What $5,500 rents in SF right now

Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a regular column exploring what you can rent for a set dollar amount in different neighborhoods. Is one person’s studio another person’s townhouse? Today’s price: $5,500.

This two-bed, two-bath condo—located at the nexus of Duboce Triangle, Hayes Valley, and the Mission—wants renters to “enjoy living in the center of it all.” The 1,000-square-foot unit packs in quartz counters, a large balcony facing a quiet courtyard, and blackout shades. The building comes with a roof deck that takes full advantage of the low-rise terrain around this juncture of Buchanan and Market. The Linea building, described by designers at Arquitectonica as “a cluster of boxlike forms, stacked and interlocking, pushing out from the triangular property,” is not without its critics; SFist called it one of the city’s ugliest condo buildings. Ouch. But the architect stands by the concept, an imagining of what it might look like if two different buildings running in two different directions merged at the intersections, much the same way the city’s north and south street grids run into each other at Market Street. Whatever you think of the place, this available unit inside of it pulls down $5,500 per month for rent. No word on pets.

The Sunset District isn’t usually associated with big-name designers and architects, but there is one exception: the Rousseau brothers, whose prolific Spanish Colonial storybook houses grace much of the neighborhood. So much so that the city created a special historic preservation zone for their works along 35th Avenue—which is where you can rent this large and updated Rousseau home. The ad promises a backyard and a two-car garage along with 2,200 square feet of space spread out across three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It rents for $5,450 per month; no word on pets.

Meanwhile this Parkside home presents the complimentary Marina District style that, along with the Rousseau look, composes much of the neighborhood. Note that it’s not the full house for rent here but the upper unit, which costs $5,500 per month. It comes in at three beds and two baths, billed as the “main part of a single-family home a half block from Stern Grove”—that is to say, you get everything except for the in-law unit, which is a separate deal with its own tenants. One of the home’s two decks provides a perch to watch summer concerts. This place allows pets “on a case by case basis.”

Bernal Heights’ homes sometimes gives off Marina District vibes, like this single-family home with two beds, two bad, and 2,200 feet—seeing double all around, you might say— next to St. Mary’s Park. The home comes with a distinctive barrel-front facade similar to the homes in the northern part of the city. Also of note, this place is right next to the freeway. Alas. But the ad highlights the large rooms, beautiful details, and glass french doors throughout. IT also comes with a newly remodeled kitchen and landscaped backyard. No pets allowed. Rent will cost $5,500 per month.

Finally, a “tri-level loft in the heart of Hayes Valley”—which is to say, it’s right on Linden Street. This loft comes with two beds, two and a half baths, a sloping banks of windows, and cherry hardwood floors on all common areas. Being in the heart of it all will cost you $5,500 per month. No dogs allowed, but cats are okay.