Near Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA

257 Apartments for Rent

Few neighborhoods are transformed from seedy, crime-riddled ghettos into trendy, arty enclaves after a disaster, but that is exactly what happened to Hayes Valley, California, after the 1989 earthquake!

The earthquake destroyed the freeway viaduct, and that alone kick-started a chain reaction of changes that have led to the neighborhood's slow, but gradual gentrification and property renovation over the last 25 years. Initially, the resident artist community opened pretty cafes, boutiques and galleries. In the late '90s, business people and Web entrepreneurs moved in and were soon followed by antique shops, upscale fashion boutiques, fine restaurants and luxury apartments. Today, you can see traces of all these influences along the now leafy and charming streets of Hayes Valley, as the neighborhood continues to become ever more popular with both residents and businesses.

Housing stock: There are lots of different properties on the rental market, which range from small one to spacious three-bedroom houses for rent. Many of the charming Victorian and Italianate houses in the area survived the 1906 earthquake and fires. These were beautifully renovated and restored to their former glory in the late '90s. Best of all, some of the backyard gardens are simply splendid, so you can chill out in your hammock among gorgeous greenery.

Rental prices: Like most of San Francisco, places for rent in Hayes Valley come at utterly perplexing prices. Within one block, you can find apartments of equal size, but at vastly different prices. The neighborhood has been growing in popularity and appeal gradually over the past two decades, and that trend is likely to continue. The result is slowly rising property and rental prices. The trendier it gets, the more expensive it becomes. Move in while it is still affordable.

Do your research: Renting in Hayes Valley is about taking your time, doing the proper research and attending viewings above anything else. Sure you need to get all the usual documents sorted out, such as credit checks, references, employment history, etc, but finding a home and convincing the agent or landlord to give it to you is not that much of a challenge. The trick is to get a good bargain as prices can vary widely from one property to the next on one and the same row. Also, you might want to avoid living on the border with some of the less friendly neighborhoods to the east. Take your time to walk the streets and study the neighborhood, too, to see what it feels like before and after dark.

Renting an apartment in Hayes Valley will not disappoint you -- unless you're looking for neighborhoods, because this 'hood doesn't have any of its own. During the day, you can enjoy quiet streets, lively cafes and diverse shopping offers. At night, you always get a good mix of culture, live music and dining. Stage arts and dining have made a happy match in Hayes Valley. The symphony and opera at the nearby Civic Center, the various theaters in the area and the newly opened local SFJAZZ Center have made Hayes Valley a popular spot for pre- and after-show dining and drinks on Friday and Saturday nights.

Local establishments have made good use of the opportunity by extending happy hours, staying open much later than competitors elsewhere in the city. There are plenty of wine bars, cafes and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Several upscale venues are there, among which French, Brazilian and Italian restaurants have made a name for themselves. Absinthe, in particular, is one of the most reputable dining venues but, even if you can't find a table, you still have plenty of choices.

The neighborhood is also great for buying clothes and furniture. So, if you have found an empty house to rent and don't have any clothes, either, you can quickly furnish both your new place and your wardrobe. There are lots of antique furniture shops and fashion boutiques that range from indie to vintage to luxury. Whatever your style, you can pretty much find something to don while browsing local shops. Most shops and restaurants line Hayes Street. Another attractive aspect of the area are the various art galleries opened here by the once thriving artist community.

Once you are done with your shopping, you can enjoy a cup of your favorite beverage at one of the numerous local cafes. This being San Francisco, the coffee shop scene is as vibrant as anywhere else in the city. A nice spot for chilling out if you have pets or kids is a tiny park called Patricia's Green, where a lovely playground and the popular Smitten Ice Cream are a hit among little visitors and adults.

Getting around town from Hayes Valley is easier than you imagine. Numerous MUNI bus routes run through the area, and so do trains and trolleys. Highway 101, the Golden Gate Transit and the Bay Bridge make it even easier to commute, not only to downtown and suburban areas, but also to destinations far beyond city limits.