Noe Valley has a low violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for San Francisco.
Noe Valley feels like a small town despite its centrality in San Francisco, making it a coveted and pricey neighborhood. As the name suggests it's bordered by hills, giving it an intimate feel. 24th Street is its main drag, full of artisanal goods stores, yoga places, and a Whole Foods that is both the biggest grocer in the neighborhood and a cause of constant traffic on the street. Like most central neighborhoods, parking is tough, but public transportation is pretty readily available, especially towards the north and east sides of the 'hood.
It has a very cohesive community feeling, as evidenced by the brand new town square that sits off of 24th Street; this is the result of an organized effort by residents to turn a parking lot into a space to gather and relax in the sun. The town square now houses the wonderful Saturday Farmer’s Market, which features live music, food carts, local produce, and childrenss activities.
Noe Valley is sunny and clean-cut, with lots of pedestrians, many with strollers and dogs. While this “downtown” strip offers most of what you need, residents farther out may find it less convenient, and some have grumbled that obscure artisanal products are more readily available here than practical items.
Noe Valley is full of Victorians and small homes that add to its charm. It’s very attractive to older people and new families who love the strong community feeling and safety without compromising accessibility. It also lacks nightlife other than a few bars scattered around, but they are rarely crowded or rowdy. It can feel like a ghost town later at night and is less of a draw for younger people and students, but is a great compromise for those who want the option to head out, yet still prefer coming home to an area with less noise and activity. Those on the Mission and Castro borders are in walkable distance to plenty of city life.
Noe Valley is bordered on the north by The Castro and Dolores Heights, on the east by The Mission, on the south by Glen Park, and on the west by Diamond Heights and Twin Peaks.
Citizens organized to transform this parking lot into a beautiful town square, which hosts the weekly farmer’s market. It is a testament to the community spirit of Noe Valley.
This twenty-four hour doughnut shop feels a little out of place in quiet Noe Valley, but it’s a great spot to study or work late into the night, or grab some goodies on your way home from a night out.
Find gourmet chocolates from around the world in this decadent little shop.
Open on Saturdays from 8am-1pm in the Town Square. Classical musicians, children’s activities, food carts, and even a trailer offering knife-sharpening services make this a diverse and fun farmer’s market.
A little bookstore dedicated solely to cookbooks and other food-related reading.
Here you can book an hour in a partially outdoor hot tub — a small, fully enclosed space that includes a shower and sauna. The hot tub sits under a small roof, making it a magical experience in the rain.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @juliegeb, @walkingashley, @jacquiqui16, @anisabenitez, @clareydavies, @blombergwindows, @wtfong05, @ithenightowl, @erikkzee, @charlie.everly, @reneeak, @aehrwyn, @mayaencila, @c_clohesy, @mariematheson, @kaorimatrix, @jeremy_dorson, @antonettelee, @lely_1026 for your great photos of this neighborhood!