by Ann Hinds

Created on: August 14, 2011   Last Updated: August 16, 2011

The Pacific Heights neighborhood in San Francisco, California lives up to the hype. This affluent neighborhood is no less ritzy than it was in the times following the 1906 earthquake when many of the Victorian and Edwardian homes replaced the smaller homes built in the 1840’s. Sitting at the top of a hill with incredible views of San Francisco Bay, the Presidio, and the Golden Gate Bridge, it continues to be a sought-after location.

Beside the views and the impressive homes, part of the draw may be that it is centrally located. Within two miles residents have access to downtown San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown. It is less than a mile from the Presidio. Located in zip code 94115, Van Ness Avenue marks the eastern border and Lyon Street to the west. The northern border is Union Street or Green Street depending on what guide is used. The Pacific Heights guidelines claim the border at Union Street but the Cow Hollow neighborhood claims Allyne Park, making the northern border Green Street. Either way, the park is one of two in the vicinity. The southern boundary is Bush Street according to the Pacific Heights guidelines while the real estate guides point to California Street.

Allyne Park has lots of redwood trees that provide shade for visitors to the park. Although the park is small, it is a very popular place to escape the madness of the traffic and the hustle and bustle of its surroundings. It is also a very popular place to bring canine friends. It is close to the Octagon House that is unique to the area and is a historical landmark.  

Alta Plaza Park is in the center of the neighborhood with no dispute over the boundaries. Almost 12-acres, it overlooks most of San Francisco and it is worth a visit just for the views. There is a playground that even older kids can enjoy and dogs are welcomed here. There are basketball courts and the view from the tennis courts may distract players from the game.     

Pacific Heights is also the name of a film that was released in 1990. While the title of the film suggests this neighborhood and was set in San Francisco, a home in the Potrero Hills area was used for the actual filming.

William L. Cobb Elementary School and Gateway High School are the two public schools that are less than a mile away with the middle school being a little further out. The neighborhood is riddled with private schools. Several consulates call this district home including those from Russia and Germany.

Being in the center of major shopping and dining makes it easy for the residents to find the things they need and want. However, the Pacific Heights neighborhood does offer trendy boutiques and dining opportunities on Fillmore Street as well as another shopping area at California and Divisadero Streets.

Great parks, eclectic shopping and dining, and exceptional views make this million dollar neighborhood a choice for many.

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