NOB HILL

Most people think of Nob Hill as a place to visit, not live. The truth is, even though I've lived on the Nob for about a year, I can't say it's my favorite "neighborhood." And that's just the reason, it's not really a neighborhood at all. There's no tight-knit community, not much face-to-face interaction with neighbors, and definitely no borrowing of sugar. Despite the lack of cohesion, the Hill has got some great things to offer. First off, Location. Within quick walking distance are myriad options for spectacular views, historical architecture, peaceful pathways and stairways, film references, steep hills and a cultural diversity that changes from one block to the next.

IN GENERAL: Microclimates

San Francisco. 7x7 miles. The city has dozens of unique nieghborhoods waiting to be discovered. Likewise, the city has as many microclimates as it does neighborhoods. That's to say, a few blocks, a hill, a few minutes, and even a turned corner (it's true) can change what you thought was a gorgeous sunny day into a siberian wind storm. No kidding!

To give you an idea, a haiku:

can't escape the fog

not too hot never too cold

who knows how to dress

And now, time for a very scientific + psychedelic breakdown of microclimates:

(click the map for a massive color freakout version!)

SUNNY + WARM:
Mission
Castro
Potrero Hill
Nob Hill
Bayview
North Beach
Chinatown

WARMISH / PRONE TO FOG or WIND:

Haight

Lower Haight

Hayes Valley
SOMA

Downtown/FiDi/Tenderloin

CHILLY:

Inner Richmond

Inner Sunset

Outer (South) Mission

Excelsior 

STRAIGHT UP COLD:

Twin Peaks

Outer Sunset
Outer Richmond
Presidio

Looking West, fog pours over Twin Peaks:

You can use the peaks as your weather guide. The fog will come rushing in like water overflowing a full tub. Time to grab the hoodie and head for shelter!
(A 10 degree weather change seems like a big deal in SF since weather tends to vary btwn 50 -75 degrees throughout the year)

Overheard: 

'I never know how to dress in this town.'

Which is why I tend to lug around extra clothes/layers with me all day long..
but at least at the end of the night my bag is super light!

San Francisco ..in general

a stranger, on san francisco: 

'It's got all the things I love: the forest, the sea, the sun.'

 

Why would anybody want to read this, anyway?

good question!  but the real question is:  how can you (ya i said it) contribute to this blog to create a vivid, honest, gritty portrait of your San Francisco neighborhood?  What's your experience in SF?

I'd love to create a space where people can share their thoughts and descriptions of the city's neighborhoods.

Being the transient city that it is, I know a lot of people (including myself) who move here on a whim with only a modicum of reliable information about the city's myriad neighborhoods and communities. How about an insider's take on the city?  Maybe, I can give you a taste of the places and spaces I love (and hate, naturally).

I welcome any haikus, photos, descriptions, anecdotes and personal experiences. hella!