Simply called “the Haight” by locals, Haight-Ashbury is named for the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets.

Haight Street is lined with vintage clothing stores, record shops, dive bars, and cafes and restaurants.

“It's close to Golden Gate Park and Kezar Stadium. Hiking the nearby hills and Twin Peaks offers incredible views.” —Mira N., resident

The Haight is sometimes divvied into the Upper Haight (the stretch nearest Golden Gate Park) and the Lower Haight (nearer Hayes Valley).

“The commute is relatively smooth, with various options by rail and bus. It takes about 15 minutes to get downtown.” —Y.R., resident

“It has historic architecture and fantastic food, and everything is within walking distance.” —Y.R., resident

Early maps of San Francisco label the windswept dunes of what is now Haight Ashbury as "uninhabitable."

In 1883, a new cable car line connecting downtown to the east end of Golden Gate Park opened up the area to development.

The Haight was mostly spared by the 1906 earthquake and fire, and it has the city’s highest concentration of Victorian homes.

In the 1960s, cheap rent and a blossoming counter-culture drew hippies from all over the country, culminating in the Summer of Love in 1967.

“It's pretty safe, even though there are lots of interesting characters hanging around.” —Sasha V., resident

Hilly Buena Vista Park is along Haight Street, and the neighborhood is also next to Golden Gate Park and its Panhandle.

Richard Gamble Memorial Park: “There are numerous dog-friendly parks with places that allow off-leash socializing.” —Y.R., resident

A walk around the neighborhood reveals dozens of elaborate murals.

“There are little shops and lots of fun venues to hang out at.” —Sasha V., resident

From the Haight, it’s an easy walk to nearby neighborhoods such as NoPa, Alamo Park, and Hayes Valley.