Noe Valley stands out as a village within the big city of
San Francisco. Despite how central this neighborhood is and how close it is to many of the Bay Area's busiest districts, Noe Valley has always distinguished itself as a more peaceful, upscale, and quaint part of the city. Its tidy rows of Victorian and Edwardian homes give it an old-world appeal, while the abundance of residences maintains a more tranquil vibe. Overall, Noe Valley truly feels more like a small village within the major metropolis, offering a lovely escape from all the hustle and bustle.
Where is Noe Valley in San Francisco?
Noe Valley lies squarely in the middle of San Francisco. The district even (arguably) deserves to be regarded as the city center when it comes to its geography. As one of
San Francisco's central neighborhoods, Noe Valley is right at the heart of the Bay Area. It's even surrounded by many of the city's most prominent areas. Eureka Valley borders the neighborhood to its north, Dolores Heights is to its east, Bernal Heights is to its southeast, Fairmount is to its south, and Diamond Heights is to its west. Who wouldn't want to stay here?
Is it Safe in Noe Valley, San Francisco?
Without a doubt! Not only is Noe Valley a generally safe neighborhood, but it ranks among the safest parts of town. It helps that it's a largely residential district, dominated by family homes and local businesses instead of the urban madness you'll find in other areas. This also helps maintain a level of peace that's relatively rare in the Bay Area, even more so since Noe Valley itself is a central neighborhood. Hence, it's no surprise that the place boasts some of the lowest
crime rates in San Francisco, right up there with the likes of Pacific Heights, Bernal Heights, and Nob Hill.
What's The Vibe in Noe Valley, San Francisco?
Noe Valley stands out with its suburban-like appeal at the heart of San Francisco. You'd think such a place would be along the outskirts of town, but the district lies squarely in the middle of the city. Because of its location, Noe Valley also has a tinge of the Bay Area's urban excitement, perfect for those
moving to San Francisco hoping to live in peace but still be close to all the action. With a level of affluence that's not too far from the likes of Pacific Heights and Nob Hill, Noe Valley is also fairly upscale.
Is it Expensive in Noe Valley, San Francisco?
Yes, it is. Noe Valley has some of the highest
living costs in San Francisco. While it's not necessarily the most expensive part of the Bay Area, it's definitely right up there. Take the average rent here, for instance, which is an overwhelming $4,522.00 per month. The city-wide average is $3,400.00 per month, which is already notably high compared to other major cities in the US. So the fact that Noe Valley's average rent is even higher than that further proves that the place is truly expensive. Eating out here typically costs about $20.00 to $50.00 per meal in a mid-range restaurant, too.
What to See in Noe Valley, San Francisco
Noe Valley doesn't have that many notable sights to see, but the few that are here are not to be overlooked. There's the famous 24th Street, for instance, which also serves as the neighborhood's main culinary and retail strip. This lively street, lined with the area's best places to eat, always guarantees a good time. And though it's technically not in the district itself, the iconic Mission Dolores Park is not too far from Noe Valley. You can easily get to this beloved green space from the area and enjoy its world-famous city views!
What to Do in Noe Valley, San Francisco
Noe Valley is where you go when you simply want to enjoy life in San Francisco. You can play tourist in other parts of the Bay Area. Here, you can eat out, shop, and have fun like the locals. There's the aforementioned 24th Street, for instance, which is more known among locals than tourists, and offers a slew of hotspots you won't find anywhere else. Be it a foodie tour or a shopping spree, there's no end to what you can do here. The city's famous Twin Peaks are also in the area, perfect for a scenic drive and enjoying some of the best city views in the Bat Area.
The Best Restaurants in Noe Valley, San Francisco
As already mentioned, 24th Street is the culinary heartbeat of Noe Valley. When people talk about San Francisco as the American food capital—or rather, one of the cities in the running for the title—they're usually referring to places like this. This one famous strip of fabulous eateries alone will give you a whirlwind of a foodie trip you won't ever get to experience anywhere else. Foreign favorites like Lupa Trattoria and Noe Indian Cuisine give it a global appeal, while local staples like Firefly Restaurant boast the Bay Area's unique flavors. What more could you ask for?
Noe Valley has some of the most fabulous hotspots in town, especially:
- Firefly Restaurant on 24th Street
- Lupa Trattoria on 24th Street
- Noe Indian Cuisine on 24th Street
- Novy Restaurant on 24th Street
- Saru Sushi Bar on 24th Street
- La Ciccia on 30th Street
- Memento SF on Castro Street
- Hamano Sushi on Castro Street
- Noeteca Wine Bar on Dolores Street
- L'Ardoise Bistro on Noe Street
What to Know About Renting in Noe Valley, San Francisco
Since it's one of the most affluent parts of town, rent in Noe Valley is considerably higher than the rest of the city. The average rent here is about $4,522.00 per month, which is already overwhelming in and of itself. So the fact that
renting a luxury apartment in San Francisco as a whole typically costs $3,400.00 per month proves that this is a truly expensive district. Moreover, that average figure mostly applies to smaller properties, ranging from a minimum of a studio flat to a maximum of a two-bedroom home. If you want a bigger place, expect to pay more, too.
Escape to Noe Valley and take a break from all the hustle and bustle in San Francisco. With a village-like vibe and a suburban-level tranquility, this upscale area provides a much-needed breather from the rest of the city.
