Compliments of Fidelity National Title Company
San Francisco is the perfect location for those looking to move to the Bay Area. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Bay, the “Peninsula” provides a mild climate, unique communities, and easy access to the rest of the Bay Area.
This guide provides information, which we hope, will help you decide which area of San Francisco is in your future. We take pride in what we believe to be an exceptional quality of life formed through a balanced blend of environment, economy and diversity.
Here at Fidelity National Title we know the process of moving from one community to another can be filled with a broad spectrum of emotions ranging from frustration, fear, and trauma to excitement, anticipation, joy and wonder. We hope this guide will help you in your relocation to what many call the “best city to live in the world”.
We encourage you to explore our city and neighborhood communities. When you have found the ideal location, we are confident there is no other place that you and your family would want to call home.
Please join us in the experience that is San Francisco.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Baker Beach Bowley St. and Lincoln Blvd., Presidio, San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.331.1540 San Francisco's most popular and locally beloved nude beach is nestled in the western shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Aside from being the birth place of Burning Man, the great qualities of Baker Beach are its size, close shore breaks, tide pools, steep bluffs, and climbable rocks, and a totally nude north end that rubs friendly elbows with a decidedly family-style south side, complete with barbeque grills and picnic tables. While this stretch of the Pacific makes for rough swimming, it bodes well for panoramic sun bathing and excellent shore fishing.
Cable Cars 949 Presidio Ave San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.923.6162 The Powell-Hyde line begins at Powell and Market streets, terminating at Victorian Park near the Maritime Museum and Aquatic Park; the Powell-Mason line also begins at Powell and Market, but ends at Bay and Taylor near Fisherman's Wharf; the California Street line runs from California and Market streets to Van Ness Avenue.
Castro District Castro and Market, San Francisco CA The universally agreed Mecca of gay life is San Francisco's Castro District. The affluent North side of Market is home to a predominantly gay and lesbian community, excellent bakeries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and of course, gender bending bars. The famed Castro Theatre, the Castro's historic art deco movie palace, screens old and independent films from around the world. On Halloween, the center of San Francisco is the Castro, with crowds in the thousands celebrating in the streets.
Chinatown Enter at "Dragon's Gate" at Grant Avenue and Bush Street. San Francisco's bustling Chinatown is a tightly-packed warren of Chinese restaurants, shops, temples and street vendors. Great for gifts, and fireworks on Chinese New Year.
Cliff House 1090 Point Lobos, San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.386.3330 The third Cliff House, which was built in 1909, after its two predecessors burned, is considerably more modest than the eight-story French chateau built by Adolph Sutro in 1896. This newest one, built in 1909 by Sutro's daughter, is operated by the National Park Service as a restaurant and boast commanding views of the Pacific Ocean and Ocean Beach.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Coit Tower 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd., San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.362-0808. The wild local heiress Lillie Hitchcock donated the money for her posthumous tribute the San Francisco fire department, the 180-foot tall Coit Tower which overlooks an impressive 360 degree panorama view of the Embarcadero, Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Sutro, and the Financial District all in one dizzying sweep. Work up an appetite for North Beach's Italian flair by trekking your way up Telegraph Hill to peruse the view and the Diego Rivera style frescoes housed inside the Tower.
Conservatory of Flowers JFK Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA; Tel. 415.666.7001 Conservatories became popular in the 19th century and the white iron and glass building at Golden Gate Park does look like a relic of the Victorian era. It is newly opened, however, after suffering wind damage in 1995. Inside, the four main rooms house different plant environments: Low and Highland Tropics, Aquatic and Potted plants. The Aquatic Plants room is home to Victoria Amazonica water lilies, which can reach six feet in diameter. Their tube-like roots are visible by means of a clever glass cutaway. The conservatory is within walking distance of the Haight and can be viewed in a worthwhile 30 to 45 minutes.
Exploratorium 3609 Lyon St., San Francisco CA; Tel. 415-561-0360 Founded in 1969 by noted physicist and educator Dr. Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium houses a playful array of over 650 hands-on science, art, and human perception exhibits. From salt volcanos and bubble bombs to fault lines and frogs, the line up tests imaginations young and old. Just the building itself, a palatial domed structure left from the San Francisco Pan Pacific Exhibition of 1916, is worth a visit.
Fisherman's Wharf The Embarcadero & Taylor St San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.474.8796 Popular with tourists and sea lions, Fisherman's Wharf is full of shops, silly museums and family fun. Still a working wharf, its vendors sell thousands of tons of fish and shellfish. Take an early morning walk down "Fish Alley" to see fisherman at work. Later, the Wharf is boardwalk-style family entertainment with decidedly tourist attractions such as Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, the Red & White Fleet, a the Wax Museum. For maritime-lovers and WWII buffs, the San Francisco Maritime Musuem is at the foot of Polk St. and massive USS Pampanito is docked right at Pier 45.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Ghirardelli Square 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109 Shopping and waterfront dining at fine restaurants and shops in historic San Francisco Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory near San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf. The building was saved from destruction in one of the U.S.'s first examples of adaptive reuse. Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival takes place in early September.
Golden Gate Bridge US Hwy 101 San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.921.5858 Arguably the world's most beautiful bridge, the mammoth rust-red deco San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County and can be experienced from near countless angles. Drive, bike, or walk across the two-mile long suspension bridge or get down to the base and look up from the tide pools at Baker's Beach or from a Frisbee toss at Crissy fields, both in the adjoining Presidio.
Golden Gate Park Larger than Central Park, the 1,000-acre Golden Gate Park;s treasure trove of attractions includes Stybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a biodiversity hub where 6,000 plant species, including a towering display of California redwoods, thrive; the ethereal Japanese Tea Garden; a children's playground; the Asian Art Museum; MH de Young Memorial Museum; and the California Academy of Sciences, with its aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and laserium. Even more, the open tennis courts, horse stables, baseball diamonds, polo grounds, croquet and lawn-bowling greens, an archery field, a golf course and a fly-fishing pool draw an outdoorsy crowd year-round. For a full experience, follow the green panhandle between Fell and Oak streets straight into the park.
Grace Cathedral 1100 California Street at Taylor San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.749.6300 The gothic landmark of the west coast, the ornate beauty of Grace Cathedral is home to hidden gardens, curling dragon statues, and a redwood pulpit that has seen the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama. The Grace hosts glorious concerts year round and its Columbarium is the only sacred landmark in San Francisco where freshly cremated remains may be laid to rest.
The Haight Haight-Ashbury was the center of '60s psychedelia and despite gentrification and proliferation of stores like Ben & Jerry's and The Gap, it still retains its hippie counterculture credentials, and is dotted with Victorian houses, anarchist bookstores, piercing salons and clothing funky shops.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Lombard Street Bet. Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, San Francisco CA A drive over any of San Francisco's mind-blowing hills leaves the impression that building a city here took some guts. On world-famous Lombard Street, developers chose the easy way out by making a series of switchbacks to ease Russian Hill's 40-degree grade. Half the delight of America's Crookedest Street is the lush plantings that adorn each inner-curve, and the top-notch views of Coit Tower and the Bay. The street can be prone to tourist gridlock; a good option is to park nearby and make use of the pedestrian staircases.
Lyon/Broadway Stairway 2900 Broadway, San Francisco CA With more than 40 hills in seven square miles, no wonder San Francisco is home to some of the most scenic stairway hikes in the world. Climb the Lyon/Broadway stairway to heaven and see why the Pacific Heights neighborhood is so named. Reward yourself at the end of this five-story ascension with vim, vigor, and a bird's eye view of prime real estate rooftops, the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Pacific Bell Park 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.972.1800 Anyone who has seen the Giants play at Pac Bell Park knows that Barry Bonds and other star players are not the only draw. Like a ship in harbor, the three-year-old park is nestled against the bay. Zen moments can be had and baseball forgotten when dizzy seat-searchers realize that yes, the water is right down there. A waterfront promenade allows spendthrift oglers to catch glimpses of the games through a fence. Pac Bell Park, located in San Francisco's SoMa district, is easily accesible by public transportation.
Palace of Fine Arts 3301 Lyon St., San Francisco CA; Tel. 415.397.5673 If San Francisco had a palace, the beloved Palace of Fine Arts would be the place. Designed by Bay Area architect Bernard Maybeck to be a romanticized Roman ruin, San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts is surrounded by lush gardens and a lagoon and the whole dynamic has an otherworldly and transportive effect. Originally meant to be a temporary open-air art gallery for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibit, the Palace has been built and rebuilt, a testament to the love San Franciscans have for their ruddy masterpiece. While currently not a gallery, the Palace of Fine Arts' theater does host film festivals, concerts and performing arts as well as being home to the Exploratorium.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Palace of the Legion of Honor 34th Ave. and Clement St., Lincoln Park, San Francisco, CA; Tel. 415.863.3360 Perched atop a hill in the very Northwest corner of the city, the most striking thing about this San Francisco museum is the vistas its location affords (aside from the grand, chateau- esque mood). If you've forgotten what a gorgeous city San Francisco is, a glimpse of its glinting whiteness, the Pacific behind you, will set you straight. Built by a wealthy couple in the twenties, the Palace of the Legion of Honor replicates a World War I tribute in Paris. Among the small collection, French and Italian works, as well as sculpture, including noteworthy Rodin holdings, stand out. Temporary special exhibits are usually good; all ahead on weekends to reserve a spot. The Palace offers free admission on Tuesdays.
The Presidio San Francisco, CA; Tel. 415.561.4323 Driving through the sea-swept and verdant Presidio, it's hard to believe the area was once a stretch of grassy dunes. Beginning with Spain in 1766, 200 years of military occupants altered the ecosystem by planting forests. United States Army control ended a decade ago and the Presidio is clearly still finding its identity. Peaceful forest settings and beaches, historic buildings and an eclectic range of attractions, from an idyllic, white-stoned cemetery to a bowling alley to a native plant nursery, make up an odd but charming world. Former military buildings are leased for residential and business use. New projects are also underway, most notably the George Lucas Letterman Digital Arts Center. The setting is ideal for a lazy drive: forgo the map and see what turns up. Cycling and hiking are also popular.
Union Square A lone Corinthian column surrounded by newly installed palm trees marks SF's mecca for shopaholics. Ringed by Macy's, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nike Town and Levi's stores along with colorful flower stands and street performers. Surrounding streets feature superstores like Virgin Megastore, FAO Schwarz, Gump's and Britex Fabrics along with boutiques for Coach, Bulgari, Cartier, Thomas Pink, Louis Vuitton, MaxMara, Emporio Armani, Diesel, Prada, Celine, Escada, Gucci, Guess, Hermes, Agnes B., Betsey Johnson and Wilkes Bashford.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts 701 Mission Street @ 3rd, San Francisco, Tel. 415.978.2700 Fumihiko Maki's daring architecture is home to eclectic exhibitions, performances and films. The lawn of Yerba Buena Gardens above is great for frisbee throwing. The nearby Sony Metreon, which opened in 1999 has become a major South of Market destination with 350,000 square feet of shopping, restaurants, movie theaters, interactive arcades and attractions.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Bay Area Airports
San Francisco International Airport 650.876.2377 San Jose International 408.277.4759 Oakland International 510.577.4000 Half Moon Bay 650.573.3701
San Francisco International Airport Airline Tenants
SFO Airport Information 821.4636 Air New Zealand 800.262.1234 Air Canada 888.247.2262 Alaska Airlines 800.252.7522 American Airlines & Eagle 800.426.0333 American Trans Air 800.433.7300 British Airways 800.247.9297 Cathay Pacific Airways 800.233.2742 China Airlines 875.1248 China Eastern Airlines 875.2367 Continental Airlines 415.397.8818 Delta Airlines 800. 221.1212 Frontier Airlines 800.432.1359 Hawaiian Airlines 800.367.5320 Horizon Air 800.547.9308 Jet Blue Airways 800.538.2583 Korean Air 800.438.5000 Lufthansa 800.645.3880 Mexicana Airlines 800.531.7921 Midwest Express Airlines 800.452.2022 Northwest Airlines 800.225.2525 Philippine Airlines 800.435.9725 Quantas Airways 800.227.4500 Shuttle by United 800.748.8853 Singapore Airlines 800.742.3333 Southwest Airlines 800.435.9792 Taca International Airlines 800.535.8780 United Airlines 800.241.6522 US Air & US Air Express 800.428.4322
Public Transportation
MUNI (San Francisco Municipal Railway) 415.673.6864 BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) 650.992.2278 CAL TRAIN - www.transitinfo.org 800.660.4287
San Francisco Relocation Guide
TELEPHONE / DSL SBC Pacific Bell 140 New Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94105 415-542-9000 The SBC offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5:00 pm. No deposit is required for new service unless the customer has a record of unpaid telephone bills.
GAS/ELECTRIC Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) 525 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94105 800-743-5000 The PG&E offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. A deposit is required for first time customers. The deposit plus interest will be applied to the customer’s account after twelve months if the bills have been paid in a timely manner.
WASTE DISPOSAL Golden Gate Disposal 900 7th Street San Francisco, CA 94107 415-626-4000
Sunset Scavenger Corporation Tunnel Avenue and Beatty Road San Francisco, CA 94134 415-330-1300 Call either of these collection agencies to determine which one picks up garbage in your neighborhood. No deposit required. Billing is once every three months.
WATER San Francisco Water Department 425 Mason Street San Francisco, CA 94133 415-923-2400 The Water Department offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. There’s no charge for turning on or disconnecting your water supply when service has been disconnected for non- payment of bills. A deposit may be required.
CABLE Comcast 260 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94103 800-945-2288
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Academy of Sciences Board of Supervisors Golden Gate Park City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place San Francisco, CA 94118 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.750.7145 415.554.5184
Administrative Services Building Inspection City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place 1660 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.554.4851 415.558.6088
Aging, Commission on City Attorney 25 Van Ness Avenue, Ste. 650 City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 234 San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.626.1033 415.554.4700
Agriculture / Weights and Measures City College of San Francisco 501 Cesar Chavez, Ste 109-A 50 Phelan San Francisco, CA 94124 San Francisco, CA 94112 415.285.5010 415.241.2327
Airports Commission Civil Service Commission San Francisco International Airport 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 720 P.O. Box 8097 San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94128 415.252.3247 650.876.2377 Community Health Network Animal Care and Control 2789 25th Street, 2nd Floor 1200 15th Street San Francisco, CA 94110 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.206.5166 415.554.6364 Controller Art Commission City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 316 25 Van Ness, Ste. 240 San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.554.7500 415.252.2591 County Clerk Assessment Appeals Board City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 168 City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.554.4950 415.554.6778 Delinquency Prevention Committee Assessor / Recorder 1390 Market Street, Suite 901 City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.554.9516 415.554.5596
San Francisco Relocation Guide
District Attorney Housing Authority Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street, 3rd Floor 440 Turk Street San Francisco, CA San Francisco, CA 94102 415.553.1744 415.715.3220
Department of Elections Human Resources City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 48 44 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.554.4375 415.557.4800
Emergency Communications Department Human Rights Commission 1011 Turk Street 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 800 San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.558.3800 415.252.2500
Environment Human Services 1540 Market Street, Suite 460 3801 3rd Street, 1st Floor San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94124 415.554.6390 415.970.3900
Ethics Commission Laguna Honda Hospital 1390 Market Street, Suite 801 375 Laguna Honda Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94116 415.554.9510 415.664.1580
Fine Arts Museums Law Library Golden Gate Park 401 Van Ness Avenue, Room 400 San Francisco, CA 94118 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.750.3666 415.554.6821
Fire Library – San Francisco Public Library 398 Second Street Civic Center, 100 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94107 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.558.3403 415.557.4400
General Hospital (SFGH) Mayor 1001 Potrero Avenue City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 160 San Francisco, CA 94110 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.206.5166 415.554.7111
Department of Public Health Medical Examiner 101 Grove Street Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.554.2500 415.553.1694
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Mental Health Services Public Utilities Commission 1380 Howard Street, 5th Fl. 1155 Market Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94103 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.553.1694 415.923.2467
MUNI – SF Municipal Railway Public Works 949 Presidio Avenue, Room 219 City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 348 San Francisco, CA 94115 San Francisco, CA 415.923.6164 415.695.2101
Parking & Traffic Purchasing 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 410 City Hall, #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 348 San Francisco, CA 94102 San Francisco, CA 415.554.9811 415.554.6743
Permit Appeals Real Estate 1660 Mission Street 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 400 San Francisco, CA 94103 San Francisco, CA 415.554.6720 415.554.9850
Planning Recreation and Park 1660 Mission Street, 5th Floor McLaren Lodge, 501 Stanyan San Francisco, CA San Francisco, CA 415.558.6411 415.831.2700
Police Department Redevelopment Agency Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street 770 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA San Francisco, CA 415.553.0123 415.749.2400
Port of San Francisco Rent Stabilization Board Ferry Building, Suite 3100 25 Van Ness Avenue, Ste.320 San Francisco, CA 94111 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.274.0400 415.252.4600
Public Administrator – Public Guardian 875 Stevenson, Suite 3100 San Francisco, CA 94102 415.554.5055
Public Defender 555 7th Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415.553.1671
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Football San Francisco 49ers Monster Park (Candlestick Park) San Francisco, CA 94124 415.656.4900 www.forty-niners.com
Oakland Raiders Network Associates Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way (North of Coliseum) Hegenberger Road. (off I-880) Oakland, CA 94621 800.949.2626 www.oaklandraiders.com
Baseball San Francisco Giants SBC Park 24 Willie Mays Plaza • San Francisco, CA 415.467.8000 www.sanfranciscogiants.com
Oakland Athletics (A’s) Network Associates Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way (North of Coliseum) Hegenberger Road. (off I-880) Oakland, CA 94621 510.638.0500 or 510.762.BASS www.oaklanda’s.com
Basketball Golden State Warriors Oakland Arena 7000 Coliseum Way • Oakland, CA 94621 510.638.6300 or 510.762.BASS or 888.479.4667 www.goldenstatewarriors.com
Hockey San Jose Sharks San Jose Arena 525 West Santa Clara Street • San Jose, CA 95113 408.287.7070 or 408.998.BASS www.sanjosesharks.com
Horse Racing Bay Meadows Racetrack 2600 South Delaware Street P.O. Box 5050 • San Mateo, CA 94402 650.574.RACE (7223) www.baymeadows.com
San Francisco Relocation Guide
BERNAL HEIGHTS You hear that from a lot of city dwellers when you mention the unique hilltop neighborhood, but Bernal Heights residents don’t mind. They’re happy to keep it that way. Looking south from the Mission District, you can see a bald hill encircled by little pastel houses. It’s brown in the summer and fall, turning a magical green during the winter and spring. Bernal Heights enjoys the same sunny weather as its neighbor, the Mission District. But unlike the Mission, not much about Bernal Heights is trendy. You see fewer tattoos and piercings, and more small children. The neighborhood is generally understated and low-key. But don’t assume that just because the streets are quiet, the residents are apolitical; they have a long history of taking ownership of the neighborhood to preserve its village-like feeling. An eclectic mix of people live here –gay, straight, black, white, Asian, Latino, artsy, blue-collar, old and young – and when asked, they cite diversity as the area’s greatest virtue.
CASTRO Formerly Spanish ranch land, the Eureka Valley – now called the Castro – was parceled out in the 1860’s and quickly became filled with the bang and clatter of Victorian housing construction. When the Market Street Cable Railway extended to Castro Street around the turn of the century, this strip became the central artery to the neighborhood, and the Castro Theater, built in 1922, its elegant new centerpiece. Then not much happened in this blue-collar neighborhood for about 50 years. The street life may compete for your attention, but as you walk along Castro admire the handiwork of both the city’s early craftsmen and its more recent restoration specialists. A riot of color, these Victorians never looked better and there are plenty of diversions in the unique and sometimes outrageous shops you’ll pass along the way.
CHINATOWN With its crowded streets and bustling markets, curled eaves and pagodas, mysterious alleys, hidden temples and busy restaurants, Chinatown is easily San Francisco’s most colorful neighborhood. It is also among the city’s most famous, and therefore teems with visitors. For a peek at the hidden Chinatown, explore the neighborhood’s alleys. Waverly Place is probably the best known and it abounds with Buddhist temples and community associations. When it’s quiet, you can hear monks and nuns singing and playing Chinese instruments from behind the walls of their sanctuaries. Unfortunately, many of the buildings are not open to the public except for the Tin Hou Temple on Waverly, and the nearby Gold Mountain Monastery on Sacramento (call ahead for hours).
CIVIC CENTER Civic Center is the pulse of San Francisco where local politicians graze, where the opera, symphony and the new Main Library beckon music and book lovers. City Hall is an impressive beaux-arts-style building that opened in 1916. It’s capped with a dome measuring 308 feet, a full 16-feet higher than the Capitol Dome in Washington, D.C., a visible landmark from every city vista. The Mayor’s office, the Board of Supervisors chambers, and a number of other offices now found in City Hall. Across Civic Center Plaza is the site of the old Main Library, which closed in 1995 and was replaced by a brand new building right across the street. The old library’s site is now home to the new Asian Art Museum, which moved from
San Francisco Relocation Guide
Golden Gate Park. The new library opened in 1996 to mostly rave reviews. Inside is a six-story high atrium illuminated by natural light. The library has specialty rooms sponsored by corporate donors, which include the Gay and Lesbian room, the San Francisco History Center and the Entrepreneur Room
COLE VALLEY Tucked between the chaotic hipness of the Upper Haight and the sleepy affluence of Sutro Forest and Buena Vista Heights, Cole Valley is a tiny, quiet neighborhood that feels more like a village than a big city. Flowers seem to be everywhere, gracing the tops of tall wooden gates, color-coordinated to match the Spanish tile on the front steps. For a birds-eye view of the neighborhood, and one of the most spectacular views in the city, climb Tank Hill via the rickety, wooden staircase the end of Belgrave Street off 17th. Locals frequent the spot for watching fireworks. This is a neighborhood unpopulated by chains and franchises, and shoppers are likely to find the store’s owner working behind the counter.
COW HOLLOW Cow Hollow is the neighborhood outlined by Broadway, Lyon and Lombard Streets and Van Ness Avenue. It is best known for its Union Street commercial district and the well-groomed yupsters who enjoy the many restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques and galleries. If you can afford the high rents, Cow Hollow is among the city’s most livable neighborhoods, offering residents the safety of a suburb, the nearby green spaces of Marina Green and the Presidio and the urban convenience of Union and Fillmore Streets. For these reasons, the neighborhood is popular with families and single white-collar professionals. Union Street , especially between Octavia and Steiner Streets, is Cow Hollow’s most obvious claim to fame. There you will find a continuous promenade of well-dressed shoppers and restaurant goers interspersed with the fresh faced, athletic looking locals returning from errands or a job. Chi-chi shops abound, such as Nine West, Armani Exchange and Kenneth Cole, as well as numerous chic women’s clothing boutiques. Union Street is also home to art galleries, antiques shops, and prices furniture stores.
THE EXCELSIOR The Excelsior is to the Marina District what Che Guevara is to the Queen of England. In this refreshingly real life section of town there are no Starbucks, no Noah’s, no juice joints, no boutiques with overpriced gadgets. Latin culture dominates this multicultural community. Next to the Salvadoran owned grocery you’re likely to find a Vietnamese restaurant across the street from a Chinese-owned laundry, and so on. In nearby Crocker-Amazon playground, Hispanic kids play baseball while Irish guys play soccer in the next field. The produce markets, butcher stores and live seafood places season the air with complex aromas. Locals drop in on old-time coffee shops, hair salons, hardware stores and bakeries. In another charmingly unpretentious aspect of this neighborhood, the east/west streets are named after nations of the world – Brazil, France, Italy – while the north/south streets are named after major international cities.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT Thousands and thousands of hard shoes hitting hard sidewalks, moving, moving, always moving, efficiently moving, effectively moving, glancing at watches and passersby, nice eye wear, nice bag, a sea of suits, reflections in glass canyons, glimpses of bay and bridge, bike messengers, cable cars, taxis , cappuccino, newspaper, shoe shine and flower stands it’s already 5 p.m. Some transplanted New Yorkers say they find the Financial District both comforting and familiar, as if they’re not camping out after all. The Financial District’s gray glassy towers are bordered by Washington, Market and Montgomery Streets and the bay. Times have changed; this is now where San Francisco gets down to business: insurance, banking, oil, power, telecommunications and engineering. On Columbus Avenue, there’s the iconic quartz-aggregate Transamerica Pyramid, and on California Street, the dark granite Bank of America World Headquarters. These monuments leave no doubt as to where the money is.
FOREST HILL Forest Hill is another one of those tucked away secret parts of San Francisco that tourists and even locals usually don’t see unless they’re visiting someone who View of the San Francisco Financial District lives there. People make it up to Twin Peaks, but they from Montgomery Street rarely take notice of Forest Hill nestled on the other side. Since Forest Hill is strictly residential, it’s not much of a draw for visitors. But if you’re into seeing different parts of San Francisco, walk down the Grand Pacheco Stairway (which some say is the grandest and most elegant stairway in the city) from Castenada Avenue to Magellan. The residents of Forest Hill are primarily upper middle class, in part because the houses in the neighborhood are large and prohibitively expensive for most people.
THE HAIGHT There are dozens of bars and record shops filled with Jersey girls, Berkeley grads, and environmentally correct slackers. Rehab centers and outrageous clothing boutiques also color the main drag of Haight Street from Masonic to Stanyan, where the homeless and other tribes camp out in the lobby of Golden Gate Park. The intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets, formerly referred to as Hashbury, was the gathering lace for Deadheads who came to pay tribute to Jerry Garcia when he died in 1995. Many of these aimless gypsies remain on this famous corner, playing guitars, stringing colored beads and studying
San Francisco Relocation Guide
their pierced faces in the windows of modern stores such as the Gap and Ben & Jerry’s. Suburbanites and city dwellers appear occasionally to enjoy the fantastic views from the top of Buena Vista park. For a more bucolic view of the Upper Haight, visit Golden Gate Park’s eight block “Panhandle”, which slices this neighborhood in half with a swath of majestic trees – an urban playground for running dogs, basketball players, baby walkers and early morning tai chi practitioners. Gorgeous, century-old Victorian houses dominate the area’s residential streets.
HAYES VALLEY For San Franciscans who attend theater openings and symphony galas, Hayes Valley is the place to buy a one-of-a-kind gown, eat a terrific meal and then dash off to hear Michael Tilson Thomas without traveling more than three blocks. But dashing from here would be a shame. This is a neighborhood designed for browsing. It is lined with galleries, antiques shops, boutiques and restaurants that cover most tastes from soul food to grilled ahi. For window shoppers and their moneyed friends, Hayes Valley offers a lot of diversions. There’s the San Francisco Women Artist’s Gallery on Hayes, as well as the Polanco Gallery of Mexican Art, with beautiful crafts and paintings by some of Mexico’s well known artists. There’s also an impressive blown glass gallery and a cramped shop with an assortment of kitsch including Star Trek action figures and Batman lunch boxes. Other serious shoppers should not miss Bella Donna, a boutique where healthy looking blondes order their custom-designed and stitched wedding gowns.
INGLESIDE Perhaps more than anywhere else in San Francisco, the Ingleside is the epitome of diversity.. Located in the southwestern corner of the city, Ingleside is where you’ll find a Jaguar parked around the corner from a Gremlin. Sandwiched between the well-to-do Forest - Hill and the rough-around-the-edges Excelsior districts. The main drag is Ocean Avenue, feeding traffic between 19th Avenue and Highway 280. It’s the commercial heart of the district and thousands of students use it to get to and from class at City College of San Francisco’s main campus on Phelan Street. Ingleside locals seem open, friendly and willing to chat to outsiders. Few tourists ever visit here, so residents can enjoy their privacy and take life at a slower speed than those in the Mission or downtown.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
INNER SUNSET This narrow little neighborhood squeezed between Golden Gate Park and Kirkham Avenue sprouted out of the sand. From the eastern boundary of Stanyan Street, the Inner Sunset district runs along the four wide avenues of Lincoln, Irving, Judah and Kirkham and ends at 19th Avenue. Once a wasteland of billowing dunes, the Inner Sunset is now a family neighborhood, chock full of outstanding restaurants, cafes and sandwich shops. The border with Golden Gate Park gives residents easy access to the wild green forests and man-made green fields of this San Francisco landmark. Though Lincoln Way is the neighborhood’s main artery, the main commercial district runs along the length of Irving Street. Blessed by a wave of Asian-American immigration in the 1970s and ‘80s, the area boasts some of the city’s finest Asian restaurants, including the ward winning Ebisu Sushi. Two doors down from Ebisu is the aptly named House, which serves California-style cuisine in a quirky modern atmosphere. Around the corner is P.J.’s Oyster Bed, which serves some of the city’s finest seafood – as cold as a raw bar oyster and as hot as the blackened redfish on Cajun Tuesday. There are no shortage of sub shops, sandwich shops, creperies and coffee houses as well. The area’s oldest watering hole, The Little Shamrock, has been serving locals since 1893.
LAKE MERCED In the southern-most part of the city, bordered by the Ocean, Sloat and Junipero Serra Boulevards, and the county line you’ll find the Lake Merced Area, home to San Francisco State University, Stonestown Galleria, Fort Funston, the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced herself. Spaniards named the lake Laguna de Nuestra Senora de la Merced, or Lake of Our Lady of Mercy. One amazing fact about Lake Merced is that somewhere between 1869 and 1895 the lake metamorphosed from salt water to fresh water. Stonestown Galleria is just up the street. An indoor mall identical to those in suburbia, you’ll find the standard chain stores: Gap, Williams-Sonoma, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, etc. If you don’t want to deal with parking downtown, Stonestown provides an alternative, if generic, shopping experience. For a little exercise, there are several choices in the neighborhood. Lake Merced a five-mile circular path around the edge of the lake popular with joggers, walkers, rollerbladers, bicyclists and dog walkers. You can also fish in Lake Merced in designated zones, and rent small boats. If you’re more in the mood for salt water, head to Fort Funston. It’s an old army fort that sits on top of bluffs overlooking the Pacific. Walk its myriad paths or stroll down to the beach. On windy days, hang gliders take off from their designated launch and landing site.
LAUREL HEIGHTS Laurel Heights? Which one is that? Isn’t it called Presidio Heights? You’ll hear different stories, but one area melts into the other, so they’re both under the Laurel Heights heading. Generally, this is the area west of Divisadero Street, north of Pine Street and Geary Boulevard, east of Arguello Boulevard and south of Broadway and the Presidio. The area’s main commercial drag is California Street between Laurel and Spruce. Laurel Heights Village looks more like a strip mall than a village, but regardless of what it’s called, the shopping center has just about everything: books, coffee, toys, clothes, fresh fish and kitchenware. For coffee, choose between Bay Area-based Peet’s and upstart Starbucks. Noah’s offers bagels and Eppler’s Bakery sells old time bakery goods such as bear claws, crumb cakes and Danish. If
San Francisco Relocation Guide
you want to make your own sushi at home, Bryan’s sells sushi quality fish as well as excellent meats. Laurel Super, the neighborhood supermarket, stocks standard grocery items, but there’s also a deli, meat and fish counter and a salad bar.
THE MARINA With spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the Bay, the Marina is one of the most scenic and user-friendly neighborhoods in the city. Thanks to its many amenities – museums, shops, restaurants, and a grassy flat stretch of land perfect for kite flying, running or sunning – the Marina is desirable real estate for the young and affluent. The side streets are lined with cozy old-fashioned flats, distinguished by Art Deco design. Originally an Italian neighborhood, the Marina now houses some of the communities’ oldest and wealthiest families who live in the elegant homes that line the waterfront. Residents enjoy an unobstructed view of the activities that take place outside their windows: sailboats wait impatiently for their owners to release them from their slips while rollerbladers gleefully whiz by on the smooth pavement of Marina Boulevard. A grassy park, aptly called Marina Green, runs parallel to the Bay and plays host to volleyball tournaments, dog walkers and fitness fanatics.
THE MISSION Centrally located between urban thoroughfares and mellow hillside dwellings, the Mission District stretches along Mission Street from Cesar Chavez (Army) to Market Street, bordered by Dolores Street to the west and Potrero Street to the east. Its busy streets are lined with bookstores, thrift stores and produce stands. Artists, the working class and financially disadvantaged apartment hunters are drawn to the district’s disappearing low rents. Visitors are attracted to the cheap and numerous burrito joints, Vietnamese restaurants, greasy diners, Spanish tapas bars, trendy creperies and upscale California eateries. In the neighborhood bars and sidewalk cafes, you’re as likely to be entertained by a wandering mariachi band as a jukebox, while you rub shoulders with feminists, freelancers and confused German backpackers. Not surprisingly, suits, ties and evening gowns are not often spotted in the vicinity; you’re more likely to see adventurers heading to Mission Cliffs for a little indoor rock climbing or artistes and
San Francisco Relocation Guide
wannabes flocking to Southern Exposure, the Marsh and the Elbo Room for experimental theater, poetry readings, photography exhibits, and jazz and rock gigs. Perhaps the wildest time to visit the Mission is on Hispanic holidays when this neighborhood shows its true colors, such as the Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo and, especially, Carnaval.
NOB HILL One day, many years ago, the elite of San Francisco’s Rincon Hill looked up to see Arthur Hayne building a house on the big hill. Hayne’s inspiration was his bride, actress Julia Dean. Mining car designer Andrew Hallidie’s inspiration came while watching a horse-drawn wagon struggle, slip and slide down the sandy knob with horses tumbling in tow. Hallidie responded with a significant feat of engineering, the California Street Cable Railroad. The Fairmont, Mark Hopkins and Huntington hotels, as well as Huntington Park, Grace Cathedral, the Pacific-Union Club and the Masonic Temple Auditorium now grace Nob Hill’s summit, still a prized address. The grand hotels best exhibit the ostentation of the railroad and silver barons. Now their palatial lobbies, lavish ballrooms and elegant suits serve as prime locations for filmmakers and photographers.
NOE VALLEY “This place is great! You can see for miles from here! And sunny? Wow!” Jose de Jesus Noe, San Francisco’s last Mexican mayor, liked the little valley so much he built his ranch there. These days Noe Valley is roughly bordered to the north by 22nd Street on the north, to the east by Dolores Street, Glen Park on the south and Glen Canyon Park and Market on the west. Noe Valley is a true community, and a smart one too. It realizes that gentrification is a dragon to slay – or at least to keep at bay. Residents and merchants seem to have bonded here in a singular effort to keep life reasonable. Even the neighborhood paper, “The Noe Valley Voice” emanates from the Noe Valley Ministry, which serves as an informal community awareness center. On 24th Street, the shopping area of this urban bohemia, there’s a mix of whole foods stores, coffee houses, ethnic restaurants, clothing and crafts shops, new and used CD stores, New Age gewgaw emporia, all complemented by a couple of fine Irish pub. The success of 24th Street’s shops spills south down Church Street where cafes and specialty stores now predominate.
NORTH BEACH North Beach is a food lover’s paradise. The smell of garlic wafts through the streets. For truly authentic Italian sandwiches, pasta, breads, wines and salads, head to Molinari’s Delicatessen, which still makes its own cold cuts and pasta. Or try Panelli Brothers on Stockton, owned and run by the Panelli family since 1934. Another venerable establishment is Capp’s Corner on Powell Street west of Columbus, where the meals are served family style and atmosphere at the bar is anything but pretentious. It’s a popular spot with older locals, families and groups that come from Club Fugazi next door, hungry after a performance of the riotous Beach Blanket Babylon. Further down Columbus, the Gold Spike is a classic, no-frills eatery where patrons of days past have
San Francisco Relocation Guide
adorned the walls and ceiling with hundreds of quirky collectibles and personal messages. Another landmark is Fior d’Italia on Union Street, which claims to be the oldest Italian restaurant in the United States. It was established in 1886 and continues to be an important gathering place for prominent members of the Italian community.
PACIFIC HEIGHTS There’s a palpable quiet among the mansions and stunning bay views,. Just who lives here, anyway? There go some school children with good haircuts and tailored uniforms. Caterers, florists and delivery people dart in and out of their vans. There’s a bit more activity at night. Sometimes limousines idle at the curb. Maybe it’ll be one of those society events you read about in the morning paper, or a political fundraiser. The people we vote for come here for their campaign funding. As palatial as these homes appear, their rear gardens are equally impressive. Stand at the corner of Broadway and Fillmore and look down toward the Golden Gate Bridge to catch glimpse of a few of these backyard beauties. Other real estate worth viewing include Arthur Page Brown’s Temple Emanu-El, Northern California ‘s largest and most expensive synagogue, and the Swedenborgian Church, with its refined rustic interior and fireplace.
POTRERO HILL This urban suburb perches high above the neighboring SoMa and Mission districts, seemingly peering down on its noisier neighbors. Screaming ambulances and endless freeway construction keep a pleasant distance from this hillside enclave, where residents take in admirable views of the Bay, the downtown skyline and points south. Parks, playgrounds and schools give way to a mass of furniture stores, antique dealers, auto-body shops and design firms in the tangled blocks near 16th and Division. Local architecture varies from mod, brushed aluminum condo towers to shocking pink and lime green row houses, mid-70s Bauhaus styles and pastel Palm Springs stucco units. A handful of mellow pubs, delicatessens, and sun-drenched cafes on 18th Street between Texas and Connecticut make up the neighborhood scene.
THE PRESIDIO Capping the northern-most tip of the San Francisco peninsula, the Presidio is 1,500 acres of cypress, eucalyptus, and pine forests, grasslands, meadows, ocean bluffs, trails, beaches, a sea of wildflowers, the city’s last free-flowing creek and what remains of 220 years of military occupations. Now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the park possesses spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Long abandoned as a fortification, the Presidio developed into an army administrative, then medical, center. It’s still home to a research institute, the century-old San Francisco Military Cemetery and an 18-hole golf course. Today’s visitors are drawn to Baker Beach and the pre- Civil War era Fort Point which both offer spectacular views of the big orange bridge. At high tide, fantastic waves bash, crash and smash the seawall approach to Fort Point, a favorite destination for runners and dog walkers. Surfers and windsurfers love the water under the bridge and off Crissy Field.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
THE RICHMOND Welcome to the avenues. Forty-eight of them, one after another. Tightly framed by the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park, the Richmond District is within easy access to anywhere in the city. The neighborhood’s main arteries, Geary Boulevard and Clement Street, parallel each other east and west, just one block apart, all manner of shops serve lively Clement Street that is becoming more Chinese and Vietnamese by the day. Curiosities off the beaten path in the Richmond include the Columbarium, a turn of the century, neo-classical which houses urns and ashes of former San Franciscans., and Louis’ at the Beach, an unpretentious diner that includes arguably the best view of the Pacific coast in San Francisco. Lincoln Park, out at Land’s End, is home to the newly renovated California Palace of the Legion of Honor art museum and a fantastic 18-hole golf course that skirts the Golden Gate. Land’s End itself is easily San Francisco’s most remote and rugged place
RUSSIAN HILL The summit of Russian Hill became a haven for intellectuals, writers, artists and architects. Consider that Mark Twain, Jack London, Frank Norris, Ambrose Bierce and the amazing Willis Polk all enjoyed the creaking narrow stairways, the salubrious air, and the dramatic views, Jack Kerouac pounded out much of his work in Neal Cassady’s tiny attic on Russell Place. Russian Hill is meant to be experienced on your feet. Start with breakfast at the charming Sinclair’s Petit Café. Enjoy its library, sip cappuccino, and nibble on fresh-baked pastry. You’ll appreciate the quiet streets; this is not a tourist destination. On the way up, you’ll see a lot of San Francisco – the bridges and islands in the bay and beyond – from this serene vantage point. Russian Hill Antiques and La Folie restaurant, an epicurean’s delight, are draws to the west on Polk Street. Lombard Street’s twists and turns attract even the most jaded tourists, and the real estate along this landmark is splendid. Should you elect to head down toward North Beach, two of the city’s landmarks await you: Diego Rivera’s mighty mural honoring the American worker in the San Francisco Art Institute and Tower Records on the corner of Columbus and Bay, where you can get any music you desire at the best prices.
SOMA (SOUTH OF MARKET) Most people think of nighttime fun when they think of South of Market. An incomparable array of culinary expectations can be fulfilled at restaurants such as Gordon Biersch Brewery, a dressy, young place that serves up tasty entrees and freshly brewed beers; Cadillac Bar and Grill, a lively noisy Mexican fiesta; and the whimsical escapist getaway that is the Caribbean Zone. There’s also the upscale Fly Trap; South Park’s delicious Ecco, and the Delancey Street restaurant, staffed by folks busy rebuilding their lives with the support of this nationally-renowned program. Hip clubs come and go in the warehouse space South of Market. When Boz Scaggs opened Slim’s, it firmly established 11th Street as the epicenter
San Francisco Relocation Guide
of San Francisco’s live music scene. This fine club features the city’s best blues, rhythm and blues, and rock bands, night after night.
THE SUNSET The district is a mosaic of Mediterranean-style stucco homes and neighborhood specialty shops with its major commercial centers on Irving, Judah, Noriega and Taraval Streets, as well as 9th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard. The area is ethnically split and the number of Irish pubs indicates that the Irish settled here after they finished building the Mission District. The Inner Sunset is populated by students and young families. The fog begins at 19th Avenue in the Outer Sunset. This area is home to working class families and seniors, with a heavy concentration of Asian residents, many of whom own business on Noriega and Irving Streets. Adventurous surfers head to Ocean Beach’s phenomenal and often difficult waves, while in-line skaters relish the gradually sloping hills. On Friday and Saturday nights watch for campfires on the beach (burning permits are not required). The federal government sometimes hires park rangers as natural history interpreters and folklore storytellers for people gathered around the fires.
TELEGRAPH HILL
Pick up your cup of morning coffee. Pet the cat. Step out on your landing and stretch. Cat stretches too. Scan the horizon. See your neighbors., your bay, your bridges, your city and your dreams from here. Hummingbirds flit by, as satisfied as you. Telegraph Hill dwellers just might live in San Francisco’s most idyllic spot. But the views! The panoramic vistas and easy access to the colorful neighborhoods of this corner of the city add to the charm of living here. Gazing at the sun setting behind the Golden Gate from Coit Tower is just magnificent. It seems as if you can see the world
from here and all’s well. Nothing exemplifies the charm of Telegraph Hill so vividly as the Filbert Steps with its hillside gardens, benches, unique to the Hill houses, and superb views. The steps still creak, especially down around the nooks of Napier Lane. A luminous art deco delight of an apartment building greets you as you descend the steps to Montgomery Street. A closer look will reveal the decorative detail on this building, once an exterior set for Bogart and Bacall’s “Dark Passage”. Pass the toy poodles-only canine convenience on your way to the Julius’ Castle restaurant, said to be a former speakeasy, which boasts more fabulous views.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
TWIN PEAKS There are about 12,000 people who call this neighborhood home. They are mostly white, affluent, gay or straight, and generally mature (less than eight percent are under the age of 17). They endure the daily climb up and down the steep roads, and bundle up against whipping winds and chilling fog. But the rewards include the best view of the Bay Area south of Marin’s Mount Tamalpais. The view of the city offers an opportunity for a birds-eye view of nearly all of San Francisco’s neighborhoods. The cheap tract homes and apartment buildings that were inexplicably approved by the planners of the day are draped across the ridges of Twin Peaks, while the homes along the northern and western sides are statelier. These affluent areas, now home to empty nesters, include Miraloma Park, Midtown Terrace, Forest Knolls, Parnassus Heights, and Clarendon Heights. The Peaks is a haven for walkers, hikers and nature lovers. Several stairway walks and steep hikes are rewarded with some of the city’s last remaining natural areas. Nestled among the winding streets of Twin Peaks is one of the city’s most enjoyable children’s attractions, the Randall Museum. It offers kids and adults hands-on nature exhibits, a youth art gallery, minerals, and an activity center with classes in woodworking and ceramics.
UNION SQUARE The square is surrounded by upscale retail powerhouses such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and is just two blocks from Market Street and the San Francisco Centre, home of the Nordstrom- In-The-Sky. The department stores are flanked by specialty shops that draw cable cars full of white- gloved ladies and bustling tourists downtown for their shopping excursions. Well-funded shoppers visit Union Square’s stores such as Shreve and Co., Gump’s, Rims & Goggles and, of course, Tiffany & Co. Large and elegant hotels, led by the Westin St. Francis, the Sir Francis Drake, the Grand Hyatt and Campton Place are nearly as famous as Union Square shops and department stores. Many of the hotels feature magnificent lobbies with elevators that whisk you to their rooftop bars. There are many exquisite hotel bars, perfect for pre-dinner drinks, such as St. Francis’ Compass Rose (an international art museum disguised as a bar); the Clift Hotel’s Redwood Room (Venerably elegant old San Francisco with a great piano man) or the Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, a 1930s deco extraordinaire with a cigar terrace at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel.
WESTERN ADDITION The centerpiece of the Western Addition is Alamo Square and the row of Victorian “painted ladies” homes, which are the subject of postcards sent all over the world. On a clear day, with the Victorians in the foreground and the downtown skyline behind, Alamo Square presents San Francisco as a livable city. This picture is not entirely complete though, as Western Addition housing projects still attract crime (especially on weekend nights). They are, however, receiving more attention from City Hall. As the new housing attracted young professionals, upscale shops sprung up. The Western Addition is also the city’s richest repository of classic San Francisco homes, such as the Archbishop’s Mansion at Fulton and Steiner Streets (now converted into a Bed & Breakfast), the Chateau Tivoli at Steiner and Golden Gate, the homes in the 1800 block of California Street and the 1700 block of Franklin Street.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
WEST PORTAL STREET / SAINT FRANCIS WOOD St. Francis Wood, this is the elite tract of southwest San Francisco. It is also sedate. Street landscaping here is exceptionally attractive. John Galen Howard, the noted Beaux Arts-era architect, designed the gates at the St. Francis Boulevard/Portola Drive entry as well as the fountain in the circular plaza on St. Francis. Boundaries are Monterey Boulevard, San Anselmo, Santa Paula, San Pablo Avenues, Portola Drive and Junipero Serra Boulevard. West Portal, after half a century or so, this neighborhood continues to uphold its sedate, upper middle class air, because of appearance and location. Nesting as it does at the foot of three green hills – Mt. Davidson, Forest Hill and Edgehill Heights – it’s like a Swiss village with diagonal and curving streets. It also has one of the more attractive neighborhood shopping areas in town. If its shops can hold out against the trend of being replaced by banks and savings & loan associations. Boundaries are 19th Avenue, Taraval Street, Claremont Boulevard, Portola Drive and Sloat Boulevard.
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS JUNE JORDAN HIGH SCHOOL AIM HIGH ACADEMY Shane Safir, Administrator Michael Selkis, Principal San Francisco State University 1351 Haight Street 405-2463 333-5836 LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL BALBOA HIGH SCHOOL Ronald Pang Ms. Patricia Gray, Principal 2162 24th Avenue 1000 Cayuga Avenue 759-2700 469-4090 LOG CABIN HIGH SCHOOL BAY HIGH James Fithian, Asst. Principal 1950 Mission Street P.O. BOX 329 241-6232 241-6553
BURTON HIGH SCHOOL LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL Fredna Howell, Coordinator Mr. Paul Cheng, Principal 400 Mansell Street 1101 Eucalyptus Drive 469-4550 759-2730
DOWNTOWN MARSHALL, THURGOOD Patrick K. Preminger, Principal Dr. Samuelo Butscher, Principal 110 Bartlett Street 45 Conkling 695-5860 695-5612
GALILEO SCIENCE ACADEMY MISSION HIGH SCHOOL Ms. Chiung-Sal Chou, Asst. Superintendent Mr. Ted Alfaro, Principal 1150 Francisco Street 3750 18th Street 749-3430 241-6240
INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL NEWCOMER HIGH SCHOOL Ms. Jennie Won Chin-Low, Principal Mr. Herbert Chan, Principal 1717 44th Avenue 2340 Jackson Street 242-2528 241-6584
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ACADEMY O'CONNELL, JOHN H.S Cam Van Nguyen, Administrator Joan Hepperly, Principal 693 Vermont Street 2355 Folsom Street 695-5866 695-5370
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC MIDDLE CONT. SCHOOLS
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS AIM HIGH ACADEMY Joseph Rosenblatt, Principal Michael Selkis, Principal 555 Portola Drive 1351 Haight Street 695-5700 333-5836
RAOUL WALLENBERG HS APTOS Mattie Mae Walker, Principal Linal Ishibashi, Principal 40 Vega Street 105 Aptos Avenue 749-3469 469-4520
WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BURBANK, LUTHER Camille Morishige, Principal Avelina Leanos 600 32nd Avenue 325 La Grande Avenue 750-8400 469-4547
IDA B. WELLS HIGH SCHOOL DAVIS, GLORIA R Ms. Ann Austin, Principal Dr. Rejois Frazier, Principal 1099 Hayes Street 1195 Hudson Avenue 241-6315 695-5390
DENMAN, JAMES Ms. Nancy Evangelho, Principal 241 Oneida Street 469-4535
EVERETT MIDDLE SCHOOL Luz Valentin, Principal 450 Church Street 241-6344
FRANCISCO MIDDLE SCHOOL Marian Seiki, Principal 2190 Powell Street 291-7900
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOLS CONT. MAXWELL, ENOLA D. FRANKLIN, BEN 655 Deharo St Marilyn Swartz, Principal 695-5905 1430 Scott Street 749-3476 PRESIDIO MIDDLE SCHOOL Alvin Dea, Principal GIANNINI, AP MIDDLE SCHOOL 450 30th Avenue Brian Lee, Principal 750-8435 3151 Ortega Street 759-2770 ROOSEVELT MIDDLE SCHOOL Diane Panagotacos, Principal HOOVER, HERBERT 460 Arguello Boulevard Jeannie Pon, Principal 750-8446 2290 14th Avenue 759-2783 VISITACION VALLEY James Dierke, Principal KING, MARTIN LUTHER MS 450 Raymond Street Leslie Trook, Principal 469-4590 350 Girard Street 330-1500
LICK, JAMES MIDDLE SCHOOL Janice Daniels, Principal 1220 Noe Street 695-5675
MANN, HORACE MS Thomas Fell, Principal 3351 23rd Street 695-5881
MARINA MIDDLE SCHOOL Dennis Chew, Principal 3500 Fillmore Street 749-3495
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CARVER, DR. GEORGE WASHINGTON ALAMO 1360 Oakdale Avenue 250 23rd Avenue 330-1540 750-8456 CHAVEZ, CESAR ALICE FONG YU ALTERNATIVE 825 Shotwell Street 1541 12th. Avenue 695-5765 759-2764 CHIN, JOHN YEHAL ALVARADO 350 Broadway 625 Douglass Street 291-7946 695-5695 CHINESE ED CENTER ARGONNE YEAR ROUND ALT 657 Merchant Street 680 18th Avenue 291-7918 750-8460 CLARENDON ALT BRET HARTE 500 Clarendon Avenue 1035 Gilman Avenue 759-2796 330-1520 CLEVELAND BRYANT 455 Athens Street 1050 York Street 469-4709 695-5780 COBB, DR WILLIAM L BUENA VISTA ALT 2725 California Street 2641 25th Street 749-3505 695-5875 DE AVILA, WILLIAM R CABRILLO 1351 Haight Street 735 24th Avenue 241-6325 750-8464 DREW, DR CHARLES R CARMICHAEL, BESSIE/FEC 50 Pomona Avenue 55 Sherman Street 330-1526 241-6294
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONT. JAPANESE BILINGUAL WEST (JBBP) EL DORADO 3045 Santiago Street 70 Delta Street 242-2684 330-1537 JEFFERSON FAIRMOUNT 1725 Irving Street 65 Chenery Street 759-2821 695-5669 KEY, FRANCIS SCOTT FLYNN, LEONARD R 1530 43rd Avenue 3125 Cesar Chavez Street 759-2811 695-5770 KING, STARR GARFIELD 1215 Carolina Street 420 Filbert Street 695-5797 291-7924 LAFAYETTE GLEN PARK 4545 Anza Street 151 Lippard Avenue 750-8483 469-4713 LAKESHORE ALT GOLDEN GATE 220 Middlefield Drive 1601 Turk Street 759-2825 749-3509 LAU, GORDON J GRATTAN 950 Clay Street 165 Grattan Street 291-7921 759-2815 LILIENTHAL, CLAIRE GUADALUPE 3950 Sacramento Street @ Arguello 859 Prague Street 750-8603 469-4718 LONGFELLOW HILLCREST 755 Morse Street 810 Silver Avenue 469-4730 469-4722
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONT. MUIR, JOHN MALCOLM X 380 Webster Street 350 Harbor Rd 241-6335 695-5950 NEW TRADITIONS MARSHALL ELEMENTARY 2049 Grove Street 1575 15th Street 750-8490 241-6280 ORTEGA, JOSE MCCOPPIN, FRANK 400 Sargent Street 651 6th Avenue 469-4726 750-8475 PARKER, JEAN MCKINLEY 840 Broadway Street 1025 14th Street 291-7990 241-6300 PARKS, ROSA MILK CIVIL RIGHTS AC, HARVEY 1501 O'Farrell Street 4235 19th Street 749-3519 241-6276 PEABODY, GEORGE MIRALOMA 251 6Th Av 175 Omar Way 750-8480 469-4734 REDDING MISSION ED CENTER 1421 Pine Street 1670 Noe Street 749-3525 695-5313 REVERE, PAUL MONROE 555 Thompkins Av 260 Madrid Street 695-5656 469-4736 ROOFTOP MOSCONE GEORGE R 443 Burnett Avenue (Twin Peaks) 2576 Harrison Street 695-5691 695-5736
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONT. SUTRO SANCHEZ 235 12th Avenue 325 Sanchez Street 750-8525 241-6380 SWETT ALT, JOHN SERRA, JUNIPERO 727 Golden Gate Avenue 625 Holly Park Circle 241-6320 695-5685 TAYLOR, E.R. SHERIDAN 423 Burrows Street 431 Capitol Avenue 330-1530 469-4743 TENDERLOIN COMMUNITY SHERMAN 627 Turk Street 1651 Union Street 749-3567 749-3530 ULLOA SLOAT, COMMODORE 2650 42nd Avenue 50 Darien Way 759-2841 759-2807 VISITACION VALLEY SPRING VALLEY 55 Schwerin Street 1451 Jackson Street 469-4796 749-3535 WEBSTER, DANIEL STEVENSON, ROBERT L 465 Missouri Street 2051 34th Avenue 695-5787 759-2837 WEST PORTAL SUNNYSIDE 5 Lenox Way 250 Foerster Street 759-2846 469-4746 YICK WO SUNSET 2245 Jones Street 1920 41st Avenue 749-3540 759-2760
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
ADDA CLEVENGER JUNIOR PREPARATORY & THEATER CHINESE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN 150 Oak Street, San Francisco 180 Fair Oaks, San Francisco 415/865-6000 415/824-2240 Grades: PK – 8 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Bilingual curriculum taught in School Info: School for gifted children English and Mandarin Chinese www.addaclevenger.org/ http://www.cie-cais.org/
BRANDEIS HILLEL DAY SCHOOL CONVENT OF SACRED HEART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 655 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco 2222 Broadway Street, San Francisco 415/406-1035 415/563-2900 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Jewish day school www.sacred.sf.ca.us/ http://www.bhds.org/ School Info: Catholic; girls school; part of Schools of the Sacred Heart BRIDGEMONT CHRISTIAN HIGH & JUNIOR HIGH 777 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco CORNERSTONE ACADEMY 415/333-7600 801 Silver Avenue, San Francisco (PK - 4 Grades: 6 – 12 campus) www.bridgemontschool.org/ 415/587-7256 501 Cambridge Street, San Francisco (5 - 10 CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS campus) 1275 Sacramento Street, San Francisco 415/585-5183 415/771-6600 Grades: PK – 10 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Preschool and kindergarten School Info: Episcopal Boys school instruction is offered in bilingual Cantonese, www.cathedralschool.net/ Chinese, and English; Chinese is offered as a second language in upper grades CHILDREN’S DAY SCHOOL http://cornerstone-academy.tripod.com/cgi- 333 Dolores Street, San Francisco bin/start.html 415/861-5432 Grades: PK – 8 CORPUS CHRISTI SCHOOL www.cds-sf.org/ 75 Francis Street, San Francisco 415/587-7014 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic www.corpuschristisf.org/
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONT. FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DE MARILLAC MIDDLE SCHOOL 150 Oak Street, San Francisco Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco 415/558-2000 415/552-5220 Grades: PK – 12 Grades: 6 – 8 School Info: Offers programs of study in French School Info: Opened in 2001, Catholic, serves and English underprivileged children in the Tenderloin www.fais-ihs.org/ http://www.demarillac.org/ HAMLIN SCHOOL ECOLE NOTRE DAMES DES VICTOIRES 2120 Broadway Street, San Francisco 659 Pine Street, San Francisco 415/922-0300 415/421-0069 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Girls school School Info: Catholic /www.hamlin.org/ www.ndvsf.org/ HEBREW ACADEMY SAN FRANCISCO th EPIPHANY SCHOOL 645 14 Avenue, San Francisco 600 Italy Avenue, San Francisco 415/752-7333 415/337-4030 Grades: PK – 12 Grades: 1 – 8 School Info: Jewish day school School Info: Catholic www.hebrewacademy.com www.sfepiphany.org/ HILLWOOD ACADEMIC DAY SCHOOL FELLOWSHIP ACADEMY 2521 Scott Street, San Francisco 495 Cambridge Street, San Francisco 415/931-0400 415/239-0511 Grades: K – 8 Grades: PK – 8 www.hillwoodschool.co
FREEMAN SCHOOL HOLY NAME SCHOOL 862 28th Avenue, San Francisco 1560 40th Avenue, San Francisco 415/379-6949 415/731-4077 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8 http://www.freemanschool.com/ www.holynamesf.com
HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX SCHOOL 999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco 415/581-8451 Grades: K – 8
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE ELEMENTARY LAUREL SCHOOL SCHOOLS CONT. 350 9th Avenue, San Francisco 415/752-3567 INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Grades: PK – 8 22 Waller Street, San Francisco Live Oak School 415/863-1691 1555 Mariposa Street, San Francisco Grades Preschool 415/861-8840 www.internationalchristianschool.org/ Grades: K – 8 www.liveoak.pvt.k12.ca.us/ KATHERINE DELMAR BURKE SCHOOL 7070 California Street, San Francisco LYCEE FRANCAIS LA PEROUSE SAN FRANCISCO 415/751-0177 755 Ashbury Street, San Francisco Grades: K – 8 415/661-5232 School Info: Girls school Grades: PK – 12 http://www.kdbs.org/ School Info: French school www.lelycee.org/ KATHERINE MICHIELS SCHOOL 1335 Guerrero Street, San Francisco MARIA MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 415/821-1434 678 Portola Drive, San Francisco Grades: PK – 5 415/731-8188 Grades: PK – 6 KITTREDGE SCHOOL http://montessoriinstitute.citysearch.com/ 2355 Lake Street, San Francisco 415/750-8390 MEADOWS-LIVINGSTONE SCHOOL Grades: 1 – 8 1499 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco www.kittredge.org/ 415/695-7735 Grades: 1 – 6 KROUZIAN ARMENIAN SCHOOL 825 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco MISSION DOLORES SCHOOL 415/586-8686 3371 16th Street, San Francisco Grades: PK – 8 415/861-7673 School Info: Christian bilingual school Grades: K – 8 www.kzv.org/ School Info: Catholic www.missiondolores.org/schoolframes.htm LA MEL SCHOOL 1801 Bush Street, San Francisco MOTHER GOOSE SCHOOL 415/931-1972 334 28th Avenue, San Francisco Grades: K – 12 415/221-6133 School Info: Special Edschool Grades: PK – 2
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONT. ST. BRENDAN’S SCHOOL OUR LADY OF VISITACION SCHOOL 940 Laguna Honda Boulevard, San Francisco 795 Sunnydale Avenue, San Francisco 415/731-2665 415/239-7840 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic School Info: Catholic www.stbrendansf.com www.olvisitacion.com/ ST. BRIGID SCHOOL PRESIDIO HILL SCHOOL 2250 Franklin Street, San Francisco 3839 Washington Street, San Francisco 415/673-4523 415/751-9318 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic www.presidiohill.org/ www.stbrigidschool.com
RIVENDELL SCHOOL ST. CECILIA SCHOOL 4501 Irving Street, San Francisco 660 Vicente Street, San Francisco 415/566-7454 415/731-8400 Grades: K – 5 Grades: K – 8 www.rivendell.san-francisco.ca.us/ School Info: Catholic www.stceciliaschool.org RUSSIAN-AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 1250 Quintara Street, San Francisco ST. CHARLES SCHOOL 415/837-0901 3250 18th Street, San Francisco Grades: K – 4 415/861-7652 www.russianamericanschool.org Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic ST. ANNE SCHOOL th 1320 14 Avenue, San Francisco ST. DOMINIC’S SCHOOL 415/664-7977 2445 Pine Street, San Francisco Grades: K – 8 415/346-9500 School Info: Catholic; Chinese language classes Grades: K – 8 offered School Info: Catholic www.stanne.com www.stdominics.org/school/
ST. ANTHONY-IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL 299 Precita Avenue, San Francisco 450 Somerset Street, San Francisco 415/648-2008 415/468-3247 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8, Catholic
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONT. ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL ST. EMYDIUS SCHOOL 925 Chenery Street, San Francisco 301 De Montfort Avenue, San Francisco 415/584-8383 415/333-4877 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic School Info: Catholic www.stjohnseagles.com
ST. FINN BARR SCHOOL ST. MARY’S CHINESE DAY SCHOOL 419 Hearst Avenue, San Francisco 910 Broadway, San Francisco 415/333-1800 415/929-4690 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic School Info: Catholic www.stfinnbarr.org www.stmaryschinese.org
ST. GABRIEL SCHOOL ST. MONICA SCHOOL 2550 41st Avenue, San Francisco 5920 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco 415/566-0314 415/751-9564 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic School Info: Catholic www.stgabrielsf.com ST. PAUL OF THE SHIPWRECK ACADEMY ST. JAMES SCHOOL 1060 Key Avenue, San Francisco 321 Fair Oaks Street, San Francisco 415/467-1798 415/647-8972 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic School Info: Catholic www.stpaulshipwreck.com www.saintjamessf.org ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL ST. JOHN OF SAN FRANCISCO ORTHODOX ACADEMY 180 Fair Oaks Street, San Francisco 6210 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco 415/648-2055 415/221-3484 Grades: K – 8 Grades: K – 12 School Info: Catholic School Info: Centered around Orthodox calendar and life ST. PETER’S SCHOOL www.stjohnsacademysf.org 1266 Florida Street, San Francisco 415/647-8662 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONT. SAN FRANCISCO ADVENTIST SCHOOL ST. PHILIP’S SCHOOL 66 Geneva Avenue, San Francisco 665 Elizabeth Street, San Francisco 415/585-5550 415/824-8467 Grades: K – 10 Grades: K – 8 San Francisco Chinese Parents Committee School Info: Catholic 843 Stockton Street, San Francisco www.saintphilipschool.com 415/391-5564 Grades: PK – 5 ST. STEPHEN’S SCHOOL 401 Eucalyptus Drive, San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 415/664-8331 25 Whittier Street, San Francisco Grades: K – 8 415/586-1117 School Info: Catholic Grades: K – 12 www.st-stephen.org SAN FRANCISCO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL 302 Eddy Street, San Francisco 50 Thomas More Way, San Francisco 415/673-2992 415/337-0100 Grades: K – 4 Grades: K – 8 School Info: Catholic SAN FRANCISCO DAY SCHOOL www.stthomasmoreschool.org 350 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco 415/931-2422 ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE SCHOOL Grades: K – 8 3801 Balboa Street, San Francisco 415/221-2711 SAN FRANCISCO FRIENDS SCHOOL Grades: K – 8 117 Diamond Street, San Francisco School Info: Catholic 415/552-8500 Grades: K – 8 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SCHOOL Info: Accepting applications in K - 2 for 2003; 2350 Green Street, San Francisco growing to 8th grade 415/346-5505 Grades: K – 8 SAN FRANCISCO WALDORF SCHOOL School Info: Catholic 2938 Washington Street, San Francisco 415/931-2750 STS. PETER AND PAUL SALESIAN SCHOOL Grades: K – 12 660 Filbert Street, San Francisco 415/421-5219 Grades: K – 8, School Info: Catholic
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONT. THE SAN FRANCISCO SCHOOL SAND PATHS ACADEMY 300 Gaven Street, San Francisco 169 Stillman Street, San Francisco 415/239-5065 415/281-9155 Grades: PK – 8 Grades: 6 – 12 www.sfschool.org School Info: Specialize in education for emotionally disturbed children with learning TOWN SCHOOL FOR BOYS differences 2750 Jackson Street, San Francisco 415/921-3747 STAR OF THE SEA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Grades: K – 8 360 9th Avenue, San Francisco School Info: Boys school 415/221-8558 www.townschool.com Grades: K – 8 Voice of Pentecost Academy School Info: Catholic 1970 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco 415/334-0105 STERNE SCHOOL Grades: K – 12 2690 Jackson Street, San Francisco 415/922-6081 WEST PORTAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Grades: 5 – 12 200 Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco (K, 4-8 School Info: Education for students with campus) learning difficulties 1711 37th Avenue, San Francisco (1-3 campus) 415/665-6330 STUART HALL FOR BOYS SCHOOL Grades: K – 8 2252 Broadway Street, San Francisco www.westportallutheran.org 415/563-2900 Grades: K – 8 WOODSIDE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL School Info: Catholic boys school 1555 Irving Street, San Francisco www.sacred.sf.ca.us 415/564-1063 Grades: 6 – 12 SYNERGY SCHOOL 1387 Valencia Street, San Francisco ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL 415/567-6177 495 9th Avenue, San Francisco Grades: K – 8 415/221-7500 Grades: K – 8 THE DISCOVERY CENTER SCHOOL www.zionsf.org 65 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco 415/333-6609 Grades: K – 8 (with high school connection)
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS
ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN HIGH SCHOOL CONVENT OF THE SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL 175 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco 2222 Broadway Street, San Francisco 415/586-8200 415/563-2900 Grades: 9 – 12 Grades: 9 – 12 School Info: Catholic School Info: Catholic; girls school; part of Schools of the Sacred Heart THE BAY SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO http://www.sacred.sf.ca.us/ 8 Funston Avenue, PO Box 29610, San Francisco 415/561-5800 (415/296-7303 till 9/15/03) DREW COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Grades: 9 – 12 (opening in 2004 with grades 9 2901 California Street, San Francisco & 10) 415/409-3739 School Info: Independent, co-ed, college prep Grades: 9 – 12 school with an emphasis on science, technology, www.drewschool.org/ ethics, and world religions FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BETHEL CENTER 150 Oak Street, San Francisco 2557 Alemany Boulevard, San Francisco 415/558-2000 415/586-4977 Grades: PK – 12 Grades: 9 – 12 School Info: Offers programs of study in French School Info: Special Ed Program and English www.fais-ihs.org/ BRIDGEMONT CHRISTIAN HIGH & JUNIOR HIGH 777 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY 415/333-7600 3625 24th Street, San Francisco Grades: 6 – 12 415/824-2052 Grades: 9 – 12 CORNERSTONE ACADEMY School Info: Catholic; all girls 801 Silver Avenue, San Francisco (PK - 4 campus) LA MEL SCHOOL 415/587-7256 1801 Bush Street, San Francisco 501 Cambridge Street, San Francisco (5 - 10 415/931-1972 campus) Grades: K – 12 415/585-5183 School Info: Special Edschool Grades: PK – 10 Lick Wilmerding High School School Info: Preschool and kindergarten 755 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco instruction is offered in bilingual Cantonese, 415/333-4021 Chinese, and English; Chinese is offered as a Grades: 9 – 12 second language in upper grades www.lwhs.org
San Francisco Relocation Guide
SAN FRANCISCO PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS CONT. SAN FRANCISCO UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL 3065 Jackson Street, San Francisco LYCEE FRANCAIS LA PEROUSE SAN FRANCISCO 415/447-3100 755 Ashbury Street, San Francisco Grades: 9 – 12 415/661-5232 Grades: PK – 12 SAN FRANCISCO WALDORF SCHOOL School Info: French school 2938 Washington Street, San Francisco www.lelycee.org/ 415/931-2750 Grades: K – 12 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL 169 Stillman Street, San Francisco 3250 19th Avenue, San Francisco 415/281-9155 415/334-0525 Grades: 6 – 12 Grades: 9 – 12 School Info: Specialize in education for www.mercyhs.org/ emotionally disturbed children with learning differences SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL PREPARATORY 1055 Ellis Street, San Francisco S.R. MARTIN COLLEGE PREPARATORY 415/775-6626 2660 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco Grades: 9 – 12 415/715-0102 School Info: Catholic Grades: 9 – 12 www.shcp.edu/index.shtml STERNE SCHOOL ST. JOHN OF SAN FRANCISCO ORTHODOX ACADEMY 2690 Jackson Street, San Francisco 6210 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco 415/922-6081 415/221-3484 Grades: 5 – 12 Grades: K – 12 School Info: Education for students with School Info: Centered around Orthodox calendar learning difficulties and life www.stjohnsacademysf.org STUART HALL HIGH SCHOOL 1715 Octavia St, San Francisco STS. CYRIL AND MEHODIUS HIGH SCHOOL 415/563-2900 6200 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco Grades: 9 – 12 415/752-5122 School Info: Catholic boys school Grades: 9 – 12 School Info: Offers program in Orthodox URBAN SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO religion, Russian language, literature and 1563 Page Street, San Francisco history; classes on Tues & Thurs 4:10 - 6:00 415/626-2919 pm, Sat 9:00 am - 1:30 pm Grades: 9 – 12 www.urbanschool.org
San Francisco Relocation Guide San Francisco Relocation Guide Fidelity National Title Escrow Information
Steps For a Successful Escrow
1. Open Escrow Request that your Real Estate Agent opens your escrow with Fidelity National Title.
2. Deposits to Escrow Make initial deposit to escrow. These funds will be deposited into a non-interest bearing account. If the deposit is large, and it is a long closing you may want to request that these funds be placed in an interest bearing account. If requested, your Escrow Officer will provide you with the necessary forms for this. Initial deposits and increases may be in the form of a personal check, providing there is time to clear that check with the bank. Final deposits and lenders funds must be deposited to escrow at least one day proir to close of escrow in the form of either a California Cashier’s check or a wire transfer.
3. Power of Attorney If any of the principals to a transaction will be unavailable to sign loan and escrow docu- ment, a Power of attorney may be used. Be sure to provide both your lender and Fidelity National Title Company with a copy of the Power of Attorney form for review and ap- proval prior to signing documents.
4. Title Insurance Policy You will be required to purchase an Owner’s Title Policy and if you are obtaining a new loan, you will also need to obtain a Lender’s Title Policy. Although there are many dif- ferent forms of Title Insurance, the most common Owner’s policies are the CLTA and the new ALTA homeowner’s policy. Compare your options, and choose the policy that best suits your needs.
5. Vesting Prior to signing, you will need to determine how you would like to hold title to the prop- erty. If your are unsure of the advantages and disadvantages to each form of holding title, you should discuss it with your Attorney or Tax advisor.
6. Fire Insurance It will be necessary for you to obtain fire insurance, which will protect both you, the homeowner and your lender. Once you have selected an Insurance agent, provide your Escrow Officer with his/her name and contact information. San Francisco Relocation Guide Fidelity National Title Escrow Information
Steps For a Successful Escrow (con’t)
7. Closing Costs Closing costs are charges associated with the buying, selling or refinancing of real estate. Some of the items associated with closing costs are:
• Lender’s Loan fees • Recording fees • Title and Escrow fees • Transfer Taxes • Notary fees • Inspections • Home Warranty • Real Estate Commissions
8. Signing Your Documents Once the loan documents are prepared by your lender and delivered to the escrow office, the Escrow Officer may now prepare the escrow instructions for signing. The signing of the documents does not constitute the close of escrow. The actual day of recording is the close of escrow. The signing should take place approximately 3-5 days prior to the close of escrow. Once yo have signed the loan documents, the papers are returned to your lender for final review. This process can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours.
9. Close of Escrow Once all of the documents are signed, funds are in and all conditions have been met, the Escrow Officer will release the file for recording. This needs to occur before 5pm the day prior to close of escrow. All title documents are recorded with the County Recorder’s Office at 8am. On the day of recordation, the Escrow Officer will prepare the final state- ments, disburse all of the funds and the property is now yours. San Francisco Relocation Guide Fidelity National Title Escrow Information
Property Taxes - The Repetitive Charge?
Perhaps one of the most confusing aspects in dealing with real estate is the taxes. Taxes can be addressed in several ways in your escrow. If you are obtaining a new loan, the lender may require tax impounds and tax service. If you are involved in a purchase, the seller may require tax prorations. There may be taxes to be paid based on de- linquent or current tax bills. Your escrow instruction may contain a disclosure and release regarding future supplemental taxes.
*The following is a review of each of these aspects of taxes. Taxes to be Paid
The fiscal year commences on July 1st of each year, BUT liens for that tax year begin on the preceding January 1st. This means that every property in the state subject to taxes automatically has a tax lien on it commencing January 1st of each year for the coming fiscal year. The end of each fiscal year is the following June 30th. Taxes are payable in two installments (although you have the option to pay them in full when you pay the first installment). The 1st installment is due and payable on November 1st, becoming delin- quent December 10th. The 2nd installment is due and payable February 1st, becoming delinquent April 10th. NOTE: If the tenth falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the delinquent date is extended until after 5pm of the next business day. Tax Impounds
The lender may collect taxes monthly in the payment. The amount is equivalent to 1/12th of the projected tax payment due annually. At closing, the lender calculated the number of payments that they need to be in receipt of at the time the next tax install- ment is due. Then, at closing, they collect the necessary monthly taxes to ensure that when the taxes become due they are in receipt of a minimum of six months of tax pay- ments. Each lender differs slightly on its calculation; therefore, it is important to check with your lender regarding the formula it uses. San Francisco Relocation Guide Fidelity National Title Escrow Information COMMON WAYS TO HOLD TITLE
Parties Division Title Possession Conveyance of Interest
Only Husband and Ownership & manage- Title is in the commu- Both co-owners have Require written con- Community Wife ment of property is nity & each interest is equal management sent of other spouse or equal separate but manage- and control actual conveyance by Property ment is unified deed. Separate interest is devisable by will.
Community Only Husband & Wife Ownership & manage- Title is in the commu- Both co-owners have Require both spouses Property w/ should sign the acqui- ment of property is nity subject to special equal management to join for valid sition deed to accept equal survivorship right and control conveyance except for right of this special form of security for attorney survivorship vesting title fees
Any number of per- Interests are equal Ownership is joint. Equal right of Conveyance by one Joint sons. Can be Husband and undivided. Yet Sale by one severs possession owner severs the joint & Wife alone or with each person controls tenancy as to others tenancy-but only as to Tenancy others-no corpora- tions- no partnerships his/her own interest. that owner’s interest
Any number of per- Ownership can be di- Each co-owner has Equal right of Each co-owner’s in- Tenancy sons and/or corpora- vided into any number a separate legal title possession terest may be conveyed in tions and partnerships of interests-equal or to his/her undivided separately by its owner common unequal interest
Any number of per- Each partner’s share is Ownership is by part- Possession by partner- Conveyance MUST be by sons and/or corpora- personal property in nership entity only ship by managing designated general part- Partnerships tions & partnerships partnership entity partner(s) ners. All limited partners MUST be at least two need to consent if sale is 100% of assets
Any individual, group, Ownership is a per- Title is held by trustee Depends on provision Designated parties in the partnership of corpo- sonal property interest or trustees pursuant to in trust agreement trust instrument authorize Trust the trustee to convey prop- rations. Other special & can be divided the trust agreement erty. Also a beneficiary’s Arrangements requirements into any number of interest may be sold sepa- interests rately (as personal property) unless restricted
Only Husband & Wife Property retains its Title is held by trustee Depends on provision By the trustee pursu- Community character of or trustees pursuant to in trust agreement ant to the powers community property the trust agreement contained in the trust Property instrument Trusts
Disclaimer: The comparisons shown above are provided for informational purposes only. This chart should NOT be used to de- termine how you acquire your ownership in the property. It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice from an attorney an/or your tax advisor to determine the legal and tax consequences of how your title should be vested. San Francisco Relocation Guide Fidelity National Title Escrow Information COMMON WAYS TO HOLD TITLE
Purchaser’s Effect of Successors’ Creditor’s Presumptions status Death Status Rights
Purchaser can only On the death of the first If the first spouse’s Property of the commu- Strong presumption that acquire 100% of title of spouse, half interest interest is devised by will nity is liable for debts of any property acquired by Community community. Both spouses belongs to the surviving or passes by succession, either spouse made before either husband or wife must consent or convey. spouse. Other half inter- remaining spouse and or during marriage. En- during marriage is com- Property Cannot be a co-owner est is devisable by will, devises or heirs hold title tire property may be sold munity property with his/her spouse or passes by succession as tenants in common at execution sale to satisfy under probate statutes debt of either spouse
Community Purchaser can only On the death of the first Due to surviving right, Property of the commu- Property is specifically acquire 100% of the spouse, the individual the surviving spouse owns nity is liable for debts of stated in the deed to be Property w/ title. Both spouses must half interest passes to the 100% of the title either spouse made before community property with convey. Cannot be a surviving spouse, just the of during marriage. En- right of survivorship right of co-owner with his/her same as joint tenancy. No tire property may be sold spouse. separate interest is devis- at execution sale to satisfy survivorship able by will. debt of either spouse
Purchaser will become a Upon each owner’s Unless joint tenancy is Each owner is subjected Must be expressly stated tenant in common with death, his/her interest broken, last surviving to execution sale to satisfy that property acquired as Joint the other co-owners in passes to the remaining joint tenant owns entire debt. Joint tenancy is joint tenancy Tenancy the property as to the survivors by operation property interest, which broken. Buyer at sale purchaser’s interest. Other of law. Such interests are is now devisable by will (usually Creditor) be- owners may remain joint not devisable by will comes tenant in common tenants. with other owners.
Purchaser will become a Each owner’s interest is Heirs or devisee become Each owner’s interest When conveyance is Tenancy tenant in common with devisable by will or passes tenants in common with is subject to execution unclear, tenancy in com- the other co-owners in by succession under other owners sale. Buyer at sale (usu- mon is presumed, unless in the property probate statutes. No right ally Creditor) becomes community property of survivorship tenant in common with presumptions apply common other owners
Purchaser acquires Partner’s share in part- Heirs or devisee have Partnership real property Should be clear from interest that partnership nership is devisable by rights in partnership in- only subject to execu- conveyance that grantees owned will or succession under terest but not in specific tion sale by partnership have status. If not, could probate statutes. May creditor. If debt of indi- Partnerships cause a dissolution of property vidual partner, only that be found to be tenants in partnership dependent Partner’s share (personal common on terms of partnership property) is subject to agreement execution sale
Purchaser acquires inter- Depends on terms of Depends on terms of Creditor needs to obtain Trust arrangement is est held by the trustee. trust instrument. Death trust instrument. Trust a final court order for ONLY created by written Beneficiary’s interest may of trustee may terminate may terminate or other any execution sale of the instrument. Conveyance Trust of convert trust to other be conveyed separately (as arrangements. Succes- trust arrangements may beneficial interest of an MUST be to trustee of Arrangements personal property) unless sor beneficiaries may be created order to have specific the trust. The trust itself restricted be named in the trust trust property to be sold is NOT a legal entity instrument to satisfy the debt capable of holding title
Purchaser acquires the Trust instrument may Distribution depends Creditor needs to obtain Property is still presumed provide for distribution Community interest held by the on death of first spouse’s on the terms of the trust final court order for to be community prop- trustee half interest. May be instrument execution sale to satisfy erty. Status may change Property devisable by will. Surviv- debts of either or both upon death, dissolution ing spouse may elect to spouses of marriage, revocation Trusts have his/her interest put under testamentary trust. of the trust Seek advice of counsel
Disclaimer: The comparisons shown above are provided for informational purposes only. This chart should NOT be used to de- termine how you acquire your ownership in the property. It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice from an attorney an/or your tax advisor to determine the legal and tax consequences of how your title should be vested. San Francisco Relocation Guide Fidelity National Title Escrow Information The Life of An Escrow
The Life of an Escrow It all begins with the offer and acceptance skillfully negotiated by the real estate agents representing Buyer and Seller.
The Buyer(s) The Escrow Officer The Seller(s)
• Submit a written offer to purchase (or accepts the • Receives an order for the title and escrow services • Accepts Buyer’s offer to purchase and initial Seller’s counter-offer) accompanied by a good faith for Fidelity National Title. good faith deposit to open escrow. deposit amount.
• Orders the title search and examination on subject • Applies for a new loan, completing all required • Submits documents and information to the forms and often prepaying certain fees such as property. escrow holder, such as : addresses of lien hold- credit report and appraisal costs. ers, tax receipts, equipment warranties, home • Acts as the impartial “stakeholder” or depository, warranty contracts, any leases and/or rental • Approves the preliminary report and any property in a fiduciary capacity, for all documents and monies agreements, etc. disclosure, or inspection reports called for by the required to complete the transaction per written purchase and sale agreement (Deposit Receipt). instructions of the principals. • Orders inspections, receives clearances and ap- proves final reports and/or repairs to the property • Approves and signs the escrow instructions, new • With authorization from the real estate agent or loan documents and other related instruments, as required by the terms of the purchase and required to complete the transaction. principal, orders demands on existing deeds of trust sale agreement (Deposit Receipt). and liens or judgements, if any. For an assumption of • Fulfills any remaining conditions specified in the subject to loan, orders the beneficiary’s statement of • Approves and signs the escrow instructions, contract, lender’s instructions and/or the escrow formal assumption package. payoff demands, grant deed and other related instructions. documents required to complete the transactions. • Reviews documents received in the escrow: prelimi- • Approves any final changes by signing amend- nary report, payoff or assumption statements, new • Approves any final changes by signing amend- ments to the escrow instructions or contract. loan package and other related instruments. Reviews ments to the escrow instructions or contracts. • Deposits sufficient funds in the escrow to pay the the conditions in the lender’s instructions including the remaining down payment and closing costs. hazard and title insurance requirements.
• Prepares the escrow instructions and required Fidelity National Title documents together with a preliminary estimate of settlement statement charges for the Buyer and Seller • Examines the title to the real property and The Lender (when applicable) in accordance with the terms of the sale. issues a preliminary report.
• Accepts the new loan application and other related • Presents the instructions, documents, statements, • Determines the requirements and documents documents from the Buyer(s) and begins the loan package(s) and other related documents to the needed to complete the transaction and advises qualification process. principal(s), for approval and signature. the Escrow Officer and/or agents.
• Orders and reviews the property appraisal, credit • Reviews, the signed instructions and documents, • Reviews and approves the signed documents, report, verification of employment, verification of returns the loan package, and requests the lender’s releases and the order for title insurance, prior to deposit(s), preliminary report and other related funds. the closing date. information. • Receives the balance of funds required from the • When authorized by the Escrow Officer, • Submits the entire package to the loan committee Buyer and/or the proceeds of the loan from the lender. records the signed documents with the County and/or underwriters for approval. When approved, Recorder’s office and prepares to issue the title loan conditions and title insurance requirements are • Determines when the transaction will be in the posi- insurance policies. established. tion to close and advises the parties.
• Informs Buyer(s) of loan approval terms and com- • Assisted by title personnel, records the deed, deed mitment expiration date and provides a good faith of trust and other documents required to complete the estimate of the closing costs. transaction with the County Recorder and orders the title insurance policies. • Deposits the new loan document and instructions with the escrow holder for Buyer’s approval and • Closes the escrow by preparing the final settlement signature. statements disbursing the proceeds to the Seller, paying off the existing encumbrances and other obliga- • Reviews and approves the executed loan package tions. Delivers the appropriate statements, funds and and coordinates the loan funding with the Escrow remaining documents to the principals, agents and/or Officer. the lenders. San Francisco Relocation Guide Fidelity National Title Moving Checklist
At Your Present Address
Post Office: Submit “Change of Address” forms. Banks, Deptartment Stores or Vendors, Charge accounts, Credit cards: Give frowarding address. Subscriptions: Change of Address will require several weeks to go into effect. Call, email or send note to Friends and Relatives
Bank
Transfer funds, arrange check cashing in new city. Obtain cashier’s check necessary for closing real estate transaction. Be sure to ask your bank if this check is drawn on a California (your State) Institution.
Insurance
Notify company of new location for coverages: Life, Health, Fire and Auto.
Utility Company
Gas, electrical, water, telephone, fuel, garbage, cable. Get refunds on any deposits made.
Delivery Service
Laundry, newspaper, milk, or water.
Medical, Dental, Prescription History
Ask Doctor and Dentist for referrals: transfer need prescriptions, eyeglasses, x-rays. Obtain birth records, medical records, etc.
School
Obtain school transcripts
Church, Club, Civic Organizations
If possible, transfer memberships; get letters of introduction.
Pets
Ask about regulations for licences, vaccinations, tags, etc. San Francisco Relocation Guide Fidelity National Title Moving Checklist
Don’t Forget to...
• Empty freezer and plan use of foods. Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. • Place charcoal to dispel odors. • Have appliances serviced for moving. • Remember arrangements for TV and antenna. • Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped. • Check with your Moving Counselor, insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment. • Plan for special care needs of infants. • Carry enough cash or traveler’s checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in new city. • Carry jewelry and documents yourself, or use registered mail. • Plan for transporting pets; they are poor traveling companions if unhappy. • Carry traveler’s checks for quick available funds. • Let a close friend or relative know your route and schedule, including over night stops; use him/her as message headquarters. • Double check closets, drawers, shelves to be sure they are empty. • Leave all old keys and garage door opener needed by new tenant or owner with realtor or neighbor. • Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, and water. • Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater, incinerator, and furnace. • Have appliances checked. • Ask Mailman for mail he may be holding for your arrival. • Have new address recorded on driver’s license. • Visit city offices and register for voting. • Register car within five days after arrival in state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new licence plates. • Obtain city inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership. • Apply for state drivers license. • Register family in your new place of worship. • Register children in school. • Arrange for medical services; doctor, dentist, etc. TM Fidelity National Title 20% Discount
We at Fidelity National Title would like to insure your next transaction. As the nation’s number one title insurer, we are proud to offer the most competitive premiums in the industry. You can count on us to deliver top quality service and protection at a good value to you, our customer.
This 20% discount is redeemable on any property you purchase, sell, or refi nance, provided the property has been insured in the last 5 years.
(Not inclusive with any other discounts)
Specify Fidelity! You’ll appreciate the difference.