Potrero Hill

Potrero Hill in San Francisco, CA offers a distinctive take on upscale urban living. Located on the eastern part of San Francisco, the neighborhood stands out as a unique and inviting community offering the perfect blend of urban living and small-town charm.

A charming oasis, Potrero Hill provides residents and visitors alike with stunning city views, a rich history, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. All these help to set it apart from other areas of the bustling metropolis and make it one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Bay Area.

Potrero Hill: An Overview

Covering an area of approximately 1.2 square miles, Potrero Hill is a relatively small neighborhood bordered by 16th Street to the north, Potrero Avenue and U.S. Route 101 to the west, and Cesar Chavez Street to the south.

Much like the rest of the city, Potrero Hill has an elevated position, providing residents with spectacular panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the East Bay. The location gives the neighborhood a rather secluded feel, separated from the bustle of the city while still in close proximity to jobs, businesses, and urban amenities.

Historians say Potrero Hill got its name from the Spanish word for “pasture” or “grazing land,” reflecting the area’s early use as grazing land for Mission Dolores in the late 18th century. The neighborhood began to develop in the mid-19th century, particularly after the California Gold Rush brought an influx of settlers to the region.

Potrero Hill’s growth was further accelerated by the establishment of industries along its eastern shore in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The neighborhood became home to many working-class families, including a significant number of Irish, Italian, and Russian immigrants.

During World War II, Potrero Hill played a crucial role in the city’s shipbuilding efforts, with many residents working in the nearby shipyards. In the post-war years, the neighborhood began to transform, attracting artists, writers, and counterculture figures who were drawn to its affordable housing and panoramic views.

Homes for sale in Potrero Hill, San Francisco

One of the most popular neighborhoods in San Francisco, the housing market in Potrero Hill can be quite competitive. Home prices tend to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, but still at par with the San Francisco average. Many homes are perched on the hill’s slopes, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline or the bay.

The homes for sale in Potrero Hill, San Francisco are highly diverse, reflecting the area’s evolution over the years. You’ll find beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian homes dating back to the late 19th century with their signature bay windows. There are exquisite Craftsman bungalows as well, built in the early 20th century and featuring inviting porches and handcrafted woodwork .

Many of these historic homes are multifamily properties, providing cozy living environments and relatively more affordable prices. Others are upscale single-family homes with distinctive features that add plenty of character and charm.

In recent years, Potrero Hill has seen an influx of contemporary condo developments. These properties offer modern amenities such as rooftop terraces, fitness centers, and secure parking. The design often includes large windows to maximize natural light and views of the city and bay. A number of these are former industrial spaces, repurposed into lofts and live-work spaces.

Modern townhouses have also been developed to cater to those seeking a single-family home feel with the convenience of urban living. They typically feature multiple levels, private garages, and small yards or terraces.

Potrero Hill also has a number of mixed-use buildings that combine residential units with commercial spaces. These are typically found along the neighborhood’s main thoroughfares such as 18th Street, and offer the convenience of shops, cafes, and restaurants on the ground floor with apartments or condos above.

Potrero Hill is informally divided into sub-areas or zones, each with its own benefits and appeal. In searching homes for sale in Potrero Hill, San Francisco, consider where they’re located and what you can expect from the area.

A coveted section of the neighborhood, North Slope is characterized by its steep streets, lending stunning views of the city below. Homes in North Slope typically feature a mix of architectural styles, from classic Victorians to new constructions.

This area boasts excellent accessibility, with easy connections to downtown via public transportation and major highways. North Slope is known for its sunny microclimate, often escaping the fog that blankets other parts of the city. Residents enjoy proximity to popular 18th Street, which is home to a variety of local restaurants, cafes, and shops. The area also offers several parks and green spaces, including McKinley Square and the Potrero Hill Recreation Center. With its strong sense of community and desirable location, North Slope attracts a diverse mix of professionals, families, and long-time San Franciscans.

Located south of 20th Street, this area tends to be a bit quieter and more residential. It’s popular with families due to its proximity to parks and schools.

South Slope features a mix of housing styles, from Victorian-era homes to modern condominiums, appealing to various tastes and budgets. The neighborhood is well-connected, with easy access to public transportation and major highways, making commutes to downtown or Silicon Valley manageable.

The eastern edge of Potrero Hill, near Interstate 280, has seen significant development in recent years. East Side boasts a mix of housing styles, from classic Victorians to modern condos, appealing to diverse architectural preferences.

The neighborhood’s proximity to the 22nd Street Caltrain station makes it ideal for commuters working in Silicon Valley. East Side is also home to several parks, including Warm Water Cove Park, offering green spaces for recreation and relaxation. The area has seen recent development, bringing in new dining options and boutique shops, particularly along 3rd Street.

While generally quieter than the western part of Potrero Hill, East Side still provides easy access to the vibrant 18th Street corridor and is a short distance from the burgeoning Dogpatch district. This combination of tranquility, convenience, and urban amenities makes the East Side an attractive option for homebuyers seeking a more relaxed, easygoing lifestyle.

The western side of the neighborhood, near Highway 101, is more mixed-use, with a blend of residential and light industrial spaces.

This section of the neighborhood is known for its quieter streets, stunning city views, and a diverse mix of architectural styles.

Transportation is convenient, with several Muni bus lines serving the area and the 22nd Street Caltrain station nearby. Residents appreciate the proximity to well-regarded schools and the Mission District.

The heart of the neighborhood, around 18th and 20th Streets, is where you’ll find many of the area’s shops, restaurants, and community spaces. Living here puts you right in the center of the action.

This area’s central location also ensures convenient commuting, with nearby public transportation and major freeways connecting residents to the rest of the city and beyond. Families will also appreciate the reputable schools while professionals will benefit from the proximity to the tech hubs and amenities of downtown San Francisco.

Living in Potrero Hills

Big things come in small packages—a statement that certainly rings true for Potrero Hill. 

If you’re looking to put down roots in this part of San Francisco, here’s everything you need to know about living here and what makes this neighborhood a desirable place to call home.

Accessibility is one of the biggest advantages offered by Potrero Hills, San Francisco homes for sale. With the neighborhood’s location, residents get convenient access to various parts of the city as well as San Francisco hotspots like Mission District, Dogpatch, SoMa, and Mission Bay. Proximity to both I-280 and Highway 101 makes it easy to get in and out of the area by car.

The area is served by an efficient public transportation system, including bus lines 10, 19, and 22. Moreover, the 22nd Street Caltrain station is located at the base of Potrero Hill, offering easy commutes to Silicon Valley and the Peninsula.

Potrero Hill is famous for its microclimate, the result of the area’s elevation and location. The neighborhood enjoys more sunny and warm days as well as relatively warmer temperatures than other parts of the city. The elevated location also makes it windier than lower-lying areas, especially in the afternoons.

Families with school age kids can benefit greatly from the abundance of well established schools near Potrero Hill, San Francisco homes for sale.

These include Daniel Webster Elementary School, a neighborhood school known for its Spanish immersion program; Starr King Elementary School, a high ranking school in the ranking in San Francisco Unified School District with a Mandarin immersion program; and San Francisco International High School, where students have the opportunity focusing on global studies and languages.

Private schools in the area include Live Oak School, an independent K-8 school emphasizing experiential learning; and Alta Vista School, a progressive independent school for pre-K through 8th grade.

Several higher education institutions are also located nearby, including University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco State University (SFSU), the City College of San Francisco (CCSF), California College of the Arts (CCA), and Academy of Art University, a private art school that offers a variety of programs in art and design fields.

Potrero Hill boasts a diverse array of dining options and unique shopping experiences, particularly along 18th Street and 20th Street.

Some of the must-try dining spots in this part of San Francisco include:

• Plow, a beloved brunch spot known for its lemon ricotta pancakes and crispy potatoes
• Chez Maman, a cozy French bistro that offers delicious crepes and other top-notch Parisian fare
• Papito, a popular Mexican restaurant with a focus on organic and sustainable ingredients
• Goat Hill Pizza, a neighborhood institution serving sourdough pizza since 1975
• Umi, a popular Japanese restaurant known for its sushi and izakaya-style small plates.

When it comes to shopping, the top spots to visit include:

• Christopher’s Books, an independent bookstore that’s been a neighborhood fixture for decades
• Collage Gallery, which houses works by local artists and craftspeople
• Farley’s, a community-oriented coffee shop that also sells books and hosts events
• The Good Life Grocery, a local, independent grocery store known for its organic produce and friendly service.

There are no large shopping centers in Potrero Hill but residents have easy access to more extensive retail options in nearby Mission District, Dogpatch, and Downtown San Francisco. 

Outdoor destinations and entertainment options

While Potrero Hill is primarily residential, it offers access to a variety of recreation and entertainment options, including some of the best parks in the city. 

Potrero Hill Recreation Center features a playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a dog play area. McKinley Square is a hilltop park that offers panoramic views of the city as well as a community garden. The sand-floor Jackson Playground features outdoor play equipment, community rooms, basketball and tennis courts, and a picnic area. 

Fantastic nightlife. The iconic Bottom of the Hill is a must-visit for its live music scene featuring a variety of up-and-coming and established acts. The Anchor Brewing Company, one of America’s oldest craft breweries, offers tours and tastings to residents and tourists alike.

San Francisco attractions. Potrero Hill’s central location also means residents are just a short trip away from many of San Francisco’s major attractions, including AT&T Park, the de Young Museum, and Golden Gate Park.

Find the perfect home in Potrero Hill today

If you are looking to invest in a Potrero Hill property, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, Dave Cunningham.

A San Francisco Realtor since 1999, I specialize in properties in Potrero Hill, as well as in other sought-after areas in the city including Noe Valley, Eureka Valley – Castro, Corona Heights, Liberty Hill, Kite Hill, Buena Vista Park, Ashbury Heights, Fairmount Heights, and Clarendon Heights.

As a San Francisco native, I have intimate knowledge of this one-of-a-kind city, which I leverage to give my clients a smooth and successful real estate experience. 

My years of experience have finely tuned my negotiation skills, helping me get the highest possible price for my sellers and the best possible price for my buyers at all times.

If you are looking to invest in a Potrero Hill home, feel free to give me a call at 415.244.4779. You can also message here to book a free consultation.