Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a regular column exploring what you can rent for a set dollar amount in different neighborhoods. Is one person's apartment another person's townhouse? Today's price: $2,700.
↑ H.C. Baumann, prolific designer of fine, tall early 20th century apartment buildings across San Francisco, strayed to Cole Valley to create this beauty on Buena Vista Avenue in 1926. Back in the day, the average American made $5,300/year, not enough to rent a one-bath studio apartment in this building today, which is offering $2,695/month rate. The ad plays up the “classic 1920s period details including arched doorways and crown moldings,” as well as the “New York-style windows” (which may or may not be a plus in this town, depending on who’s asked). No dogs allowed, but cat are okay.
↑ But this quadplex on Washington Street in Nob Hill was already old back when the aforementioned Baumann building was young. This red little number features a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment—marketed as a “charming, renovated unit”—for $2,700/month, no pets allowed. Note that, although the ad mentions one bedroom, there’s none featured in the photos. In fact, this looks very much like a Nob Hill studio, but anyone feeling suspicious ca check this weekend’s open house.
↑ There might be some equally ambiguity with this Cow Hollow apartment, advertised as a one-bed, one-bath unit, even though it’s clear from the photos that whoever lived here most recently simply put the bed in the corner of the living room, within walking distance to the couch. Well, at least the place isn’t short on space at 1,200 square feet, and the highly, highly arched ceiling means it’s certainly never going to look boring. Classy touch with the vessel sink in the bathroom as well. It’s $2,600/month, but the ad doesn’t specify a pet policy.
↑ At least all the rooms seem to be order at this Sunset District in-law , which squeezes two bedrooms and two baths into 690 square feet on 22nd Avenue. Do note that the ad says “recently renovated,” but these photos date back to 2013. Hmm. Either way the entire kit runs renters $2,700/month now, and again there’s no word on pets.
↑ And finally here’s a one bedroom, one bath apartment with the intriguing designation of a “home-like Bernal Heights oasis.” The distinction between home and home-like may not be obvious at first, but for those who want to find out it’s $2,695/month and no pets allowed.
Poll
Which Rental Would You Choose?
This poll is closed
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17%
Cow Hollow Apartment
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3%
Sunset In-Law
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18%
Bernal Heights Apartment
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14%
Nob Hill Apartment
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46%
Cole Valley Studio
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