Potrero Hill: A Guide to San Francisco Neighborhoods

San Francisco NeighborhoodsPotrero Hill sits on the eastern hills of San Francisco and is known for its sunny weather and views of the city and San Francisco Bay. It’s surrounded by two freeways and a section of industrial land, which makes it feel slightly separated from nearby neighborhoods like the Mission and SoMa, giving it a unique character and a neighborhood feel. Commuting within and out of the city is convenient, making it a good spot for dual income families working in opposite directions. We polled local moms to find out what makes this neighborhood a good fit for their families. 

Want to get the scoop directly from the experts? Join our Potrero Hil Neighborhood Group or reach out to a realtor at Neighborhoods.com.

Why Moms Love It 

Potrero Hill has long been a family-friendly neighborhood, with many single-family homes lining the hills. It’s continued to develop over the last 10 years and is now filled with both young professionals (especially in the trendy Dogpatch section) and families. A Whole Foods, local shops and restaurants along 18th Street and in the Dogpatch, several playgrounds, and warm weather make this a great place for families. 

Local Family Favorites

 

In the summer of 2007, the city renovated the lower playground giving kids and families a brand new, large and colorful place to play, including picnic tables and BBQ pits. There is also a baseball field, two tennis courts, basketball court, and a well-maintained rec center that offers a variety of sports/activities.

This small playground at the bottom of the hill always seems to have an adult softball game going on, which highlights the community feel in this neighborhood. It’s also near the famous Anchor Steam Brewery.
 
This playground, community garden, and open space next to the real crookedest street in San Francisco (hint: it’s not Lombard!), offers spectacular views. It’s a popular spot for birthday parties and picnics, and there’s enough space to kick a ball or romp with your dog. 
 
Located at Jackson Playground. Sign your kids up for soccer and basketball themed child-development classes and a soccer scrimmaging league for young children.  Soccer is for kids ages 18 months to 6 years old, and the Hoops program is for children 2 1/2 to 6 years old.
 
This indoor playspace hosts classes and drop-in times for children ages 0-4. It also holds parenting education and fitness classes and is a popular spot for birthday parties. 

Music for SF

Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals is a hip alternative to the traditional ‘mommy and me’ music class for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The spirited group classes last for 45 minutes and are geared toward children 4 months to 5 years old and their adult caregivers.

 
Your go-to indoor play space in the Dogpatch section, My Gym offers classes for children ages 0 – 6. It’s another popular spot for birthday parties and as a resource for supporting parents in the community.
 
Join prenatal and Mommy + Baby classes at this popular yoga studio or make time for yourself in one of the many adult classes they offer.
 
Older children (5 yrs +) will love climbing the rock walls at Dogpatch Boulder, and they offer several programs to get kids involved. 
 

Childcare and Schools

Here’s the thing about childcare and schooling: Your personal situation will determine the right fit for you, and, while there are options in this neighborhood, your best bet is to check out Winnie.com for an interactive map and comprehensive list of daycares and preschools across the city.  

Likewise, for K-12 schools, we can’t tell you whether the schools here are “good” or not because a good school is based on so many other factors besides test scores. Check out our Tips for Moving to San Francisco with Kids for more help navigating childcare and schooling and a local mom’s take on raising a family in San Francisco.

Learn More 

To get an even better feel for what it’s like to live here, scan our list of 100+ kid-friendly restaurants in the city, find the nearest branch of the public library, and check out the area’s trick-or-treating hotspots.
 
Visit Neighborhoods.com for photos and more helpful details on Potrero Hill and nearby neighborhoods, including an up-to-date listing of properties for sale.
 

Neighborhoods.com is a full service brokerage and an easy to use online real estate resource that helps people find the perfect home as well as the ideal neighborhood. We believe that the neighborhood you live in is just as important as the home you live in. The people, places, schools and amenities that surround your home have an enormous impact on your quality of life. When you’re looking for a place to live, you aren’t just picking out a house. You are also deciding who your children will play with and who you might become friends with. So while many people search for their dream house, we believe you should look for your dream home. And your neighborhood is a huge part of that dream.

Check out the other areas featured in our San Francisco Neighborhood Guide for Families and learn more about our guide sponsor, Neighborhoods.com.