These two neighborhoods on SF's outskirts have a seedy past but are developing into family-friendly spots.
Ingleside & Oceanview have a high violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for San Francisco.
Ingleside was named for the Ingleside Inn, a popular roadhouse in the late 1800s, while Oceanview lies directly south. Back then the Ingleside and Oceanview neighborhoods were home to activities at the fringe of the law: rowdy saloons, boxing rings, shooting ranges, and a jail to house all who were caught.
But in 1934 the Ingleside jail was turned into City College, a public community college that enrolls up to 1 in 9 San Francisco residents every year. After World War I, the neighborhood settled down and the the once unseemly storefronts lining Ocean Avenue transitioned into businesses serving the neighborhood’s residents.
A hint of Ingleside’s rough past still lingers, with a reputation for crime that makes it less popular than the more charming Noe Valley and West Portal neighborhoods. However, crime has been on a steady decline since the tech boom started and the city has invested in revitalization efforts such as planting trees along the streets.
Rows of brightly colored, but somewhat worn single family homes can be found here, which attract many first-time homeowners, who fix up the less expensive homes. In addition to City College to the north, to the far west lies San Francisco State University. Students and other young people often occupy the marginally legal “in-law” units that have been attached to the houses over the years.
Ingleside and Oceanview are mostly devoid of parkland, but the Lakeview and Ashton Mini Park between them is capped by a rocky outcropping providing views of the city in all directions.
The neighborhoods are both accessible by bus and light rail, and a BART station is located at the northeast corner, where the Ingleside area of Ocean Avenue begins. Ocean Avenue is the commercial center and also the northern border of Ingleside, and continues into the more affluent and suburban Ingleside Terraces, formerly the site of a giant racetrack in the late 1800s. A 28-foot sundial can be found in Ingleside Terraces, perfect for making a loop around while out on a run.
Ocean Avenue has many cafés, casual restaurants, and places where all major amenities can be found, including a Whole Foods and Target. There are also a dwindling array of bars dotted along it. Ingleside has a modernized library branch noted for its children’s section. Broad Street, along the southern border of Oceanview, is home to a few shops and markets, and a large number of churches.
Weather is often cold and foggy in both neighborhoods, whirling around the old fashioned looking storefronts.
As young families continue to find their way here for the relatively cheaper real estate, Ingleside and Oceanview are sure to become vibrant, community-oriented neighborhoods in the coming years.
Ingleside and Oceanview are bordered on the north by Monterey Heights, on the east by Outer Mission, on the south by Daly City, and on the west by Lakeside and the San Francisco State University.
Ingleside & Oceanview LOCAL schools
Ingleside & Oceanview Local Flavor 
A public, two-year community college annually enrolling as many as 1 in 9 residents of San Francisco.
A nonprofit community center offering dance and yoga classes, nutritional education, computer labs, and discussion groups.
A small park with grassy and rocky slopes and home to diverse plant species.
Over 45 years ago Sue Castle opened this casual watering hole and has tended bar at it ever since. Nightlife options in Ingleside have dwindled over the years, but Randy’s is steadfast, and usually filled with old-timers happy to tell tales of old San Francisco.
A straightforward, retro burger stand with vegetarian options.
Located slightly to the west in the more affluent Ingleside Terrace neighborhood, this sundial was built in 1913 and stands 28 feet tall.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @williamlewalker, @maanddaa, @stephenrad14, @private_angel, @leslietheboy, @rentsfnow, @emmettbright, @fifty_shades_of_pavement, @ps_1ly, @mrmitchelljr, @bridgeflem, @sfchronicle, @jpm25, and @eatings for your great photos of this neighborhood!
