Van Ness/Civic Center Neighborhood, San Francisco CA

About Van Ness/Civic Center Neighborhood

The neighborhood is defined by high-rise luxury condos, upscale apartment buildings, and live/work lofts. Independent cinemas, along with 14-screen multiplexes, bookstores, coffee shops and cafes throng the main corridor of Van Ness Avenue. Nearby, the neighborhoods of Hayes Valley, Russian Hill, Pacific Heights and JapanTown offer trendy restaurants boasting chefs working at the height of their powers. Hidden boutiques with one-of-a-kind treasures wait to be discovered.
Van Ness Avenue is a north–south thoroughfare in San Francisco, California. Originally named Marlette Street, the street was renamed Van Ness Avenue in honor of the city's seventh mayor, James Van Ness.

The main part of Van Ness Avenue runs from Market Street near the Civic Center north to Bay Street at Fort Mason. South Van Ness Avenue is the portion of Van Ness south of Market Street, continuing through the city's South of Market and Mission districts to end at Cesar Chavez Street. This southern segment was formerly a continuation of Howard Street, having been renamed by resolution of the Board of Supervisors on August 22, 1932.

History of Van Ness/Civic Center Neighborhood

Originally known as Marlette Street, Van Ness Avenue was renamed in honor of Mayor James Van Ness. Situated between Nob and Russian Hills and Pacific Heights, it was intended to function as the city's central north-south spine. Despite these plans, development along the avenue was slow, with significant growth occurring in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Demographics of Van Ness/Civic Center Neighborhood

Approximately 6,772 people live in the Van Ness/Civic Center neighborhood, with a median age of 37 and an average individual income of $70,814.

Transportation in Van Ness/Civic Center Neighborhood

The neighborhood is served by the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit system, providing residents with connections to various parts of the city. Van Ness Avenue connects the neighborhood to the rest of San Francisco and Interstate 80, approximately five miles away. San Francisco International Airport is about 15 miles from the area.

Politics in Van Ness/Civic Center Neighborhood

The Van Ness/Civic Center area is a hub for San Francisco's governmental activities, housing significant institutions such as the San Francisco City Hall. This concentration of civic buildings influences the political landscape of both the neighborhood and the city.

Lifestyle in Van Ness/Civic Center Neighborhood

Residents have access to a variety of dining options along Gough Street, including establishments like Robin, known for seasonal sushi, and Blue Bottle Coffee. The neighborhood offers cultural venues such as the San Francisco Symphony and War Memorial Opera House. Parks like Jefferson Square Park provide green spaces for relaxation.

Schools in Van Ness/Civic Center Neighborhood

The San Francisco Unified School District serves the area, with schools such as Rosa Parks Elementary, Roosevelt Middle School, and Ida B. Wells High School. These institutions offer various programs catering to the community's educational needs.

Real estate in Van Ness/Civic Center Neighborhood

Housing in Van Ness/Civic Center consists primarily of vertical living spaces, with condos priced between $650,000 and $1.5 million. Residents often find restaurants and shops within a short walking distance.

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