Bernal Heights
Homes for Sale

Bernal Heights has a reputation for quirky homes, but to many residents, it is a beloved location that inspires their fierce defense and praise.

Bernal Heights was sparsely populated until the great quake of 1906. Buildings on the hill escaped the quake relatively unscathed, and it suddenly became a rather popular destination for families and residents seeking some assurance of safety after they watched their city burn to the ground.

It was not a particularly affluent district, and many of the houses started as one- or two-room shacks, with additional rooms being added as necessity demanded and money permitted, which leads to the quirky and “very Bernal” homes that exist today in the ‘hood.

Shopping and dining are centered around Cortland Avenue, with homes within a short walking distance of this area being a highly desired item. Cortland is filled with organic food shops, a variety of ethnic restaurants, and lots of funky little shops owned and run by neighborhood residents.

Public transit in the area is primarily via Muni buses, although residents on the northwest corner of the hill are within walking distance of the 24th street BART station and those on the west side can walk several blocks to the Glen Park BART station. Commuters to Silicon Valley love the neighborhood for its convenient access to the I-280 freeway.

Homes on the west side of Bernal Heights will often have great views of Twin Peaks, while homes on the east side are known for having views of the San Francisco Bay (although homes on the east side can also get a heavy amount of freeway noise from the 101).

There are numerous parks in the neighborhood, and even some hidden slides, with Precita Park on the north slope being one of the neighborhood favorites. The area also has a reputation for being a very dog-friendly area, so if you are looking for a pooch-centered community, this might be your perfect neighborhood.

Bernal Heights Neighborhood Vibe

Quirky homes, great weather, and a historically relaxed vibe create a beloved location that inspires the fierce defense and praise of neighborhood residents. Block parties and friendly neighbors are the norm in this neighborhood.

Popular Bernal Heights Home Styles

Primarily single family homes, with condos in older wood-frame buildings belonging to smaller (typically 2 – 4 home) associations. When originally built the neighborhood wasn’t an affluent area, and many homes began as one- or two-room shacks that were expanded as necessity demanded and money permitted. Get ready for some quirky and “very Bernal” floor plan layouts.

Getting Around in Bernal Heights

Public transit to, from, and through Bernal is primarily via Muni buses, although residents on the Northwest corner of the hill are within walking distance of the 24th Street BART station and those on the southwest side can walk several blocks to the Glen Park BART station. Commuters to Silicon Valley love the neighborhood for its convenient access to the I-280 freeway.

Median Sales Price

Median sales price is calculated based on sold data and doesn’t account for seller concessions. Median price represents the point at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less. In smaller neighborhoods like many of those found in San Francisco, this metric is less likely to be influenced by extremely high or low sales prices that don’t represent the typical neighborhood home.

Days on Market

Days on Market indicates how quickly or slowly homes are selling in the neighborhood. The lower the days on market (DOM), the stronger the market is for sellers, all other things being equal.

Number of Active Listings

The number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of a given month. Fewer homes available for sale may indicate a seasonal trend or market dynamics that favor a seller more than a buyer.

Sales Price Compared to List Price

In strong or balanced markets, homes in San Francisco typically sell over asking. In a buyer’s market, homes will sell at list price or slightly under. If a home has had price reductions, the calculation is based on the last listed price.

Price per Square Foot

Price per square foot is most useful when the homes are almost identical in size, age, layout and other factors important to buyers. Our experience suggests it is a more valuable metric in larger condo buildings and less valuable for homes in neighborhoods built with a diverse selection of styles, sizes, and ages.

Where is Bernal Heights?

Bernal Heights is a neighborhood along the southern edge of the central districts of San Francisco. It is bordered by Noe Valley and Glen Park to the west, the Inner Mission to the north, Bayview to the east, and Mission Terrace, Portola, and the Excelsior to the south. On an SFAR (San Francisco Association of Realtors) MLS map, Bernal Heights is identified as neighborhood 9a.

Are there any notable historical landmarks or sites in Bernal Heights?

During the Civil War, Army engineers from the Presidio laid out the area’s streets, resulting in many streets named after military figures. The neighborhood was first settled largely by Irish immigrants who farmed the land and operated dairy ranches. According to legend, a small gold rush erupted in 1876 when con artists planted traces of gold on the hilltop.

Many of the earthquake cottages built here after the Big Quake of 1906 stood the test of time, and some remain today. The San Francisco Public Library branch at 500 Cortland was designed by Frederick H. Meyer, funded by the Works Progress Administration, and dedicated in 1940. Locals still enjoy browsing the The Alemany Farmers’ Market, one of the oldest operating farmers’ markets in the U.S., held here every Saturday since 1947.

What is there to do in Bernal Heights?

Bernal Heights offers a ridiculously charming mix of residential, commercial, and recreational diversions. Its most notable feature is the Bernal Heights Summit, visible from many corners of the city, which offers car-free urban hiking and dog walking. The commercial corridors along Cortland Avenue and near Precita Park are bustling with small shops, restaurants, groceries, and coffee joints. Bernal Heights features a community center, street fairs, a mural art center, and the rumored San Francisco Illegal Soapbox Society’s annual derby.

How does the community vibe in Bernal Heights contribute to its real estate appeal?

Bernal Heights has a history of diversity and activism, diluted a bit now by gentrification. As one of the city’s most distinctive neighborhoods, Bernal Heights has a bit of everything, including outdoor parks, steep and winding hills, and a self-contained shopping corridor along Cortland Avenue, where locals can grab everything from organic groceries to coffee to Bikram sessions.

Where can I find new construction in Bernal Heights?

As an “already built” neighborhood, Bernal Heights is not a neighborhood where you should expect to find substantial new construction projects. Smaller developers may renovate/flip existing single family properties, or may take advantage of recent housing laws to add additional units to already existing housing. Transit corridors and major neighborhood streets are the most likely areas for new construction buildings in already built neighborhoods with existing housing stock.

What are the average home prices in Bernal Heights, and how have they trended?

You can scroll up to see our market charts showing current neighborhood prices and other real estate trends for Bernal Heights. We update these charts dynamically as new data becomes available. Reach out to us to learn more about prices, trends, and possibilities in Bernal Heights.