We spend years cultivating our on-line community, but don’t know our neighbors. We “poke” on Facebook, but don’t smile on the street. I propose we spend some time connecting offline and indulging in San Francisco’s rich culture and diversity.  What community characteristics are you seeking?

When purchasing a home in San Francisco, select a neighborhood that is right for you and build community.

• If you are a family, consider the Outer Sunset. Thirty percent of households in the Outer Sunset have children. There are fantastic schools, playgrounds, parks, the ocean and the zoo!
• If you want to dispose of your car, then Downtown/SOMA could be the place for you. Market Street provides BART access and 6 underground Muni lines. Castro isn’t a bad option either – it’s close to 2 Muni stations, 5 Muni rail lines and BART. 
• Like to eat out? The Mission has 84 Zagat-rated restaurants, followed by SOMA with 65 Zagat-rated restaurants and the Marina/Cow Hollow with 48 Zagat-rated restaurants.
• Looking for the biggest bang for your buck? At $243 per square foot and $635,000 median selling price, NOPA is the place to go. Despite its “gritty” image, it is home to parks, grocery stores, great restaurants and music. 
• Are you a walker? Lower Pacific Heights on Fillmore between Sacramento and Eddy has everything within walking distance: restaurants, groceries, music, gyms, bookstores, shopping, coffee and parks.
• Luxurious living is nestled quietly in Sea Cliff, where the median selling price is $2.4 million. This exclusive neighborhood overlooks the Pacific and includes as its inhabitants Robin Williams and (rumored) Tom Cruise.

Image of SOMA courtesy of Bernt Rostad

After you find your community, then engage. Not only is it fulfilling, it builds safer neighborhoods. Helping each other and taking the time to talk to a local merchant feels good and is a great break from our regimented and busy lives.

Need some community-building suggestions? Know your neighbors, sit on your stoop, buy from local merchants, share what you have, take children to the park, start a community garden, dance in the street, talk to the mail carrier and organize a block party. 

For more info, see 7×7 Magazine’s Best Neighborhoods and McGuire’s Local Explorer. 

Image of Lower Pacific Heights courtesy of Averain