Located in the heart of San Francisco, Noe Valley is one of the city's worst-kept secrets—a real gem in a region full of them. Idyllic in practically every possible way, this quaint enclave is a magnet for young families and young professionals alike. Tidy rows of Victorian homes, highly walkable streets, and lovely little shops and cafés help to give the whole area a distinct bedroom community feels.
But there is more to Noe Valley than what you’ll find on the first page of a brochure. And there's plenty to learn before relocating to this cozy section of San Francisco.
So grab the kids—if you've got them—buy a nice pair of walking shoes, and make sure to have an up-to-date BART map handy as we explore five things to know before moving to Noe Valley.
It's Like a Small Town in the Middle of the Big City
Located just south of the famed Castro district, Noe Valley is arguably one of the most distinct neighborhoods in the Bay Area. Unlike areas such as the aforementioned Castro, or nearby Haight-Ashbury or Mission Districts, Noe Valley is a quiet, laidback community set squarely in the middle of San Francisco.
Its main thoroughfare—24th Street—is reminiscent of a classic main drag through a small village. There's plenty of unique shops, great restaurants, a handful of cafés, and even a few bars to hang out in. All of it is close to home, regardless of where your home is in Noe Valley. A few highlights along 24th Street include Aha Fresh, Saru Sushi Bar, and The Dubliner Bar.
There's plenty to occupy one's time in Noe Valley's other commercial district along Church Street in the area's southeast corner. Here, such finds include Lehr's German Specialties, Chloe's Cafe, and the locally-owned cookbook store Omnivore Books.
Of course, Noe Valley is more than just eating and shopping and drinking, even if, for some, that's more than enough. Aside from taking daily walks along the wide sidewalks and gorgeous city streets, you can find refuge in a few parks and recreation areas.
Douglass Park is a beautiful space to let your dog run and play. Trek to the very top of the park, and you can grab some stunning views of the Bay Area.
The Upper Noe Recreation Center is a great landing spot for families, where you’ll find a ball field, tennis and basketball courts, and playground. It's also worth noting the community gathering spot at Noe Valley Town Square on 24th Street, where neighborhood events fill the yearly calendar.
Noe Valley Is a Haven for Families, but Singles Thrive Here Too
Although not quite a suburb set in the middle of the city, Noe Valley certainly has a reputation for attracting young families. You won't be run over by an armada of parents with strollers, but the quiet environment, easy walkability, and attractive real estate do make it a favorite landing spot for those with kids.
And that's a great thing. There is a friendly and welcoming vibe here and the residents aim to keep it that way.
That being said, singles or young, newly-married professionals can carve out their own place in Noe Valley. This is very true for those who enjoy walking, biking, or catching public transportation to their favorite bar or weekend haunt, but prefer to keep it at arm's length when the party ends.
Noe Valley is also ideal if you work from home. You get a central location, peace, and quiet to get your work done, and an area close to great lunchtime or evening meeting spots.
No matter what stage in life you find yourself in, it's hard to beat living in one of the country's most vibrant cities with access to many other desirable locations. California Wine Country, the Monterey Peninsula, and Yosemite National Park are all within a half day's drive.
Real Estate Is Unique and Competitive
As far as aesthetics go, few places in the Bay Area can compete with the housing in Noe Valley. The area features some of the city's highest concentration of Victorian row houses, an architectural style which many associates with classic San Francisco. It's also not as expensive as other highly sought-after districts on the upper peninsula.
For instance, head immediately north to Dolores Heights and expect prices to be $1 million to $2 million or more for similar housing. Directly south, in Glen Park's tony Fairmount Heights micro-neighborhood, expect much the same.
On average, homes in Noe Valley range from $1.5 million to $3 million without having to sacrifice a ton of space for that price. The largest, most up-to-date properties can fetch $5 million-plus. If you're on a budget, apartments start at around $500,000.
One thing to keep in mind about Noe Valley real estate is that it's very competitive. When homes are listed, they don't stay on the market for long—fewer than 30 days on average.
Although there's no wrong place to live in the community (it is, after all, less than one square mile in total area), you'll want an astute real estate agent to help you quickly identify properties that are the most attractive to you and your needs. Plenty can happen in a month, and you don't want to miss out on the right property at the right price.
Bring Your Walking Shoes
Just like a number of other San Francisco districts, Noe Valley is immensely walkable.
Want to circumvent the neighborhood's entire border? You can do that in less than four miles.
Traveling down Noe Valley's primary 24th Street corridor from Dolores Street to Market Street? At a brisk pace, you can traverse it in 20 minutes.
Even if you're heading to neighboring areas, the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. To the south, Glen Canyon Park is a 30-minute jaunt from the heart of Noe Valley. Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve in nearby Forest Knolls is a winding 30 to 45 minutes on foot, and about half of that if you're on two wheels.
And lest we forget the fact you can easily walk to the historic Castro Theatre (less than a mile), the taquerias, bars, and nightlife of Mission Street (1 mile), and even the lively heart of Haight-Ashbury if you're up for an adventure (2 miles).
The point is if your plans include doing pretty much anything in and around Noe Valley, an automobile isn't required to do it.
Figure Out Your Commute Before You Commute
Of course, there's a second consideration to make when it comes to living in Noe Valley and how to get around the area—your commute to work.
As popular as a Noe Valley address has become, it's not the most convenient area for commuting to San Francisco's employment hotspots. A job in the Financial District will require some form of transportation beyond your feet. Working South of the Market (SoMa) or in Mission Bay will require similar arrangements.
The Castro Station, which is one mile north of Noe Valley, provides a straight journey into Union Square and several SoMa points beyond, including Mission Bay.
Heading to the South Bay and the tech industry of Silicon Valley? You'll need a solid game plan when traveling from Noe Valley. While access to the 101 and I280 is close by, leading to a roughly 35 to 45-mile commute, traffic can be heavy even on the best of days. Those that eschew cars will find a ride on the Caltrain from the Potrero Hill 22nd Street Station to be the most convenient, with a total commute between an hour and an hour and a half.
Trips into Oakland and East Bay cities have their own set of challenges, but at the very least your commute will be going against the regular traffic flow. From Noe Valley, it's still a doable trek.
Regardless of where you work and play in the immediate Bay Area, Noe Valley is about as central as a starting point as you'll find. While many entertainment options are in close proximity, commuting to your place of employment will take some planning.
But do not let that discourage you from finding a home in highly desirable Noe Valley. San Francisco features a robust public transportation network that will get you practically anywhere with relative ease. Even if you opt to drive, planning will ensure a smooth and efficient commute.
Regardless of where you work, your exact real estate needs, or how big or small your family is, Noe Valley is one of the Bay Area's most livable neighborhoods. There's plenty to do and plenty to love about this quiet little enclave in the heart of San Francisco.
Interested in finding that perfect piece of Noe Valley real estate? Or are you seeking a San Francisco real estate agent to help guide you through the best of what the Bay Area has to offer?
Contact KJ Kohlmyer today and allow his expertise to help you find the Bay Area home of your dreams.
