What's your take on Inner Richmond and Bernal Heights? (Bayview: apartments, rentals)

[bamshala]

I'm preparing for a move to SF and have been checking out affordable neighborhoods in the city near public transport, green space, and with its own eclectic vibe. I LOVED the Mission, but don't want to spend that much on rent, any opinions on Inner Richmond or Bernal Heights?

[uptown_urbanist]

Love, love, love the Inner Richmond. Where are you working? It's not as convenient for some parts of the city, so think about where you'll be spending most of your time when not at home. The Inner Richmond has tons of restaurants of all types, is within walking distance to both Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, has pretty good bus connections, and is safe and relatively affordable. It's not itself a particularly green neighborhood (and can feel very devoid of trees and greenery at times), but that's balanced by its close proximity to the parks. It's very walkable, and easy to live in without owning a car.

If you like bookstores, having Green Apple Books right in the neighborhood is another major plus.

[bamshala]

Thanks! Forgot to mention I'll also be moving with a small dog- hes under 25 lbs, housebroken, adorable, etc. Any idea how hard it is to find dog friendly digs in Inner Richmond? (Our budget is around 1800 for a 2 bedroom)

[uptown_urbanist]

There are tons of dogs in the Inner Richmond, although I don't know how easy it is to find a place. We looked for a place back when the rental market was in the landlord's favor (and more landlords were picky about pets); now there are a ton of rentals available and not enough renters, so I'm assuming that more landlords will be willing to be open to the idea. (in general SF is a very dog-friendly place, although that's not necessarily true when looking for an apartment) Just be prepared to pay a pet deposit.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Here is my biased view.

I find the Inner Richmond more extensive, and with a nice variety of businesses, especially restos, than Bernal Hts. Of course, the Inner Richmond has a distinctly Asian flavor to it. It's also more of a "family" place than Bernal.

But on the other hand, Bernal is more of a Hispanic flavored, more concentrated, border line trendy, hipster oriented place. It has more of a "Euro" feel than the Inner Richmond. Of course, it is right by the Mission, and that access is something to consider. Finally, from a standpoint of doing things outside the City or commuting to the South, Bernal Hts has few competitors other than more gritty hoods you probably would not want to consider, with the exceptions of nearby Glen Park and the Parkside.

[KRISTINsf]

My take is the inner Richmond (my old 'hood)is very quiet more like a bedroom community. I think I read somewhere that there were only 4 cops patrolling that huge distict cuz it's so boring.

Bernal Heights is kind of a neighborhood that is undergoing a change from what it was to more upscalish now.

If you can swing buying, my advice is to go into Bayview/Hunters Point

Yeah I know it sounds scary but it's quickly becoming gentrified and the views are breathtaking being so close off the shore. It's also built on solid rock foundation-better to withstand the pesky quakes that pop up now and then.

[Puddy4LyF]

Bernal Heights is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. Courtland is full of little cafe's, a crepery, an awesome used book store, a dog bar - where you can go have a drink and bring your dogs, hahaha. It's pretty quiet and Bernal Hill hosts amazing views of the city.

It's roots are certainly more working class but it's really nice.

I'm not familiar with home prices or rents because I've never tried to live in SF, but I do like to hang out there.

[skyao]

I think 2 bedrooms for $1,800 per month in either neighborhood could be a challenge. Especially if you have a dog and you expect parking.

It also depends on your definition of public transport. Both Inner Richmond and Bernal have access by bus but not as good access to either Muni or BART.

Again, i think your biggest challenge may be your budget. At $1,800 you may not be able to get a decent 2br that takes pets in either neighborhood.

[bamshala]

Originally Posted by skyao

Again, i think your biggest challenge may be your budget. At $1,800 you may not be able to get a decent 2br that takes pets in either neighborhood.

Really? No parking necessary, I've been searching craigslist and have found 2br in the 1800-2000 budget in those neighborhoods. Anyone else have an opinion on if our budget is too small?

[skyao]

i think you may find some 2br apartments for $1800 but they might not be in the prime or better areas of bernal or inner richmond. It's doable depending on your flexibility, but the fact you have a dog narrows your pool of available apartments.

Feel free to PM me on the specific intersections where these places are and I can comment better. Some CL ads stretch the boundaries of what is actually "inner richmond" or "bernal heights" especially when the places seem cheaper than the rest.