Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a column that explores what one can rent for a set dollar amount in various San Francisco neighborhoods. Is one man's studio another man's townhouse? Let's find out! Today's price: $3,900.
↑ $3,850/month will get you this "semi-furnished" all-white one-bedroom penthouse in Presidio Heights. It has a glorious-looking two-level deck, slanting ceiling beams that terminate at an extremely fetching set of stained-glass windows, and some rather incongruous poster art of Manhattan. Laundry's in the building but pets are verboten, sadly. There's a wood-burning fireplace, but there's also quite a lot of white carpet that must be kept clean, not to mention a broker fee.
↑ However, if you're going to pay $3,850, why not get a house? This here is a two-bedroom, 800-square-foot home in Bernal Heights right off Cortland Avenue. You can get it partly furnished or unfurnished, and the private patio and garden are all yours. Which is kind of a waste, we must say, because no pets are allowed. Laundry's in the house, and parking is on the street. Your noise level, however, should be "moderate." Also has a "fully functioning" 1930s Wedgewood range and some needlepoint artwork to match.
↑ $3,850 will get you the most sizable piece of house of the group, a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath Marina-style home in the Inner Sunset. It has ocean views, an alluring deck, and some distinctive geometric details, from the wood floor patterning to the contrasting beams on the vaulted ceilings. There's a rather unfortunate Home Depot–esque chandelier and an amorphous-looking stone fireplace. Laundry in the unit, parking on the street, and cats are welcome.
↑ Well, here is a very pretty Noe Valley two-bedroom condo with entirely too much recessed lighting and a back garden that more than makes up for it. This is the lower unit in a two-flat building. For $3,875 you get shiny hardwoods, a very sizable kitchen, and, of course, a view. There's central heat and shared laundry, and street parking. No mention of pets.
↑ And now for the tiniest home in the mix: $3,780 gets you a 538-square-foot junior one-bedroom at the Infinity in South Beach. It comes furnished, but the bedroom is essentially a screened-off alcove. Perfect as a "pied-à-terre for the busy professional," as the listing chirps—or just for people who want to be able to see all their stuff at once. This tiny, high-dollar abode comes with laundry in the unit and the sorts of amenities people rent in buildings like this to get: a huge fitness center, indoor pool, lounge, movie theater, etc. No mention of pets.
· Previous Coverage of the Infinity [Curbed SF]