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10 great San Francisco starter homes

From downtown to the Outer Sunset, these SF pads would be perfect for first-time homebuyers

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The concept of a starter home meant something different two decades ago than it does today. Alas, it meant something different five years ago than it does today.

In many U.S. cities, San Francisco included, a starter home once meant spending a modest downpayment on a one- to two-bedroom home where a young family, couple, or single person could purchase their first piece of real estate.

Those days are long gone.

In 2017's San Francisco, a starter home means a studio, a one-bedroom condo the size of an ice cube, or an inhabitable teardown.

But wait, it gets worse: The median price for a San Francisco home went up to record-breaking $1.5 million this year. (For perspective, back in 2000 a three-bedroom house in the city averaged $543,059—roughly $786,000 after inflation.)

The good news is that not all SF homes are out of reach.

We set out to uncover 10 great starter homes in the city, covering a wide range of what's available in San Francisco right now. Ranging from Portola to the Richmond, we have the city covered.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

2411 47th Avenue

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This one-bed, one-bath condo in the Outer Sunset comprises 35% of a detached house. It comes with its own separate entrance, has a shared floor, and features remodeled interiors. Best of all, it’s a jump away from Ocean Beach.

Asking is $375,000.

Photos via Redfin

228 18th Avenue

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This Central Richmond home’s Edwardian layout comes with two beds, one bath, a formal parlor room at the front, and pocket doors to the master bedroom. There’s also a brick fireplace and details like wainscoting and crown molding. Swoon.

Asking is $899,000.

Photos via Redfin

1030 Ortega

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This detached Inner Parkside abode comes with two beds, one bath, and roughly 1,050 square feet. Built in 1940, 1030 Ortega has been completely renovated to feature new interiors with pastel hues.

And dig that red door. Sharp.

Asking is $998,000.

Photos via Redfin

726 Joost

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Over in the small Sunnyside enclave, a detached home comes with two beds, one bath, and a waist-cinching 706 square feet. But what this home lacks in size it makes up for in charm (quiet location! shingled facade!) and comparative affordability.

Asking is $759,000.

Photo via Redfin

180 Dolores

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A tenancy-in-common nestled in prized Mission-Dolores, just across the street from Whole Foods, this one-bed (separated by French doors), one-bath, approximately 600-square-foot condo is arguably the best location on this list. Located near Market Street, it’s next to several major transit lines, equidistant from the Mission and Castro.

Renovated throughout, HOAs come to $333. Asking is $750,000.

Photos via Redfin

73 Waller

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Inside a four-unit circa-1900 Victorian in Hayes Valley, this studio is, well, tight. But also beautiful. It features an open living/sleeping area with a separate kitchen and dining area, an exclusive-use patio off the kitchen, high ceilings, and brick kitchen detailing.

Storage is included, and there is a shared laundry room in the building.

HOAs are $366.80. Asking is $628,000.

Photos via Redfin

666 Post

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O to live the downtown lifestyle! A one-bedroom condo inside Crown Towers, famous for the Downing red facade and its Beelzebub-possessed address, comes with arched doors, a fireplace, a bathroom with both walk-in shower and bathtub, and glorious downtown views.

HOAs are $742. Asking is $779,000.

Photos via Redfin

844 Colby

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The only midcentury-modern gem on this list, a detached fixer-upper in Portola features one bed, two baths and 836 square feet. The main level comes with a large kitchen that opens to the living room. Downstairs has an additional bedroom and an expansive garage.

Also of note, the 3,000-square-foot lot located in the back makes an ideal gardening spot.

Asking is $699,000.

Photo by Redfin

614-A San Bruno Avenue

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Up in Potrero Hill, new homebuyers can find a roomy condo inside an Edwardian, featuring roughly 1,000 square feet, one bed, and one bath. New details can be found throughout. But it also maintains some of its original integrity. Lovely.

HOAs are $279. Asking is $799,000.

Photos via Redfin

1461 Revere

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This two-bed, one-bath Bayview abode is still under renovation. But this 1907 home’s facade, now painted a vivid shade of yellow, keeps things traditional with a white picket fence. Also of note, according to the listing agent’s ad, “There is a partially finished second unit below which could be completed for additional income or an owners unit. “

Asking is $585,000.

Photo via Sotheby’s

2411 47th Avenue

This one-bed, one-bath condo in the Outer Sunset comprises 35% of a detached house. It comes with its own separate entrance, has a shared floor, and features remodeled interiors. Best of all, it’s a jump away from Ocean Beach.

Asking is $375,000.

Photos via Redfin

228 18th Avenue

This Central Richmond home’s Edwardian layout comes with two beds, one bath, a formal parlor room at the front, and pocket doors to the master bedroom. There’s also a brick fireplace and details like wainscoting and crown molding. Swoon.

Asking is $899,000.

Photos via Redfin

1030 Ortega

This detached Inner Parkside abode comes with two beds, one bath, and roughly 1,050 square feet. Built in 1940, 1030 Ortega has been completely renovated to feature new interiors with pastel hues.

And dig that red door. Sharp.

Asking is $998,000.

Photos via Redfin

726 Joost

Over in the small Sunnyside enclave, a detached home comes with two beds, one bath, and a waist-cinching 706 square feet. But what this home lacks in size it makes up for in charm (quiet location! shingled facade!) and comparative affordability.

Asking is $759,000.

Photo via Redfin

180 Dolores

A tenancy-in-common nestled in prized Mission-Dolores, just across the street from Whole Foods, this one-bed (separated by French doors), one-bath, approximately 600-square-foot condo is arguably the best location on this list. Located near Market Street, it’s next to several major transit lines, equidistant from the Mission and Castro.

Renovated throughout, HOAs come to $333. Asking is $750,000.

Photos via Redfin

73 Waller

Inside a four-unit circa-1900 Victorian in Hayes Valley, this studio is, well, tight. But also beautiful. It features an open living/sleeping area with a separate kitchen and dining area, an exclusive-use patio off the kitchen, high ceilings, and brick kitchen detailing.

Storage is included, and there is a shared laundry room in the building.

HOAs are $366.80. Asking is $628,000.

Photos via Redfin

666 Post

O to live the downtown lifestyle! A one-bedroom condo inside Crown Towers, famous for the Downing red facade and its Beelzebub-possessed address, comes with arched doors, a fireplace, a bathroom with both walk-in shower and bathtub, and glorious downtown views.

HOAs are $742. Asking is $779,000.

Photos via Redfin

844 Colby

The only midcentury-modern gem on this list, a detached fixer-upper in Portola features one bed, two baths and 836 square feet. The main level comes with a large kitchen that opens to the living room. Downstairs has an additional bedroom and an expansive garage.

Also of note, the 3,000-square-foot lot located in the back makes an ideal gardening spot.

Asking is $699,000.

Photo by Redfin

614-A San Bruno Avenue

Up in Potrero Hill, new homebuyers can find a roomy condo inside an Edwardian, featuring roughly 1,000 square feet, one bed, and one bath. New details can be found throughout. But it also maintains some of its original integrity. Lovely.

HOAs are $279. Asking is $799,000.

Photos via Redfin

1461 Revere

This two-bed, one-bath Bayview abode is still under renovation. But this 1907 home’s facade, now painted a vivid shade of yellow, keeps things traditional with a white picket fence. Also of note, according to the listing agent’s ad, “There is a partially finished second unit below which could be completed for additional income or an owners unit. “

Asking is $585,000.

Photo via Sotheby’s