Bernal Heights

Located about three miles from downtown, Bernal Heights is bordered by Mission Street to the west, Cesar Chavez (Army) to the north, Bayshore Boulevard to the east, and Alemany Boulevard to the south. Bernal Heights enjoys the same sunny weather as its neighbor, the Mission District. But unlike the Mission, not much about Bernal Heights is trendy. You see fewer tattoos and piercings, and more small kids. The neighborhood is generally understated and low-key. But don’t assume that just because the streets are quiet, the residents are apolitical; they have a long history of taking ownership of their neighborhood to preserve its village-like feeling. An eclectic mix of people live here – gay, straight, black, white, Asian, Latino, artsy, blue-collar, old and young – and when asked, they cite diversity as the areas greatest virtue.