Neighborhood

Van Ness/Civic Center, San Francisco, CA

Neighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood Rating
2.1 /5

Neighborhood Factors

Market Conditions

  • Neighborhood Factors
    Price
    $2.16M(2)
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Overvalued
    $38k(2)
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Appreciation
    17%(2)

(1) Limited data(2) City data used

At a glance

Van Ness/Civic Center is ranked #91 of 92 neighborhoods in San Francisco with an overall score of 2.1/5. Its standout factor is nearby merchants (5.0/5), at a median home price of $1.22M, which Houseberry currently rates as undervalued by about $39,000. It ranks 72nd of 92 in San Francisco for schools. The trade-offs are safety (1.5/5) and schools (2.5/5).

Neighborhood Reviews & Questions

Neighborhood Review
Key Words: Urban, Cultural institutions, Central

Van Ness/Civic Center, in the heart of San Francisco, is a vibrant urban neighborhood renowned for its fusion of cultural institutions, historic architecture, and a lively community. It stands as a civic and cultural hub, blending residential and commercial spaces for a dynamic atmosphere. The area boasts a range of housing options, from historic apartments to modern high-rises. Van Ness Avenue showcases San Francisco's iconic architecture and diverse businesses. It's home to local favorites like Brenda's French Soul Food, offering a taste of New Orleans in the city, and Great American Music Hall, a historic venue for live music. Key cultural attractions include the majestic San Francisco City Hall, War Memorial Opera House, and Davies Symphony Hall, making it a central point for the arts and government. The neighborhood is enriched with theaters, museums, and the San Francisco Public Library's main branch. Van Ness/Civic Center is perfect for those who love a lively urban environment and value cultural richness. It offers a living experience that's both culturally enriching and quintessentially San Franciscan, ideal for city dwellers seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of San Francisco's dynamic cultural scene.

See City Review for: San Francisco

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Neighborhood Amenities

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Near good merchants

    5.0

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Public Spaces

    3

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Curb Appeal

    3

Overall Amenities score: 3.4

Neighborhood Weather

77%
of possible sunshine
Of all the daylight this spot gets in a year, 77% arrives as sunshine - clouds and fog block the rest.
Van Ness/Civic Center ranks 23rd of 92 for sunshine in San Francisco, and it out-suns roughly a sixth of the Bay Area. Its warmest month is September, averaging 72° highs, and it gets about 24 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low temperature
75°65°55°45°JFMAMJJASONDSep 72°
Avg highAvg low
Rank in San Francisco
23rd of 92
Across the Bay Area
14th percentile
Rain per year
24 in
Warmest month
Sep 72° avg high
Summer day
55° → 68°F
Winter day
46° → 59°F
Sunshine and temperature figures are 30-year climate averages for this neighborhood's location.

Neighborhood Photos

Schools serving this Neighborhood

School NameTypeGradesHouseberry School Score
Muir (John) Elementary PrimaryK-5
Parks (Rosa) Elementary PrimaryK-5
Redding Elementary PrimaryK-5
Sherman Elementary PrimaryK-5
Tenderloin Community PrimaryK-5
Francisco Middle Middle6-8
Lick (James) Middle Middle6-8
Marina Middle Middle6-8
Presidio Middle Middle6-8

Click links for school listing

info at GreatSchools.org

Houseberry School Score Data

from CA Dept. of Education

Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.

Median Price

Van Ness/Civic Center FAQs10 answers

Is Van Ness/Civic Center a good place to live?

Van Ness/Civic Center ranks 91st of 92 neighborhoods in San Francisco with an overall Houseberry score of 2.1 out of 5. Its strongest factor is nearby merchants (5.0/5). The trade-offs are safety (1.5/5) and schools (2.5/5).

Is Van Ness/Civic Center safe?

Van Ness/Civic Center, San Francisco scores 1.5 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 92nd of 92 neighborhoods in San Francisco.

What do homes in Van Ness/Civic Center cost?

The median home price in Van Ness/Civic Center, San Francisco is $1.22M. Houseberry currently rates it undervalued by about $39,000 against comparable neighborhoods.

Are home prices in Van Ness/Civic Center rising or falling?

The median home price in Van Ness/Civic Center, San Francisco is roughly flat over the past 12 months, at $1.22M against $1.22M a year earlier. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.

Which schools serve Van Ness/Civic Center?

Schools serving Van Ness/Civic Center, San Francisco include Muir (John) Elementary (3.4/5), Parks (Rosa) Elementary (2.4/5), Redding Elementary (0.9/5), Sherman Elementary (3.1/5) and Tenderloin Community (1.1/5). 4 more schools are listed in the Schools section on this page.

What is the weather like in Van Ness/Civic Center?

Van Ness/Civic Center, San Francisco receives 77% of its possible sunshine, 23rd of 92 in San Francisco. Summer days run 55° to 68°F and winter days 46° to 59°F, September is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 24 inches a year.

Is Van Ness/Civic Center walkable to shops and restaurants?

Van Ness/Civic Center, San Francisco scores 5.0 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.0 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.4 out of 5, 44th of 92 in San Francisco.

What is Van Ness/Civic Center known for?

Van Ness/Civic Center, San Francisco is associated with Urban, Cultural institutions and Central. Its highest-scoring factor is nearby merchants (5.0/5).

How does Van Ness/Civic Center compare to other San Francisco neighborhoods?

Van Ness/Civic Center ranks 91st of 92 neighborhoods in San Francisco. It ranks 72nd of 92 in San Francisco for schools (2.5/5) and scores lowest on safety (1.5/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in San Francisco are Jordan Park / Laurel Heights and Outer Sunset.

What are the downsides of living in Van Ness/Civic Center?

Van Ness/Civic Center, San Francisco scores lowest on safety (1.5/5) and schools (2.5/5).

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Neighborhood Photos

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