BERNAL HEIGHTS

Bernal Heights is San Francisco’s hillside hideaway. Perched just south of the Mission, this neighborhood combines a laid-back, bohemian spirit with some of the city’s best panoramic views. Its steep streets are dotted with colorful cottages and contemporary homes, while the iconic Bernal Hill rises above it all, offering a 360-degree sweep of the Bay, downtown skyline, and Twin Peaks.

Walking through Bernal Heights feels like stepping into a village within the city. Neighbors greet each other at the farmer’s market in Precita Park. Children race scooters down leafy blocks. Dog owners form impromptu circles on the hilltop trails as the fog rolls in. Independent coffee shops, vintage stores, and family-owned restaurants line Cortland Avenue, the neighborhood’s main street, creating a sense of community that is both eclectic and warm.

Where City Meets Nature

Bernal Hill Park is the neighborhood’s crown jewel—a 26-acre green space where locals run, hike, and fly kites against the backdrop of San Francisco’s skyline. Precita Park and Holly Park add even more outdoor escapes, with playgrounds, picnic spots, and weekend events. For cyclists and runners, the neighborhood offers easy connections to the Mission and Glen Park, while still feeling tucked away from the city’s bustle.

A Neighborhood with Soul

Bernal Heights is known for its creative energy and grassroots spirit. Community murals brighten stairways and storefronts. Local festivals, from street fairs to neighborhood parades, reflect its diverse and artistic heart. Cortland Avenue anchors daily life with small markets, yoga studios, cozy bars, and bakeries that residents swear by.

Connected and Convenient

Despite its village-like feel, Bernal is remarkably accessible. The 24th Street BART station in the Mission is just minutes away, offering quick downtown commutes. Nearby highways 101 and 280 make for straightforward trips to Silicon Valley or the Peninsula. Parking is more manageable here than in many parts of the city, a bonus for residents with cars.

A Dynamic Market

Bernal Heights has seen steady growth in demand, with its mix of charming single-family homes, mid-century architecture, and newer modern builds. Median home prices often hover in the $1.3–$1.8 million range, reflecting both its popularity among families and professionals and its unique blend of community, nature, and city access. Buyers are drawn not just to the homes themselves but to the lifestyle—panoramic hilltop hikes, a strong neighborhood identity, and the feeling of having found a small-town sanctuary in the heart of San Francisco.

The San Francisco Association of Realtors (who runs our local MLS) has very specific definitions of each neighborhood in San Francisco,
which can affect statistics, home values, and much more. Here is how Bernal Heights (9a) is defined.