A small neighborhood with a small town attitude just south of the Haight.
Cole Valley is a small neighborhood with a small town attitude just south of the Haight. The two neighborhoods blend into each other and the commercial hubs for both are accessible by foot, giving this mellow residential spot the added benefit of being moments away from the action, so residents here get the best of both worlds.
Close to the Haight you’ll find rows of impeccable Victorians, while further out you’ll find a few tasteful condominiums and modern single family homes.
Weather here is cool, though the surrounding hills block much of the fog, giving this neighborhood plenty of sunny days.
A light rail train runs right through Cole Valley, as well as a few bus lines, making downtown commutes easy, if crowded.
It’s a friendly, slow-paced place comprised of families, long-time San Francisco residents, and young professionals. It also borders the University of San Francisco, a medical education and healthcare facility, making it popular among the employees and graduate students.
The intersection of Cole and Carl Streets is the epicenter of the Cole Valley commercial center, spanning the two blocks of Cole Street on either side. Here you will find a pharmacy, hardware store, old-fashioned ice cream shop, pet store, specialty cheese store, and several restaurants and coffee spots.
A small, off-leash dog park lies near here as well, a place where dogs and their owners often recognize each other. The only amenity this neighborhood lacks is a grocery store or food market, but both of these can be found on Haight Street (though cheaper options lay a little further out). A few low key bars hide out in Cole Valley, but nearby Haight Street offers plenty of nightlife for whatever you’re looking for.
Bordering the southeast corner of Golden Gate Park, it’s a great place for nature lovers. It is also very near Mt. Sutro, Buena Vista Park, and Mt. Olympus, so you’ll never get bored of the outdoor spaces and activities to enjoy.
Check out Bigler Avenue, an unmarked dirt road between Twin Peaks Boulevard and Belgrave Avenue, which leads to a set of stairs up to the top of Tank Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city. Brightly colored and loud wild parrots also hang out in the southwestern corner of Cole Valley, a sight that captures the magic of this neighborhood.
Cole Valley is bordered on the north by Haight-Ashbury, on the east by Buena Vista and Corona Heights parks, on the south by Twin Peaks, and on the west by Inner Sunset.
Cole Valley LOCAL schools
Cole Valley Local Flavor 
This popular brunch spot has a large heated patio and a seasonal French-inspired menu.
Pick up wine, cheese, and charcuterie at this specialty shop, or grab a freshly made sandwich to take a picnic in Golden Gate Park to the next level.
This small, off-leash dog park lies behind the light rail tracks and provides a comfortable space for dogs and dog owners to relax and mingle.
The wild parrots of San Francisco, usually found near Telegraph Hill, spend their summers here. If they’re around you won’t miss them — they have green bodies, red heads, and make plenty of noise.
Named after an old water tank, eucalyptus trees were planted here to hide it from bombers following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Amazing views can be found on its summit.
A neighborhood cash-only café with an outdoor patio and a small bookcase filled with games and books to pass the time.
