MISSION DOLORES

Mission Dolores pulses where past and present intersect. Anchored by the city’s oldest surviving structure—Mission San Francisco de Asís, founded in 1776—this neighborhood buzzes with cultural energy, bold murals, and locals basking in the sunshine atop Dolores Park.

Walking through Mission Dolores feels like tracing history with every step. Tourists start at the golden fire hydrant that survived the 1906 quake; residents meander past Victorian and Edwardian homes streaked with street art; and everyone—from families to young professionals—gathers at café tables, farmers markets, or sprawls out on the park lawn with the skyline as their backdrop.

Where Culture Comes Alive

This neighborhood is a living, breathing mural of San Francisco’s soul. From the 18th-century Indigenous-painted fresco hidden behind the basilica’s altar to the colorful stories across Clarion Alley and Calle 24’s Latino Cultural District—brimming with murals, festivals like Día de los Muertos, and Legacy Businesses—Mission Dolores nurtures art, heritage, and connection.

Effervescent & Accessible

Mission Dolores thrives on walkability. Mercado vendors, casual eateries, and boutiques stretch along Valencia and 24th Street, while public transit—including BART and MUNI—makes downtown commutes seamless. Parking can be tight, but many prefer to wander on foot, bike, or ride Muni past San Francisco’s sunniest micro-climate.

A Neighborhood of Layers

This is a place where every layer of history is honored—from Ohlone roots to colonial foundations and modern urban activism. Festivals, intimate concerts, and communal art projects give Mission Dolores its signature vibrancy and social depth.

Evolving Market & Housing

Mission Dolores draws buyers with its mix of charming historic homes and sleek modern builds. Homes typically range from around $515K to nearly $2.7M, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. The market pulses with energy—echoing the eclectic, evolving spirit that makes living here feel like being at the heart of San Francisco’s cultural moment.

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 Mission Dolores (5m) is defined.