651-653 3rd Ave

With its amazingly rich and varied business districts and a fantastic location between two of San Francisco’s largest parks, the Inner Richmond offers a happy medium between the city’s bustling downtown areas and the quieter western neighborhoods. Park Presidio and Arguello Boulevards form the Inner Richmond’s western and eastern borders, respectively, placing it at the gateway to San Francisco’s magnificent western parklands. Golden Gate Park forms its southern edge and California Street, just one block shy of the Presidio National Park, represents its northern boundary. This unique position on the map of San Francisco allows one to enjoy these expansive greenspaces as well as a sense of connection to the city’s central areas.

Golden Gate Park extends for more than 1,000 acres, but those areas of the park closest to the Inner Richmond have the greatest density of attractions. Residents can easily visit the alluring Conservatory of Flowers and Rose Garden on a whim. The art collection of the de Young Museum, housed in a breathtaking building by the renowned contemporary architects Herzog & de Meuron, is also nearby. So too is the California Academy of Sciences, a cutting-edge natural history museum that is as fascinating for adults as it is for kids. While Golden Gate Park comprises manicured lawns, gardens, and well-regarded cultural institutions, Presidio Park includes a mix of the carefully planned and the untamed. On the one hand, it boasts an eighteen-hole golf course spanning 145 acres—one of the very best in the nation open to public use. On the other hand, the side of the Presidio closest to the Inner Richmond is also home to the Southern Wilds, a forest of century-old eucalyptus and cypress interspersed with glades, scenic overlooks, and ingeniously sparse works by the renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy, known for his thoughtful use of natural materials collected on site.

When you’re feeling more gregarious, Clement Street, the Inner Richmond’s main business district, will prove thoroughly engrossing. The street is home to one of San Francisco’s best new-and-used bookstores, as well as specialty boutiques, Asian markets, and an array of fantastic restaurants. On Clement Street and on Geary Boulevard, one block to the south, one has access to specialties from Japan, China, Korea, Russia, Italy, and Burma, as well as several Irish Pubs. The culinary and experiential variety is simply stunning. It’s one of the reasons why the Inner Richmond is not only a desirable residential area, but also a destination for people living throughout San Francisco.