Perched atop some of the highest peaks of
San Francisco, Bernal Heights has long been renowned for its breathtaking views. These alone are enough to want to stay here, but the neighborhood itself has a lot more to offer. At its core, Bernal Heights is a peaceful residential district in the middle of the city. Though it's not exactly at the heart of the Bay Area, it remains central to the city as a whole. Its quiet village-like appeal offers a nice escape from the rest of San Francisco without having to leave the city altogether.
Where is Bernal Heights in San Francisco?
Though it's on the southeastern edge, Bernal Heights remains one of
San Francisco's central neighborhoods. It's even surrounded by many of the Bay Area's most prominent districts. Bernal Heights famously lies south of the Mission District, while the likes of Noe Valley, Fairmount, Produce Market, Portola, and Silver Terrace directly border the neighborhood. This just goes to show that, while the area may look and feel like a suburb, it's still right in the middle of the city. It may offer a nice, tranquil escape from the rest of the Bay Area, but staying here still keeps you near all the action.
Is it Safe in Bernal Heights, San Francisco?
Yes, it is. Not only is Bernal Heights a generally safe part of town, but it's also heavily regarded as one of the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Naturally, it helps that the neighborhood is largely more suburban than most. This residence-heavy district is a lot more peaceful compared to the rest of the city; hence, it tends to have some of the lowest
crime rates in San Francisco, too. Though it's still worth taking the safety precautions here at night, Bernal Heights remains safe enough that it's even suitable for families to settle down here.
What's The Vibe in Bernal Heights, San Francisco?
As already mentioned, Bernal Heights stands out for its more suburban-like appeal. This largely residential district has more family homes than commercial establishments, having built up a tight-knit community over the years. Though there are still many stores, restaurants, and the like nearby, this is still far from what a typical city district is. The Edwardian and Victorian homes may pique people's interest, but Bernal Heights rarely lures in tourists. This level of tranquility and local life are what makes the neighborhood more than suitable for families
moving to San Francisco.
Is it Expensive in Bernal Heights, San Francisco?
In a nutshell, yes, it is. Bernal Heights may not be the most expensive part of town, but it's definitely up there. The fact that it's a residential district is proof of that. Most of the locals here have bought their homes, which only goes to show that the area boasts fairly affluent residents. And if you can only afford to rent in Bernal Heights, expect to pay an average $4,195.00 per month here. That's already much higher than typical
living costs in San Francisco, since the city-wide average rent is $3,400.00 per month.
What to See in Bernal Heights, San Francisco
Since it's more of a city suburb than an urban district, Bernal Heights barely has any notable sights to see. Most of San Francisco's famous landmarks are located in more central areas, such as Union Square, The Castro, and even the nearby Mission District, among many others. Bernal Heights, on the other hand, only has incredible city views to offer. If you climb up its well-known Bernal Heights Park, one of the tallest peaks in the city, you'd get to see some of the most amazing views of the Bay Area. It's a sight worth every climb to get there!
What to Do in Bernal Heights, San Francisco
Bernal Heights gives you ample opportunity to truly live like a local in San Francisco. You can shop where the locals shop, eat where they enjoy their meals, and relax in the parks that aren't as popular as the city's other, more well-known green spaces. You can even see the area's striking old-world homes where people still actually live and go about their daily lives. The place may not be as lively as San Francisco's more central districts, but it nevertheless gives a better and more introspective peek into what living in the Bay Area is truly like.
The Best Restaurants in Bernal Heights, San Francisco
Speaking of eating where the locals eat, you'd be happy to know that Bernal Heights offers an amazing culinary scene. It's admittedly nowhere near the level of the city's more urban districts, which feature some of
San Francisco's best Michelin-starred restaurants, but the places to eat here are still nothing to scoff at. Cortland Avenue alone has such favorites as Seafood Station, United Dumplings, and 3rd Cousin, among many others. Just those three hotspots alone that Bernal Heights boasts a myriad of eateries of various cuisines, different price ranges, and more. What's not to love?
Don’t miss any or all of the best places to eat in Bernal Heights, especially:
- Blue Plate on Mission Street
- Cocina Mamá Cholita on Mission Street
- El Buen Comer on Mission Street
- The Rabbit Hole on Mission Street
- 3rd Cousin on Cortland Avenue
- Holy Water on Cortland Avenue
- Nute's Cortland Avenue
- Seafood Station on Cortland Avenue
- United Dumplings on Cortland Avenue
- Vega on Cortland Avenue
What to Know About Renting in Bernal Heights, San Francisco
As mentioned previously, renting in Bernal Heights is pretty expensive. The average rent here is a whopping $4,195.00 per month, considerably higher than the city-wide average, which is $3,400.00 per month. The latter alone is already expensive, as many other cities in the US have average rent that's mostly around $1,500.00 per month. The fact that
renting a luxury apartment in San Francisco typically costs more than double that proves just how expensive the city is. And since the common rental prices in Bernal Heights are even higher than that, it only goes to show that this neighborhood truly is expensive.
Despite its location in the middle of the city, Bernal Heights remains one of the most peaceful neighborhoods in San Francisco. It’s a great place to stay, whether you’re a single and ready to mingle or a family with little kids.
