Additionally, the Muni “J” route, which runs down Church St, is another viable option for commuting to and from Union Square and the Theater District.