The People's Guide is Curbed SF's tour of neighborhoods, led by our most loyal readers, favorite bloggers, San Francisco celebrities, and other luminaries of our choosing. Have a piece to say? We'll be happy to hand over the megaphone. This time around, we welcome Curbed SF intern Lauren Conklin. The University of San Francisco student and budding scribe has much to say about the Inner Richmond.
How long have you lived in the Richmond?
Coming up on three years.
What do you like best about the neighborhood?
Every few blocks or so you’ll find a little shopping area with everything you need. The Inner Richmond has Clement Street, Outer has the restaurants and shops between 35th and 40th, both with small, family-owned restaurants and markets that have been around forever. It creates a very small town vibe aside from the chain stores of Geary Boulevard.
What do you like least about the neighborhood?
The chain stores of Geary, it seems like there is a Mancini’s Sleep World every three blocks and a Burger King every two. Albeit, small, independent restaurants on Geary exist, but a street like Clement feels more old-school.
How has it changed since you moved there?
I’ve moved four times in three years around the Richmond, and each time it seems more difficult to find a place that rents to students, who make up a considerable amount of the Inner Richmond population because USF is so close. For example, I’ve seen many landlords require you to prove that you are earning double your rent each month.
What's the neighborhood housing stock like?
Very mixed, there are large apartment buildings, plenty of in-law units, and single family homes, many of which are Craftsmans, Victorians, or some funky ’50s art deco blend.
Better for buyers or renters?
Renters. And the rent is pretty reasonable compared to the rest of the city.
Tell us something we don't know about the neighborhood:
The area bounded by Arguello, Ocean Beach, Lake Street, and Fulton Street only officially became known as the Richmond in 2009, erasing the moniker set in 1917 of Park Presidio District
Local customs of note:
Being especially courteous of the older ladies you see on the bus or at the local markets. Let them and their carts through, please.
Stereotypical residents?
The Inner Richmond is very diverse, with a mix of nationalities, mostly Eastern European, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, as well as a mix of families and young single people.
Any hidden gems?
The Neptune Society Columbarium is a beautiful neoclassical building from 1898, it is also full of urns holding cremations of some of SF’s earliest residents.
Do you need a car to get around?
Sure, if you have no problem with accruing parking tickets or paying $200 a month for garage space. Parking can be tricky and we have the 5, 31, 38, and 1 MUNI, all which run consistently and can get you downtown in about 25 minutes (if you take the express buses). Plus, the Richmond is mostly flat and has a number of protected bike lanes.
Good for kids?
Yes, there’s tons of parks and the neighborhood feels very safe and family-friendly.
Beloved neighborhood joint(s)?
Green Apple Books is a favorite among locals and out-of-towners alike.
Giorgio’s Pizza, where I used to work, has been around for over 40 years.
Burma Superstar, or, if the line is too long, their sister restaurant down the street, B Star which has patio seating on weekends.
Where are the best places to chill and/or experience the outdoors in TK?
China Beach and the Lands End trail are both beautiful. Also, Golden Gate park sets the entire south perimeter of the Richmond.
Who wouldn't be happy here?
People who prefer their summers warm and sunny.
Final word?
You’ll see a lot of odd things in the Richmond, but all in all it is a real neighborhood where people care about their space and look out for each other.