Tree-lined streets, grand Victorian and Edwardian homes, and a neighborhood commercial district where everyone knows your name…that’s Cole Valley. Close to the Haight, Buena Vista Park, and Golden Gate Park, it’s a quaint enclave with an early 20th century San Francisco vibe.
Cole Valley Neighborhood Vibe
Truly a quintessential San Francisco neighborhood, with tree-lined streets, Victorian and Edwardian homes, a bustling commercial area, and proximity to Golden Gate Park. It’s a cozy enclave known for one of the best Halloween block parties in the City (hello, Belvedere Street) and the birthplace of SF’s beloved Cole Hardware.
Popular Home Styles
Properties in Cole Valley are a mix of single-family houses, condominiums in smaller buildings (often conversions from apartment buildings), and some units in 5- or 6-unit buildings. It was mainly built out in the early 1900s to 1920s, so Edwardians and Victorians are quite common.
Getting Around
The N-Judah runs on Carl Street near the northern edge of Cole Valley, giving commuters to downtown easy access to work. A few bus lines serve the area as well. It’s also a great neighborhood for walking — a bit hilly, but the commercial corridor on Cole Street is flat and pedestrian-friendly.
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The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square may show up on postcards, but Cole Valley has an equally San Francisco vibe. The tree-lined streets are home to picturesque Victorian and Edwardian homes, and the area benefits from weather with a reputation for being fairly mild and sunny, with a geography that shelters it from the fog fairly well. If you choose to make Cole Valley your home, you’ll also find yourself within walking distance to Golden Gate Park, Kezar Stadium, the UCSF Parnassus Campus, and the Haight. You’ll also be able to take advantage of good public transit access to downtown via the N-Judah as well as several bus stops.
If Halloween is your favorite holiday, then Cole Valley should be your favorite neighborhood. Every year the residents of Belvedere Street go all out, blocking off their street and turning it into a collection of awesome decorated Halloween houses with plenty of ghosts and goblins handing out tricks and treats to children in costume. It’s always a wonderful time to try and watch the neighbors outdo each other, and kids absolutely love it.