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Bernal Heights

Bernal Heights

$1,590,936 Average Value
$1,164 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Bernal Heights is a hillside spot known for small-town charm

Bernal Heights is a quiet San Francisco community known for its namesake hill, local parks and plenty of early-20th century charm. Despite its steep slopes, the neighborhood offers convenient commuter access and walkability to trendy shops and restaurants along Mission Street. The area has a history of progressive activism and remains popular with creatives, families and dog owners, contributing to its offbeat, bohemian character.

Bernal heights is home to some of San Francisco's best single family homes.
Bernal heights is home to some of San Francisco's best single family homes.
A view of Benal Heights from the north.
A view of Benal Heights from the north.
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Homes with illtop views and varied architecture

Bernal Heights showcases wide streets with eclectic architecture, from Victorian, Marina and Craftsman-style homes to new builds and contemporary condos. The elevation provides gorgeous views of the skyline, the bay and the surrounding hills. The neighborhood is known for being pricey, though it's still slightly more affordable than some neighboring San Francisco districts, like Noe Valley. Single-family homes typically range from $1 million to $3.5 million, while condo prices typically range from the upper $500,000s to $2 million. “Houses sell pretty fast as long as they are priced well,” says Bobbi Levenson, a Realtor with Compass Real Estate who has lived in the area for 20 years. “It’s a desirable area.”

A quaint pink home above San Francisco in Bernal Heights.
A quaint pink home above San Francisco in Bernal Heights.
A cute, and small, victorian home in Bernal heights.
A cute, and small, victorian home in Bernal heights.
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Bernal Heights is hilly but walkable

Bernal Heights is highly walkable, especially around Cortland Avenue and Mission Street. Groceries, cafes, playgrounds and shops are accessible on foot, making car-free living realistic. The hills can be challenging, depending on where you live in the neighborhood. Several parks are also within easy walking distance, adding to everyday convenience.

Bernal Heights is a very colorful neighborhood to explore.
Bernal Heights is a very colorful neighborhood to explore.
A man walking their dog in Holly Park in Bernal Heights.
A man walking their dog in Holly Park in Bernal Heights.
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Dining and shopping along Cortland Avenue and Mission

Bernal Heights’ shopping and dining options are centered around Cortland Avenue and Mission Street. High-end eateries, hole-in-the-wall dive bars, local markets and chic cafes are all found here:

  • Barebottle Brewing Company serves craft beer with rotating food trucks.
  • Black Jet Baking Co. sells breakfast pastries and baked goods.
  • Good Life Grocery, Epicurean Trader and Safeway have groceries.

Black Jet Baking Co. has sweet treets and esspreso for its locals.
Black Jet Baking Co. has sweet treets and esspreso for its locals.
The Good Life Grocery in Bernal Heights has fresh, organic groceries.
The Good Life Grocery in Bernal Heights has fresh, organic groceries.
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Parks and outdoor spaces are right around the corner

Bernal Heights is rich in outdoor spaces, with four main parks serving the community. At the center is Bernal Heights Park, whose summit offers 360-degree views and light hiking trails. Precita Park and Holly Park provide family-friendly playgrounds, picnic areas and open lawns, while St. Mary’s Park offers green space and a dog park on the neighborhood’s southern edge. With a mild microclimate and ample sunshine, outdoor life is a major part of the neighborhood's identity.

A family braves the chilly wind atop Bernal Heights Park to enjoy a little picnic.
A family braves the chilly wind atop Bernal Heights Park to enjoy a little picnic.
Holly Parks is a lovely cornerstone of Bernal Heights.
Holly Parks is a lovely cornerstone of Bernal Heights.
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Warm, sunny weather with limited fog

Bernal Heights tends to have some of San Francisco's warmest, sunniest weather, thanks to its southeastern location. “The weather is probably one of the biggest draws for Bernal Heights,” Annunziata says. While fog still rolls in from the ocean, it is generally less frequent than in western neighborhoods. The exposed hilltop can be breezy, but lower slopes enjoy pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities.

Commuting and transit options in Bernal Heights

Bernal Heights offers a mix of transit options, with freeway access and extensive bus coverage complementing its generally walkable layout. “It’s in a great location for getting around the city,” says Michael Annunziata of North Point Real Estate, who has worked in the city for more than a decade. Key points:

  • Direct access to U.S. Route 101 and Interstate 280, supporting commutes
  • Multiple bus lines and connections to BART
  • Walkable and bikeable streets despite steep slopes
  • Approximately 10 miles from San Francisco International Airport

Glen Park BART is the first stop in San Francisco as trains pass under Bernal Heights.
Glen Park BART is the first stop in San Francisco as trains pass under Bernal Heights.
There are many Muni stops within the Bernal Heights neighborhood.
There are many Muni stops within the Bernal Heights neighborhood.
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What makes parking difficult in the neighborhood

Parking can be a challenge, especially in the evenings when more people are home. The density of housing and narrow, hilly streets mean spaces fill quickly. Parking tends to be somewhat easier than in busier neighborhoods like Inner Mission, but patience is still required. On the upside, Bernal’s walkability reduces the need to drive for daily errands.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Eli Tye
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Tyler Hall
Video By
Tyler Hall

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Francisco International

19 min drive

Subway

Glen Park Station

Subway

San Jose Ave & Randall St

Bus

Mission St & Highland Ave

Bus

Folsom St & Stoneman St

Bus

Cortland Ave & Folsom St

Bus

Ripley St & Folsom St

Bus

Mission St & Appleton Ave

Bus

Mission St & Murray St

Bus

Bosworth St & Rotteck St

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Bernal Heights US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
5,249
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Median Year Built
1926
Months of Supply
0.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,423
Significantly below the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,714
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,099
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
752
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
573
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

Open Houses

  • Tuesday, May 12
    2 - 4pm

    249 Coleridge St, San Francisco, CA 94110

    $1,095,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 249 Coleridge St
    • New 4 days ago

    249 Coleridge a circa-1896 Victorian corner-parcel condominium on Bernal's tree-lined Western Slope has 2 bedrooms, 1 updated bathroom, garage parking, a ~ 300 sqft deeded garden, and ~1,000 sqft of living area. While 249 maintains its stately Victorian vibe, it's been updated so you can live your best life in one of the best and warmest neighborhoods in the City. Updates include a newer roof,

    Kevin Ho Vanguard Properties

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  • Tuesday, May 12
    2 - 4pm

    215 Bradford St, San Francisco, CA 94110

    $1,295,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,334 Sq Ft
    • 215 Bradford St
    • New 12 days ago

    Extensively remodeled Bernal Heights home in a very walkable location, tucked away just off Cortland Ave. 3BR/2BA, approx. 1,334 sq. ft. (per graphic artist), featuring a stunning open-concept renovation. The main level showcases a light-filled kitchen with an island offering dual prep space, a custom pantry with pull-out drawers, a Bosch appliance suite, and a skylight illuminating the kitchen

    Ruth Krishnan Compass

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  • Tuesday, May 12
    2 - 4pm

    637 San Jose Ave Unit 639, San Francisco, CA 94110

    $1,500,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,601 Sq Ft
    • 637 San Jose Ave
    • Unit 639
    • New 4 days ago

    637-639 San Jose Avenue is a charming Edwardian style duplex located in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood. The bottom-floor unit consists of a two-bedroom, one-bath flat and the top floor is a two-level, three-bedroom, two-bath unit. There is two-car tandem parking and an extra storage area in the basement that leads to the backyard. The units are separately metered for gas and

    Dimitris Drolapas Coldwell Banker Commercial Rea

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
11
Median Rent
$3,550
Median Single Family Home Rent
$5,500
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,500
Median Townhouse Rent
$4,790
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$5,145
Median Condo Rent
$3,600
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$4,695

Demographics

Total Population
21,179
Median Age
43
Population Density
30 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$161,459
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$181,459

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.5%
College Graduates
58.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
22''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
68°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Very friendly

Bike Score®

80 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

Walk Score®

90 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

Transit Score®

100 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Bernal Heights