Merced Manor-Parkmerced - San Francisco, CA

Merced Manor-Parkmerced was conceived and built as a planned communities designed to keep people from leaving the city in droves when they wanted to have kids and a quieter lifestyle. Constructed from the early 1940s till 1952, these apartment complexes feature everything developers could think of to keep money, shoppers and residents in the city itself.

The area stayed much the same until the 1980s, when further development occurred. The Stonestown Galleria added another level of stores, as well as an atrium and marble floors. Opening its doors in 1987, it began to attract students from the nearby university, parents, professionals and retirees, and continues to do so today.

Culturally, the area has remained consistent, though many of the development's original businesses have folded. And while the area has no museums or galleries, the local drama department puts on periodic shows to keep the locals entertained.

Many of Manor Merced-Parkmerced's restaurants are located in or around the Galleria. Almost any food predilection can be met in the food court of the apartments or in the surrounding area. From Italian and Mexican to vegan, American and sushi, there's something new to try all the time.

Blue C Sushi bills itself as "goodness in motion." From traditional sushi rolls to sashimi and salads, everything is super fresh here. Locals know to check out the Beyond Sushi portion of the menu for the chilled tofu with chili sauce, agedashi tofu and chicken kaarage for a change of pace from the ordinary.

Boudin Bakery & Cafe Stonestown may be part of a small, local chain, but if you're new to the area, you'll want to try their legendary sourdough bread. Check out their soups (clam chowder in a bread bowl is a local favorite), salads and even take home some of their soft and flavorful bread.

Sorabol Korean Food also shouldn't be missed if you're in the Merced Manor-Parkmerced area. Going beyond the traditional Korean BBQ to also serve noodle dishes and soups, this place packs in customers almost all the time. Try the lemon chicken for a sweet and spicy taste sensation.

Merced Manor-Parkmerced isn't a very nightlife-oriented neighborhood when the mall closes, but it does have a United Artists movie theater called the Stonestown Twin, which shows first-run films. This neighborhood also doesn't have any clubs or bars, so most locals get their drinks from restaurant and visit neighboring areas when they want to stay out late.

It's a little easier to park at Merced Manor-Parkmerced than in any average area of San Francisco. The Galleria parking lots can become crowded, especially close to the holidays, but parking can also be found in adjoining areas, often lower than the city average.

Many locals still prefer to use public transportation, since it's generally pretty fast and easy. Merced Manor-Parkmerced is located near the Daly City BART line, which goes into the city, and numerous Muni bus and train lines help you connect throughout the city.

Cabs are generally easy to hail as well; you can also arrange an Uber pickup. As far as freeways go, Merced Manor-Parkmerced is accessible to the 280, which runs just south of the area. However, since this was designed to be a walking, shopping paradise, it's a very walkable neighborhood with many bike lanes. Biking's considered safe and relatively stress-free, since the terrain is largely flat.

Merced Manor-Parkmerced, while nicely landscaped, doesn't have a public park, nor are there any in the area. Locals seek to get their fitness on at the YMCA, City Sports Club or at SFSU's Village Fitness Center. Local dogs are out of luck, too, since they don't have any parks to go to. A few of the neighboring areas have them, if you feel like traveling a mile or so in any direction.

Merced Manor-Parkmerced was originally designed to appeal to those with modest incomes seeking to enjoy the city to the fullest. Residents should expect to pay around $2,500 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment. The median home value in the area hovers around $1 million.

The affordability aspects extend to food and entertainment costs as well. The overall cost of living is slightly lower than the city's average, which makes this an attractive option for those moving to San Francisco for the first time.

Public transportation will take you to the central business district of San Francisco for around $3 to $4, while a beer in a typical pub will run you around $5. You'll find that the price of gas is around 15% higher than the national average here.

Since most of Stonestown's shopping can be found in and around the Stonestown Galleria, Merced Manor-Parkmerced is a shopper's dream come true. Many large chain stores can be found here, from Nordstrom and Forever 21 to H&M, Macy's, and more.

Bath and beauty shops like bareMinerals keep complexions fresh, while kids find what they're looking for at Gymboree and GapKids.

Other than Nordstrom, there isn't much in the way of high-end shopping options in this area. If you can't find it in the Galleria, you probably can't find it without leaving the neighborhood; there aren't any smaller boutiques to choose from in this area.

There are several choices when it comes to grocery stores in this area. For example, chains like Trader Joe's are represented, as are smaller grocers like Nago Foods, purveyors of ethnic products, and Grandpa Kevin's Pumpkin Patch, carrying fresh produce.

The Stonestown Farmers Market is held on Sundays in the mall parking lot. Vendors aim to provide the most seasonable fruits and vegetables, as well as food trucks, vendors and family fun.