Western Addition - San Francisco, CA Area Guide

The Western Addition was created in the 1850s as a result of the Van Ness Ordinance. Initially used for small-scale farming, the neighborhood developed as a Victorian streetcar suburb following the invention of the cable car in the 1870s. Fortunately, the area survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which somehow left its historic Victorian-style buildings and home intact. These Victorian rowhouses date back to 1849. During the World Wars, the homes were painted a battleship gray thanks to leftover paint from the Navy. In 1963, one of the Victorians were purchased by artist Butch Kardum. He painted his house in the rich, vibrant colors favored during the Victorian era. And while some residents didn't like his color selections, others copied him. Other artists transformed the remaining gray houses, creating the fantastic and iconic string of homes known "Postcard Row."

Western Addition is home to the San Francisco African-American Historical and Cultural Society Museum. Additionally, the Fillmore provides an awesome music venue to celebrate the performing arts, with concerts and events being held here regularly. Buriel Clay Memorial Theater also celebrates the arts scene, with live theater and entertainment events. These venues keep the jazz scene alive today.

Restaurants and bars that earn rave reviews continue to move into Western Addition. State Bird Provisions serves tapas/small plates and American food; be sure to try the duck liver mousse with almond biscuit. The guinea hen dumplings make for a scrumptious meal as well. For dessert, indulge in the berry granita and saffron ice cream sandwiches. Fat Angel, known for its savory food and wine, provides locals with another great dining option. The kale salad and chicken pot pie makes for the perfect dinner on a cold day. Regulars rank the flatbreads and olives among their favorite meal options, while also giving high marks to the sliders.

Fillmore Street Cafe provides a cute little cafe for diners to enjoy breakfast or grab some coffee. Try the delectable egg, cheese, and bacon bagel. If stopping by for lunch, order the buffalo chicken sandwich.

Once primarily known for its jazz music, the area still encompasses a nightlife scene full of music, drinks, and dancing. Locals enjoy Crimson Lounge, which also has a medium-sized venue for private parties. Be prepared to dance the night away at this location. Looking to sing a little karaoke? Head to Level2, which is the number one choice among locals for a crazy party night.

The convenient location of Western Addition means that many San Francisco destinations can be reached within 25 to 30 minutes. A ride to SFO Airport takes 30 minutes by cab or 65 minutes by Bay Area Rapid Transit. You can reach Golden Gate Park and Fisherman's Wharf in 32 minutes by public transit as well, while the Ferry Building is a 27-minute ride by public transportation. The neighborhood houses six bus lines. Cabs are readily available and easy to hail, while Uber serves as an option for those in need of a quick pickup. In certain spots, many prefer to bike or walk, as many daily errands do not require a car. For the others in the area who prefer to own a car, finding a public parking spot is not a problem. The area also features easy access to the Central Freeway and U.S. 101.

Experience the great outdoors at park locations throughout the Western Addition neighborhood. The Raymond Kimball Playground features a three-level jungle gym and soccer fields. Many come to the park to exercise by playing field hockey, lacrosse, and soccer. The park includes a seating area for parents and nearby restrooms. Kimball playground also hosts the African-American Juneteenth festival, held on an annual basis. Jefferson Square Park offers some remarkable views of the city and features an open dog area that lies on the property, so bring the pooch out for some exercise. This park also houses a softball field for recreation.

For the best view of the beautiful Painted Ladies and the city skyline, head to Alamo Square Park. The west side of the park allows dogs to be off-leash. This park is about four city blocks and is perched on top of a hill. Take your camera every time you visit -- the skyline is inspiring. Alamo Square Park also includes a playground and a tennis court, but the open green space with its amazing views is the highlight of the park.

The Western Addition area offers residents a slightly more affordable option when compared to San Francisco. The cost of living is two percent less than the San Francisco average but still 74 percent greater than the national average. Plan on spending $1,400 to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Western Addition. The price of gas is nine percent higher than the national average. If traveling to the city center via public transportation, an all-day Muni pass costs $15 while ninety minutes of travel on the Muni system costs $2.25. Beer and food prices prove to be reasonable, however, as you can enjoy a beer for about $5.

Local businesses enjoy catering to the locals in the Western Addition vicinity. Many shops and cafes call Fillmore Street home. The Brooklyn Circus brings back some real style to the bay area, selling men's clothing, accessories, and sportswear. Locals love the Brooklyn Circus for its cool setting and unique vibe. Looking for a good book to read? Check out Books Inc. for an outstanding selection of various genres. Peet's Coffee and Tea sits next door, so grab a coffee and a book to go. Teri's Creation and Boutique offers women's clothing, including shape wear and items directly from China. For higher-end stores, travel about one mile to reach Macy's. Downtown shopping is less than two miles away.

For your grocery needs, don't miss Fillmore Farmers' Market. Here, customers find fruits and veggies along with fresh fish. You can also buy reasonably priced flowers and small plants. Locals especially enjoy the Indian and strawberry stands. College Market serves as a small grocery store and deli that also offers daily lunch specials for $5; shop on a Monday and find fresh roasted turkey with a side. For affordable sandwiches and groceries, head out to the College Market. If you prefer a supermarket, Safeway provides all of your grocery needs at reasonable prices. Open until midnight, many locals who enjoy shopping late into the night head here.