When my children were young, and my family and I lived in Noe Valley, we always enjoyed taking day trips to North Beach. First stop was the library for a little story time, followed by a visit to the playground next door. The Joe DiMaggio Playground also includes an indoor swimming pool, two tennis courts, a basketball court, large open black-topped area, and a bocce ball court. All of these areas today continue to be well-used, with children and adults of all ages playing ball, roller skating, biking, or sometimes simply sitting back to watch the action.

As the kids grew older we would hike up Telegraph Hill just to experience the remarkable views from the top. Of course, we couldn’t leave...

When my children were young, and my family and I lived in Noe Valley, we always enjoyed taking day trips to North Beach. First stop was the library for a little story time, followed by a visit to the playground next door. The Joe DiMaggio Playground also includes an indoor swimming pool, two tennis courts, a basketball court, large open black-topped area, and a bocce ball court. All of these areas today continue to be well-used, with children and adults of all ages playing ball, roller skating, biking, or sometimes simply sitting back to watch the action.

As the kids grew older we would hike up Telegraph Hill just to experience the remarkable views from the top. Of course, we couldn’t leave the area without seeing the WPA murals in Coit Tower too. Our return usually involved stopping for a slice of pizza, desert, and/or cappuccino at one of the many local bakeries. Even today, this is still one of my favorite city hikes.

Although the neighborhood has changed a bit over the years, a strong bind remains between merchants, home owners, and renters who love their neighborhood’s character and work to keep a balance between old and new.Saints Peter and Paul Church looks out onto Washington Square, a center piece of the neighborhood. In the park you will find people practicing Tai Chi, walking dogs, chatting with friends, reading the newspaper, or relaxing while enjoying the visual experience of San Francisco city living. Washington Square serves as the social hub of this vibrant area.

There are three commercial streets in the North Beach/Telegraph Hill neighborhood. Broadway is a tourist destination where the gentleman’s clubs lining the street meet Chinatown. Columbus Street, which stretches all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf, is lined with bars, coffee houses, bakeries, and restaurants that offer outdoor sidewalk dining. It’s also where you’re likely to find the best Italian food in the city. Grant Avenue also has restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, and popular bars -- with the addition of small boutiques and gift shops. Many of these local joints have been in business for 50 years or more, adding to the unique neighborhood charm which residents and tourists both adore.

There’s a Catholic elementary school connected to Saints Peter and Paul, as well as a public elementary and middle school located in the center of the neighborhood. Galileo High School, on the corner of Bay Street and Van Ness Avenue, is also close by. Grocery shopping is a breeze here as well, with Chinatown to the south and Trader Joe’s and Safeway -- both fully equipped with parking and access to public transportation -- to the north on Bay Street.

Although North Beach and Telegraph Hill are small neighborhoods, the individual character of each place and difference in property values are quite obvious when looking at home prices. North Beach is listed under 8D on the San Francisco REALTORS ® map, while Telegraph Hill is 8G.

Keep in mind -- all San Francisco neighborhoods that feature a plethora of homes with a view, or within blocks of coffee shops, popular restaurants, and public transportation -- fly off the market when properly priced to sell. If you like being in the heart of the action, good weather, and surrounded by even better views then North Beach and/or Telegraph Hill are two neighborhoods to definitely consider. You can leave your car behind during the day if you’d like, and if you don’t own one, the Financial District, Downtown, and BART are all within walking distance.

Written by: Agent, Carole Isaacs, McGuire Real Estate.