Anywhere has easy access to BART in San Francisco is very convenient. In general, San Francisco is pretty safe city, I have been living there for many years, and that's my feeling. My father had an acupuncture click on Market Street, and we lived in Broadway Chinatown hotel (very noise), then move to California St, very quiet, then to South San Francisco near Baboa Park station, then moved to El Cerritos when I went to UC Berkeley, later my father moved back to Mission St, that is south of Market, and my sister bought a house at Fremont. My brother family still at Mission St. There are many amigos and new immigrants, but they are good people.

San Francisco has many homeless people and many sheltors and soup kitchen, so if you remember to have $20 bill ready whenever you were approached for help, and give to the homeless or desperated need money people, you will always feel safe in San Francisco. It may sound a lot, but you do not approached that often. I have found this tip very useful even in New York City and other cities like Cleveland, Boston, ...etc.

Sun Dec 23 2007, 00:07

There are definitely some funky areas in SOMA! There's more to do north of 4th Street imho that's where I'd look; 6th Street is depressing and scary; 11th street has great clubs, but who wants to deal with noise all night? You may want to take a look at buildings near Yerba Buena Park such as the Museum Parc, and Shipley Square. In South Beach you'll find less expensive units in the Portside, 88 Townsend, 1 Federal, and Harbor lofts.

I'd also recommend checking out nearby Potrero Hill, if that works for your transportation/commute, there's a new complex that's pretty reasonably priced in this well established SF 'hood. It's very astute of you to drive around communities you're considering at night and different times of day. I usually take my buyers on tours of the neighborhoods they've identified and throw in a couple of others they may not have thought about but have the feel they are looking for.

Feel free to email me at melanie@condocontessa.com and I can send you some properties with details and photos.
Good luck!

Tue Dec 18 2007, 18:13

The different areas of SOMA are have quite a different feel and most are changing fairly rapidly for the better.

Like Greg mentioned, definitely check out Socketsite. Another site that you might want to check out is SFNewDevelopements.com . I've known Mark for a few years now and he's the guy that I go to when I have any questions about the areas that you mentioned.

Good luck in your search!

Mon Dec 17 2007, 23:48

Gabe, as with many parts of the City, you can have a very different feeling from one block to another, even in distinct neighborhoods. There are a couple informative, local websites I suggest you look at, www.socketsite.com is noted below, but you can also look at sf.curbed.com. These may help give you some perspective. More importantly, you should have the help of an agent to guide you through the many decisions you will be making from what neighborhood to how much to offer to how can you get the best terms for your purchase. I lived in the City for over 30 years and know it well. Let me know if you want anymore information or want to talk about your situation. Best of luck to you. -Greg

Mon Dec 17 2007, 20:54

Hi Dan,
Because you just moved there, it may be helpful to know that, as a native San Franciscan, Dave would not ever consider living on Sixth St. South of Market. There is far too much loitering (and all that accompanies it) for either of us to feel safe there. The prices in SOMA are lower for a good reason. As you said, "Location, Location, Location"!

Mon Dec 17 2007, 12:33