Mix It Up in The Richmond District

Blogged on 12/14/2009 by Robert Merryman

The western reaches of San Francisco are often overlooked by visitors and home buyers alike. But the Richmond district provides city residents and visitors a gateway to a variety of outdoor activities flanked by Golden Gate Park and ending at Ocean Beach. A fine weave of culture and architecture give the Richmond district its unique and distinct “style.”

When visitors arrive in San Francisco they head to the usual attractions. This might include the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. Another highly sought after stop is the Palace of the Legion of Honor. While the De Young is known for its American painting collection, the Palace of the Legion of Honor is home to European paintings spanning six centuries.

But many overlook the best free museum. The ground floor of the Beach Chalet houses a fresco designed and painted by Lucien Labaudt in 1936 as part of a federal works program and then restored in 1988. The unique depression-era mural depicts scenes of San Francisco in the round. There are also some interesting tile murals as well as an intricately carved balustrade. The building houses a brew pub and two restaurants, one of which provides a front row seat to endless sunsets (on a clear day!) over the Pacific Ocean.

Image of the Beach Chalet provided by dolanh

Within the residential area of the Richmond district you might find a grand Edwardian home on a street with “modern” apartment buildings. Many mid-century building make up the general housing stock as the area was developed mainly during the 50s.

The residents of the district are as varied as the architecture. Together, Russian immigrants and Chinese residents may be shopping at a Mexican produce stand. The restaurant scene in the Richmond district is also equally as varied as the residents; the United Nations to dining.

What matters most: variety and affordability. The Richmond district provides residents with easy access to freeways and transportation. Housing prices allow a buyer to “get more home” for the money.

When I tell others that I live in the Richmond district one of their first replies is “all the way out there?” Another response: “Isn’t it foggy out there?” I am quick to dismiss these protestations with my favorite retort: “I sleep in complete silence, park right in front of my house – and the fog is good for the skin.”