Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114: Neighborhood Snapshot (#11)

Neighborhood Snapshot: Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114

So...What's it like?

Well, according the San Francisco Chronicle, "Noe Valley is a neighborhood of contradictions. It's home to both liberals and conservatives, it has attracted the working class, dot.com millionaires, Hollywood film crews ("Sister Act," "Nash Bridges"), and, in the 1970s, followers of controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh". Oh yes...the Bhagwan.  I remember when my college roommate in Santa Barbara had her sister from Oregon come down for a visit back in 1985.  She was a follower of his, and showed up dressed in a colorful assortment of pink and purple wraps.  It was quite the contrast to the 80's "preppy/surf" look the rest of us were sporting at the time.  Turned out that she was actually very cool and a lot of fun.  I can tell you with certainty, that Noe Valley is one of the most young-family oriented neighborhoods in the City.  When someone says, "Watch out for the strollers", they mean it.  

Every year, The Zephyr office on 24th Street participates in a Christmas Holiday event where Santa comes to pay a visit to the neighborhood kids...and trust me, it's a big hit every year.  Be sure to catch the Holiday video of Santa below.

From the Zephyr Video Narrative...

Noe Valley

Over the years, Noe Valley has become one of San Francisco's most coveted residential areas. Many of the Victorian and Edwardian homes in the area have been updated for modern living, and the area is very convenient for out-of-town and downtown commuters alike, with easy access to highways and the J-Church Muni Metro line. Twin Peaks rises high above the valley, blocking much of the fog that lingers in the city's Western neighborhoods; frequent sunny days make this a wonderful home for those who love socializing with their neighbors. 24th Street is the heart of the neighborhood, and here you will find friendly faces popping in and out of boutiques, restaurants, charming cafes, salons and a bevy of long-standing small businesses. Throughout San Francisco, this area is known as a popular place for both new parents and dog lovers to congregate - watch out for strollers and dog leashes while window-shopping! The inclusiveness of the neighborhood is bolstered by a number of community events, including a weekly farmers market and October's much looked-forward-to Harvest Festival. Of course, Noe Valley neighbors find reasons to gather every day -- whether at Douglass Park playground, the newly opened recreation center and dog run, or just out in front of one of the many coffee venues.