Living with a Dog in SF (Richmond, Alamo: apartments, rentals, house)

[CosmicBlue]

How hard is it to find rentals in SF that will allow a larger dog? I have a labrador retriever. I've been contemplating a move, but the difficulty will probably be finding places that would allow my dog.

For those big dog owners in the city, what are your experiences? What are some good areas to consider? Preferably, I'd like to be near a park, but my dog loves to walk no matter where it is. He loves people and other dogs.

[gizmo980]

I have a medium-sized dog (38 lbs), and I'll be honest with you, it wasn't easy finding a rental!!! I ended up renting a house near the Bayview district, and got a pretty sweet deal... $2195 for 3 bedrooms & 2 baths, with a small fenced yard & two parking spots. I have to share it with roommates, since that's a bit much for me, but that was my only option. There are some dog-friendly apartments in the Tenderloin/Union Square, but they're too small for a large dog IMO - and not the safest part of town.

As for neighborhoods, I can suggest which ones are best for a dog, but that doesn't mean you'll find a rental. What is your budget, and are you willing to share housing? Without knowing that information or what's available, I'll suggest the following areas... Bernal Heights, Alamo Square, Mission-Dolores, outer Sunset & Presidio. These all have nice dog parks & dog-friendly recreation nearby, although you can honestly find that in MANY parts of SF.

Once you find a place to live, this city is surprisingly dog-friendly, and you can even bring them into most stores. FYI, my dog's (and my) favorite park is MacLaren Park in Visitacion Valley/Portola, but I'm not sure if you'd want to live there. I also like the dog park at St. Mary's in Bernal Heights, and Bernal Hill is really fun for them too. I'm not a big fan of Mission-Dolores Park, because it's too close to a busy street & not fenced-in. Anyway, search craigslist until your eyes turn red, and I wish you luck in your quest.

[CosmicBlue]

Originally Posted by gizmo980

I have a medium-sized dog (38 lbs), and I'll be honest with you, it wasn't easy finding a rental!!! I ended up renting a house near the Bayview district, and got a pretty sweet deal... $2195 for 3 bedrooms & 2 baths, with a small fenced yard & two parking spots. I have to share it with roommates, since that's a bit much for me, but that was my only option. There are some dog-friendly apartments in the Tenderloin/Union Square, but they're too small for a large dog IMO - and not the safest part of town.

As for neighborhoods, I can suggest which ones are best for a dog, but that doesn't mean you'll find a rental. What is your budget, and are you willing to share housing? Without knowing that information or what's available, I'll suggest the following areas... Bernal Heights, Alamo Square, Mission-Dolores, outer Sunset & Presidio. These all have nice dog parks & dog-friendly recreation nearby, although you can honestly find that in MANY parts of SF.

Once you find a place to live, this city is surprisingly dog-friendly, and you can even bring them into most stores. FYI, my dog's (and my) favorite park is MacLaren Park in Visitacion Valley/Portola, but I'm not sure if you'd want to live there. I also like the dog park at St. Mary's in Bernal Heights, and Bernal Hill is really fun for them too. I'm not a big fan of Mission-Dolores Park, because it's too close to a busy street & not fenced-in. Anyway, search craigslist until your eyes turn red, and I wish you luck in your quest.

Thanks for the input. I'm looking at about $2,500 for a one or two bedroom. I could go up to $3,000, but I don't want to get too crazy with rent. Maybe I might have to, if I can't find dog friendly landlords.

I'd prefer to be within the city. I've most of my life in the suburbs of LA and I think SF is the best west coast city.

[gizmo980]

OK, with that price range it should be easier to find a place... start with the neighborhoods I mentioned, but there are lots of others that would work. I'd personally say that Bernal Heights is the most dog-friendly neighborhood, as just about everyone has a dog there. They also have a great pet shop called Bernal Beast, where I frequently go, and most of the other shops allow dogs - there's even a cafe that allows them, AND has biscuits for their furry customers.

Or would you like to be near the beach? My dog LOVES going to the beach, and usually meets a ton of doggies there. If so, try looking in the Sunset, Richmond district, and Presidio. One of the most popular dog spots is Fort Funston, which is down in the southern end of the Sunset/Ingleside district. Only problem with those neighborhoods is that they're kinda far from downtown, if that matters... but there are light-rail & regular buses, which will get you there fairly quickly. You might also consider joining a dog social group, like Society Dog: Society Dog I think they're mostly centered around the South Bay, but do have events farther north. Have fun!!

[gizmo980]

Btw, the Parkmerced complex near SFSU allows dogs... I actually lived there back in 1994-95, and it was really nice at the time. Here's one of their listings, which is a rent-controlled unit: Renovated and Rent Control (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/apa/737838572.html - broken link)
Might want to check that one out! I didn't see any current listings in Bernal Heights or Presidio, but there are plenty in the Sunset and Richmond district.

[CosmicBlue]

Thanks Gizmo! That is really good information and I appreciate the links!