What's your favorite SF neighborhood and why?

[04kL4nD]

I just think it's overrated, that's all. There are a dozen other neighborhoods I'd rather hang out/live in (you actually named some of them, including West Portal), but I guess nostalgia counts for something.

[smashystyle]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

I don't really get see what the big deal is with the Inner Richmond or the Inner Sunset- especially the Inner Sunset. 9th/Irving is alright, but compared to any decent neighborhood in Oakland (Rockridge, Lake Merritt, Piedmont ave), it offers similar shops/dining, but with much worse weather, higher rents, and less parking. When I was in grad school people used to rave about what an awesome neighborhood it was and I would just sorta smile and nod and wonder if people had ever left the confines of the city. I know a friend in med school paying $1700 to share an apartment in the Inner Sunset and he brags about what a good deal he's getting. Okay.

I think the point of people's posts is that Oakland neighborhoods wouldn't be comparable. What makes them similar to the Inner Richmond or Inner Sunset? Similar shops and dining is the only thing you mention, but even this I don't think is true. The SF neighborhoods have excellent, affordable Chinese food for one, whereas the Oakland neighborhoods are better equipped with trendy restaurants. The Inner Richmond also has the benefit of the best bookstore in the Bay Area. Plus there are things about the Inner Richmond that I like better than any of those Oakland neighborhoods (which I do like, to be fair). Proximity to Golden Gate Park, the foggy weather (yes, weather is subjective, you can't just say Oakland's is better), slightly more density/dynamism, and -- perhaps most of all -- being a quick trip to a number of other great neighborhoods in the city.

[dalparadise]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

I don't really get see what the big deal is with the Inner Richmond or the Inner Sunset- especially the Inner Sunset. 9th/Irving is alright, but compared to any decent neighborhood in Oakland (Rockridge, Lake Merritt, Piedmont ave), it offers similar shops/dining, but with much worse weather, higher rents, and less parking. When I was in grad school people used to rave about what an awesome neighborhood it was and I would just sorta smile and nod and wonder if people had ever left the confines of the city. I know a friend in med school paying $1700 to share an apartment in the Inner Sunset and he brags about what a good deal he's getting. Okay.

I don't agree that there are comparable places in Oakland. Oakland neighborhoods may be even better, for all I know. But, there's no neighborhood in Oakland that I know of that feels like Inner Sunset or Inner Richmond. Both have a San Francisco aura about them and its palpable. Is it worth what it costs to live there? That's up to the individual. But, living in Oakland would be a poor substitute for someone who values living in San Francisco.