Bernal Heights

San Francisco, CA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1,790,000 (May 2025)
Median Home Price
83 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Public schools are average to above average for SF; some families opt for private or charter options.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Cesar Chavez St (north), Mission St (west), Bayshore Blvd (east), and Cortland Ave/Holly Park (south).

Zip Codes

9411094112

Market Data Summary

Price Range$649,000 (condos/TICs) to $3,785,000 (single-family, May–June 2025)
Price per Sq FtTypically $1,100–$1,300/sqft (2025)
Inventory LevelsLow—1.2 months supply as of June 2025; high buyer demand and limited listings.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesVictorian housesCondosTICs (Tenancy-in-Common)

Architectural Styles

VictorianEdwardianMid-century modernContemporary remodels

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes1,500–3,000 sq ft (urban lots, some larger hillside parcels)
Home Age RangeLate 1800s–early 1900s (Victorians/Edwardians), with remodels and some newer infill
Construction QualityGenerally solid; many homes updated with modern systems, though some require renovation.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse mix: young professionals, tech workers, artists, families, and long-time residents. Increasing number of dual-income households.

Community Vibe

Welcoming, eclectic, and tight-knit. Known for block parties, local festivals, and neighborly culture.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families with children
  • Creative professionals
  • Long-time homeowners

Family Friendly

Very—numerous parks, playgrounds, and family events. Strong sense of community.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Bernal Hill Park (panoramic views, hiking)
  • Holly Park
  • Precita Park
  • Cortland Community Garden

Dining Options

  • Moki’s Sushi
  • Vega (Italian)
  • The Front Porch (Southern)
  • Barebottle Brewing

Shopping Centers

  • Cortland Avenue corridor (boutiques, groceries, cafes)

Local Businesses

  • Bernal Heights Market
  • Pinhole Coffee
  • Martha & Bros. Coffee
  • Good Life Grocery

Education & Schools

Public schools are average to above average for SF; some families opt for private or charter options.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Paul Revere K-8
  • Junipero Serra Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Paul Revere K-8
  • James Lick Middle

High Schools

  • Mission High School
  • Balboa High School

Private Schools

  • St. Paul’s Catholic School
  • Synergy School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Muni bus lines (24, 67, 14, 49)
  • BART (24th St Mission station nearby)

Major Roads

  • Cesar Chavez St
  • Mission St
  • Bayshore Blvd
  • US-101 access

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–25 minutes to downtown SF; 30–45 minutes to Peninsula/South Bay via 101/280.
WalkabilityVery walkable, especially near Cortland Ave. Hilly terrain in some areas.
ParkingBetter than many SF neighborhoods, but garage parking is prized; street parking can be competitive near commercial corridors.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young tech professionals
  • Dual-income families
  • Move-up buyers from condos
  • Remote workers seeking space

Key Selling Points

  • Hilltop views
  • Walkable to Cortland Ave
  • Strong community vibe
  • Access to parks and outdoor space

Pricing Considerations

Homes with parking, views, and modern updates command premium pricing. Entry-level homes still sell quickly if priced right.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High price point compared to other SF neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term appreciation, community value, and lower crime rates.

Objection: Limited inventory and bidding wars.

Response Strategy:

Advise on pre-approval, flexible terms, and working with experienced local agents.

Objection: Older homes may need updates.

Response Strategy:

Highlight prevalence of remodeled homes and potential for value-add improvements.

Objection: Hilly terrain and stairs.

Response Strategy:

Showcase walkability, panoramic views, and quieter streets as trade-offs.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong—10% YoY price growth in 2025, historically resilient even in market downturns.

Rental Demand

High, especially for updated single-family homes and units with views/outdoor space.

Buyer Competition

Intense—multiple offers common, especially for move-in ready homes.

Best For

  • Long-term homeowners
  • Move-up buyers
  • Families seeking community
  • Investors seeking stable appreciation

Potential Concerns

  • Limited inventory
  • Entry price point is high
  • Some homes may need significant updates

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on market pace and strategies for winning in competitive situations.

2

Leverage professional staging and high-quality marketing to maximize sale price.

3

Highlight unique community features and walkability in all marketing materials.

4

Advise sellers on timing (spring/early summer for best results).

5

Network with local agents for off-market opportunities.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Noe Valley
  • Glen Park
  • Potrero Hill

Market Positioning

Bernal Heights is positioned as a premium, family-friendly alternative to Mission and Noe Valley, with a unique blend of charm and accessibility.

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower crime than Mission
  • More sun and views than Noe Valley
  • Stronger community feel than Potrero Hill

Price Comparison

Slightly less expensive than Noe Valley, more than Glen Park; offers better value per dollar for views and community.

Investment Metrics

2.5–3.5% (single-family, 2025)
Cap Rates
3–4% gross yield for updated homes
Rental Yields
High (typical for SF), but stable rental demand
Price-to-Rent
Generally negative for leveraged buyers, but strong appreciation offsets low cash flow
Cash Flow
Continued 5–7% annual appreciation expected barring major economic shifts
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high entry prices; best positioned with strong financing and flexibility.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal for those upgrading from condos or smaller homes; can leverage equity for competitive offers.

Downsizers

Appealing for those seeking walkability and community, but limited single-level options.

Investors

Best for long-term appreciation; fixers and ADU potential offer value-add opportunities.

Relocators

Popular for tech workers and families moving from other SF neighborhoods or the Peninsula.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities