Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights Neighborhood, San Francisco CA

About Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights Neighborhood

Residents like the neighborhood’s friendly vibe and its proximity to Golden Gate Park and other green spaces. Cole Valley, a small, charming San Francisco neighborhood that borders Golden Gate Park with leafy streets lined with Victorian homes. Cole Valley wraps around the southeast corner of Golden Gate Park, just below Haight-Ashbury. Cole Street, its commercial thoroughfare, has a number of quaint mom-and-pop shops, including Cole Hardware and the gourmet spot Say Cheese.

There are also a number of popular restaurants, including Zazie, a French bistro whose weekend brunch has become something of an institution; upscale Mexican Padrecito; and Beit Rima, a newcomer with Palestinian cuisine. At The Ice Cream Bar, an Art Deco-style soda fountain with a 1930s vibe, employees wear bow ties and all the sweets are made from scratch.

History of Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights Neighborhood

Cole Valley developed around the streetcar stop at the entrance to the Sunset Tunnel, located at the intersection of Carl and Cole Streets. The Sunset Tunnel, opened in 1928, facilitated easier access to downtown San Francisco, spurring residential growth in the area. The neighborhood has since evolved into a community favored by professionals, families, and UCSF affiliates.

Demographics of Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights Neighborhood

As of 2008, Cole Valley had a population of approximately 4,192 residents. The neighborhood is home to a mix of young professionals, families, and UCSF staff and students.

Transportation in Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights Neighborhood

Residents of Cole Valley benefit from the N-Judah Muni Metro line, which provides direct access to downtown San Francisco. Additionally, several bus lines, including the 6 Parnassus and 43 Masonic, serve the area. Travel time from San Francisco International Airport to Cole Valley is approximately 30 minutes by car via US-101 N and I-280 N, depending on traffic conditions.

Politics in Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights Neighborhood

Cole Valley is part of San Francisco's District 5, represented by Supervisor Dean Preston. The neighborhood's political landscape is influenced by city-wide policies and initiatives that impact housing, transportation, and public services.

Lifestyle in Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights Neighborhood

Residents enjoy a variety of local amenities, including restaurants like Zazie and InoVino, as well as shops such as Cole Hardware and Say Cheese. The neighborhood's proximity to Golden Gate Park offers opportunities for outdoor activities, while nearby Tank Hill provides panoramic city views.

Schools in Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights Neighborhood

Educational institutions in and around Cole Valley include Grattan Elementary School, known for its strong academic programs, and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in Parnassus Heights, a renowned medical and research institution.

Real estate in Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights Neighborhood

The housing market in Cole Valley features a mix of Victorian homes and modern condominiums. As of January 2024, the median sales price for homes in the neighborhood was approximately $1,746,500.

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