Pacific Heights is known for breathtaking views, sunny days, and screen-worthy Victorian architecture. It boasts some of the most affluent blocks in San Francisco. With manicured green spaces, highly-rated schools, and plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from, it is no wonder that it has always been such a desirable place to live. There are a variety of living options to fit any lifestyle. You will find a mix of luxury condominiums, high-end townhouses, and large single-family homes here. Here are the six reasons people love living in Pacific Heights, San Francisco.
Well-preserved Victorian architecture
While the 1906 earthquake destroyed much of San Francisco, many Victorian houses in Pacific Heights survived intact. These colorful homes date as far back as the late 1800s when cable cars made other parts of the city accessible and San Francisco's elite moved up from downtown. A second migration happened after the earthquake as more people chose to rebuild their mansions up the hills.
Sometimes considered the Hollywood of San Francisco, you will find several beautiful homes that have been featured in the movies and on television. Among them are the Hillard House, which was featured in "Mrs. Doubtfire," and the Salinger House in the television drama "Party of Five." Other notable homes include the Walker House, an Italianate-style Victorian built in 1879, and the Haas-Lilienthal House, a Queen Anne-style Victorian built in 1886. This one is open to the public as a museum.
Amazing views and picturesque streets
Pacific Heights was first developed in the mid-1800s and has been constantly improved upon since then. Many streets offer amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. A local favorite is the stairs on Broadway Avenue and Lyon Street, where you can see the dome of the Palace of Fine Arts. Or you can go up the grand staircase leading to Alta Plaza Park to get a bird's eye of the city.
You will find rows of beautiful homes all over Pacific Heights. Washington Street is one of the prettiest, with the Spreckels Mansion at the corner of Gough Street. Of course, no street can hold a candle to "Billionaires' Row," which is the three-block stretch on Broadway Street between Lyon Street and Divisadero Street. Some of the most majestic homes in the entire area are here. Famous residents include tech founders and CEOs, famous authors, and financiers.
World-class shopping and dining
Another picturesque street is also Pacific Heights' main shopping area. Fillmore Street features designer brands and a host of chic boutiques. You will find everything from women's shops, such as Rag and Bone and Lululemon, to home design company Jonathan Adler and fine jeweler Trabert Goldsmiths.
Fillmore Street is filled with trendy eateries, chic cafes, and the ultimate in fine dining. Michelin star-rated SPQR offers a five-course tasting menu. They specialize in upscale Italian cuisine using the best local ingredients. Executive chef Matthew Accarrino draws from his Italian heritage to produce food that is both technique-driven and soulful. For French food, Chouquet's is a sleek modern bistro, and Florio Bar and Cafe serves a combination of French and Italian cuisine in an elegant, brasserie-style setting. Other highlights include Verve wine, founded by Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson, who starred in the documentary Somm, and a James Beard award-winning chef’s pizza restaurant, Pizzeria Delfina.
Highly-rated schools
Pacific Heights has excellent public and private schools. San Francisco Public Montessori is the only public Montessori school; it offers both a pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) and elementary school program. Students learn in a multi-age classroom environment where they spend afternoons following a traditional Montessori curriculum which allows the student to work at their own pace under teacher supervision.
Pacific Heights is also home to some of the oldest independent-run private schools in San Francisco. Convent and Stuart Hall was established in 1887 and is considered one of the best private schools in the Bay Area. There are two single-sex schools under one umbrella. Convent is an all-girls school, and Stuart Hall is an all-boys school. The Hamlin School is the oldest non-sectarian all-girls day school in the west and has a strong STEM-focused curriculum.
Beautiful green spaces
Alta Plaza Park is one of the crown jewels of Pacific Heights. A majestic staircase leads you up to panoramic views of San Francisco. There is a huge playground, mature trees, and tennis courts. It is also dog-friendly and is one of the best places to watch the sunset.
Lafayette Park encompasses four blocks featuring grassy lawns and great city views. The first astronomical observatory on the West Coast was built here in 1879. Today it is a local favorite for people-watching and picnics. There is also a tennis court, a playground, and an off-leash dog park.
On the border of Presidio Heights, the Presidio of San Francisco is a national park that comprises a network of nature trails and several historic landmarks, including Crissy Field, the San Francisco Marina, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Higher elevation
San Francisco is known for cold, foggy weather. But in fact, there are actually micro-climates within the city. At 400 feet above sea level, Pacific Heights is not hampered by the fog as the rest of San Francisco, especially in the mornings when a thick fog usually hangs over the city. In Pacific Heights, the mornings might be cloudy, but they open up to sunny skies later in the day. So the weather is also warmer. Living in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, means you will enjoy more sunshine here compared to other neighborhoods in the city. Residents often go to one of the parks to sunbathe. On hot summer days, the higher elevation sees ocean breezes pass through.
Work with the best agent in Pacific Heights
If you are considering moving to Pacific Heights, contact The Wilkerson Team. They will give you all the insights about the neighborhood. They can also tell you what the local lifestyle is like and tell you all the things to do nearby in Pacific Heights, San Francisco. As one of the area's top teams, they can tell you everything you need to know about the local real estate market.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
