Rohin Dhar

Dare I say it is possible to find a deal on a home in San Francisco in 2024?

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Dare I say it is possible to find a deal on a home in San Francisco in 2024?

The market is in an interesting position, with some homes getting 40-plus offers and selling for all cash in a couple weeks (see: single-family residences on the west side with attractive list prices), while others are languishing on the market for months with massive price cuts (see: condos downtown).

The market is in an interesting position, with some homes getting 40-plus offers and selling for all cash in a couple weeks (see: single-family residences on the west side with attractive list prices), while others are languishing on the market for months with massive price cuts (see: condos downtown).

Between these extremes are where deals are to be had — maybe. It’s still expensive — <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/07/30/bay-area-home-prices-up-6-from-last-year-as-wealthy-buyers-dominate-housing-market/">Bay Area prices are up 6% this year</a> — but there are indeed nice properties out there that have been overlooked. Compare this to 2019, when every property was the subject of a bidding war.&nbsp; Today, a home might be on the market longer than 30 days, have numerous price cuts or even sell for below the asking price.

Between these extremes are where deals are to be had — maybe. It’s still expensive — <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/07/30/bay-area-home-prices-up-6-from-last-year-as-wealthy-buyers-dominate-housing-market/">Bay Area prices are up 6% this year</a> — but there are indeed nice properties out there that have been overlooked. Compare this to 2019, when every property was the subject of a bidding war.&nbsp; Today, a home might be on the market longer than 30 days, have numerous price cuts or even sell for below the asking price.

What is a find, exactly? It’s a home you love but perhaps has quirks that make it less desirable to others. Maybe it’s too small, too retro or too weird, but for you, it’s just right. And when you can avoid competing with other potential buyers, the real estate stars can align. It happens sometimes, even in San Francisco.

What is a find, exactly? It’s a home you love but perhaps has quirks that make it less desirable to others. Maybe it’s too small, too retro or too weird, but for you, it’s just right. And when you can avoid competing with other potential buyers, the real estate stars can align. It happens sometimes, even in San Francisco.

The purpose of this column is to shine a light on the finds, something I’ve been doing the last several years on a popular account on X.

The purpose of this column is to shine a light on the finds, something I’ve been doing the last several years on a popular account on X.

I’ve lived in San Francisco 17 years and have co-founded two companies, Priceonomics and Personforce, but recently became a licensed real estate agent. I’ve purchased properties in San Francisco, as well as Sonoma and an area near Yosemite National Park; Kauai; Taos, N.M.; Oregon; and Asheville, N.C.

I’ve lived in San Francisco 17 years and have co-founded two companies, Priceonomics and Personforce, but recently became a licensed real estate agent. I’ve purchased properties in San Francisco, as well as Sonoma and an area near Yosemite National Park; Kauai; Taos, N.M.; Oregon; and Asheville, N.C.

But the important thing to know is that I love hunting for real estate. And while I am an agent, I will not be recommending homes I’m trying to sell — just the ones where I see untapped value and enormous potential. You know: the finds.&nbsp;

But the important thing to know is that I love hunting for real estate. And while I am an agent, I will not be recommending homes I’m trying to sell — just the ones where I see untapped value and enormous potential. You know: the finds.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2346-Clement-St-Apt-2_San-Francisco_CA_94121_M10844-30047">One-bedroom condo in the Richmond</a>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-bedroom-condo-in-the-richmond"><a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2346-Clement-St-Apt-2_San-Francisco_CA_94121_M10844-30047">One-bedroom condo in the Richmond</a></h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-bedroom-condo-in-the-richmond"><a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2346-Clement-St-Apt-2_San-Francisco_CA_94121_M10844-30047">One-bedroom condo in the Richmond</a></h2>

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This condo may well be the best-designed home on the market right now. Constructed in 2004 (relatively new by SF standards), it feels both classic and modern, with built-in bookcases, a renovated kitchen and a private roof deck. The building is right at Clement Street, just a few blocks from Baker Beach and the Presidio, so you’ll have ample cafes and restaurants (and Golden Gate Bridge views!) at your doorstep.&nbsp;

This condo may well be the best-designed home on the market right now. Constructed in 2004 (relatively new by SF standards), it feels both classic and modern, with built-in bookcases, a renovated kitchen and a private roof deck. The building is right at Clement Street, just a few blocks from Baker Beach and the Presidio, so you’ll have ample cafes and restaurants (and Golden Gate Bridge views!) at your doorstep.&nbsp;

The unit does not have a parking spot, which may be a deal-breaker for some. But that could be a silver lining: Parking can add $100,000 to the price of a one-bedroom condo.&nbsp; Another plus: While single-family homes on the west side can spark fierce bidding wars,&nbsp;condos tend to be less competitive.

The unit does not have a parking spot, which may be a deal-breaker for some. But that could be a silver lining: Parking can add $100,000 to the price of a one-bedroom condo.&nbsp; Another plus: While single-family homes on the west side can spark fierce bidding wars,&nbsp;condos tend to be less competitive.

https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/Priya-Agrawal_San-Francisco_CA_2779296_619679338

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<div class="wp-block-sf-standard-infobox"><ul><li>$825,000</li><li><a href="https://maps.apple.com/?address=2346+Clement+St.%2C+Apt+2%2C%C2%A0at+25th+Ave.">2346 Clement St., Apt 2, at 25th Ave.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/Priya-Agrawal_San-Francisco_CA_2779296_619679338">Priya Agrawal, Rivet</a></li></ul></div>

<a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1738-Lombard-St-Apt-3_San-Francisco_CA_94123_M20000-68287">Two-bedroom condo in Marina</a>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-bedroom-condo-in-marina"><a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1738-Lombard-St-Apt-3_San-Francisco_CA_94123_M20000-68287">Two-bedroom condo in Marina</a></h2>

The cacophony of Lombard Street melts away as you enter this building, where you’ll find an updated unit for sale at the back of the building with (the best part) a private patio.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The cacophony of Lombard Street melts away as you enter this building, where you’ll find an updated unit for sale at the back of the building with (the best part) a private patio.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2022, a similar unit in the building sold for<a href="https://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Francisco/1738-Lombard-St-94123/unit-4/home/1399463"> $1.6 million</a>, so this one seems to be attractively priced. It has been on the market for 55 days, a sign that a bargain could be in the offing.&nbsp;

In 2022, a similar unit in the building sold for<a href="https://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Francisco/1738-Lombard-St-94123/unit-4/home/1399463"> $1.6 million</a>, so this one seems to be attractively priced. It has been on the market for 55 days, a sign that a bargain could be in the offing.&nbsp;

Just picture yourself hanging out on the peaceful patio on a warm day, enjoying the fact that you bought at a good price because everyone else assumed the unit would be noisy. Of course, you may be ruing 2024 interest rates, but that’s another story.

Just picture yourself hanging out on the peaceful patio on a warm day, enjoying the fact that you bought at a good price because everyone else assumed the unit would be noisy. Of course, you may be ruing 2024 interest rates, but that’s another story.

1738 Lombard St., Apt. 3, near Octavia St. 

https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/Robert-Vernon_San-Francisco_CA_647268

<div class="wp-block-sf-standard-infobox"><ul><li>$1.249 million</li><li><a href="https://maps.apple.com/?address=1738+Lombard+St.%2C+Apt.+3%2C+near+Octavia+St.%C2%A0">1738 Lombard St., Apt. 3, near Octavia St. </a></li><li><a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/Robert-Vernon_San-Francisco_CA_647268">Robert Vernon, Compass</a></li></ul></div>

<a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2800-Pacific-Ave_San-Francisco_CA_94115_M24725-19640">Five-bedroom home in Pacific Heights</a>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-five-bedroom-home-in-pacific-heights"><a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2800-Pacific-Ave_San-Francisco_CA_94115_M24725-19640">Five-bedroom home in Pacific Heights</a></h2>

Perhaps no section of the city is as in demand as the top of the hill in Pacific Heights, with its large lots and stunning views. Real estate agents used to just show up at people’s doors and <a href="https://socketsite.com/archives/2008/10/the_socketsite_scoop_on_37_raycliff_terrace_aka_2799_br.html">offer $29 million</a> for the<a href="https://socketsite.com/archives/2008/10/the_socketsite_scoop_on_37_raycliff_terrace_aka_2799_br.html"> </a>homes.

Perhaps no section of the city is as in demand as the top of the hill in Pacific Heights, with its large lots and stunning views. Real estate agents used to just show up at people’s doors and <a href="https://socketsite.com/archives/2008/10/the_socketsite_scoop_on_37_raycliff_terrace_aka_2799_br.html">offer $29 million</a> for the<a href="https://socketsite.com/archives/2008/10/the_socketsite_scoop_on_37_raycliff_terrace_aka_2799_br.html"> </a>homes.

But the bidding wars have mostly subsided, and prices have softened. This home, for example, was listed at $14.995 million in September 2023.

But the bidding wars have mostly subsided, and prices have softened. This home, for example, was listed at $14.995 million in September 2023.

The spectacular property, with more than 8,000 square feet of living space on a triple lot, has breathtaking views of the bay. Custom woodwork and stained-glass windows are giving Gilded Age. Make no mistake: This is a mansion, and the market for mansions in San Francisco has cooled.

The spectacular property, with more than 8,000 square feet of living space on a triple lot, has breathtaking views of the bay. Custom woodwork and stained-glass windows are giving Gilded Age. Make no mistake: This is a mansion, and the market for mansions in San Francisco has cooled.

In general, the ultra-luxury market is dramatically slower than before the pandemic. First Republic and Silicon Valley Bank provided the loans on many such properties, but the former no longer exists, and the latter is a shadow of its former self. At the same time, the IPO engine of Silicon Valley that fueled cash purchases has paused for now. As a result, some impressive properties sit on the market, waiting for someone (or some legal entity) to call them home. After all, even limited liability corporations are looking for finds.

In general, the ultra-luxury market is dramatically slower than before the pandemic. First Republic and Silicon Valley Bank provided the loans on many such properties, but the former no longer exists, and the latter is a shadow of its former self. At the same time, the IPO engine of Silicon Valley that fueled cash purchases has paused for now. As a result, some impressive properties sit on the market, waiting for someone (or some legal entity) to call them home. After all, even limited liability corporations are looking for finds.

https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/Pattie-Lawton_San-Francisco_CA_198808_420899338

<div class="wp-block-sf-standard-infobox"><ul><li>$11.99 million (price cut)</li><li><a href="https://maps.apple.com/?address=2800+Pacific+Ave.%2C+at+Divisadero">2800 Pacific Ave., at Divisadero</a></li><li><a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/Pattie-Lawton_San-Francisco_CA_198808_420899338">Pattie Lawton</a></li></ul></div>

<a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3014-Pacheco-St_San-Francisco_CA_94116_M26939-19754">Three-bedroom single-family home in the Sunset</a>

<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-bedroom-single-family-home-in-the-sunset"><a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3014-Pacheco-St_San-Francisco_CA_94116_M26939-19754">Three-bedroom single-family home in the Sunset</a></h1>

While homes in the Sunset used to be synonymous with fog, today they might be known for real estate <a href="https://twitter.com/rohindhar/status/1779006445163589702">bidding wars</a>. Listing agents tend to set prices low, and the final sale ends up being much higher.

While homes in the Sunset used to be synonymous with fog, today they might be known for real estate <a href="https://twitter.com/rohindhar/status/1779006445163589702">bidding wars</a>. Listing agents tend to set prices low, and the final sale ends up being much higher.

But that is not always the case. This home on a small lot is a modest 1,080 square feet and has only one bathroom, so it might not work for buyers looking for space. But for someone who doesn’t require a large home or is willing to expand over time, this could be a foot in the door of the San Francisco housing market.&nbsp;

But that is not always the case. This home on a small lot is a modest 1,080 square feet and has only one bathroom, so it might not work for buyers looking for space. But for someone who doesn’t require a large home or is willing to expand over time, this could be a foot in the door of the San Francisco housing market.&nbsp;

Single-family homes in the Sunset on larger lots (3,000 square feet), with at least three bedrooms, usually go for way over the asking price, so this little jewel is worth investigating.&nbsp;

Single-family homes in the Sunset on larger lots (3,000 square feet), with at least three bedrooms, usually go for way over the asking price, so this little jewel is worth investigating.&nbsp;

https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/Nicholas-Honda_San-Francisco_CA_2779162

<div class="wp-block-sf-standard-infobox"><ul><li>$998,000</li><li><a href="https://maps.apple.com/?address=3014+Pacheco+St.%2C+at+34th+Ave.">3014 Pacheco St., at 34th Ave.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/Nicholas-Honda_San-Francisco_CA_2779162">Nicholas Honda</a></li></ul></div>

Rohin Dhar is a licensed real estate agent who&nbsp;lives in the Richmond. He has an MBA from Stanford and a weird portfolio of properties that includes an Earthship. You can find him on X, <a href="https://x.com/rohindhar">where he has a popular real estate account</a>.

Rohin Dhar is a licensed real estate agent who&nbsp;lives in the Richmond. He has an MBA from Stanford and a weird portfolio of properties that includes an Earthship. You can find him on X, <a href="https://x.com/rohindhar">where he has a popular real estate account</a>.

3 hidden real estate gems under $1.25M — and one price-cut mansion for $12M

Garrett Leahy

In a new community in San Francisco’s Hunters Point, things are quiet. Maybe too quiet.

In a new community in San Francisco’s Hunters Point, things are quiet. Maybe too quiet.

Residents of the San Francisco Shipyard, a 522-home condo and townhome complex being built by Miami-based developer Lennar, say they were attracted by the affordability.

Residents of the San Francisco Shipyard, a 522-home condo and townhome complex being built by Miami-based developer Lennar, say they were attracted by the affordability.

And the homes are, relatively speaking, an excellent deal. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos cost between $600,000 and $700,000, with homeowner’s association fees tacked on for around $500 a month. That&#8217;s cheap for roughly 1,000 square feet in San Francisco.

And the homes are, relatively speaking, an excellent deal. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos cost between $600,000 and $700,000, with homeowner’s association fees tacked on for around $500 a month. That's cheap for roughly 1,000 square feet in San Francisco.

And the homes are, relatively speaking, an excellent deal. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos cost between $600,000 and $700,000, with homeowner’s association fees tacked on for around $500 a month. That&#8217;s cheap for roughly 1,000 square feet in San Francisco.

The catch is that the isolated area is a relative transportation and food desert. It is only served by two bus lines, the nearest real grocery store is 1.5 miles away and the neighborhood boasts just one coffee shop—which closes at 2 p.m. (There’s also a great <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/san-francisco-bayview-archimedes-banya-russian-bathhouse/">Russian bathhouse</a> nearby that serves food, but you need to pay for a soak if you want to access it.)

Get naked, drink beer and treat yourself at this Russian bathhouse in San Francisco

The catch is that the isolated area is a relative transportation and food desert. It is only served by two bus lines, the nearest real grocery store is 1.5 miles away and the neighborhood boasts just one coffee shop—which closes at 2 p.m. (There’s also a great <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/san-francisco-bayview-archimedes-banya-russian-bathhouse/">Russian bathhouse</a> nearby that serves food, but you need to pay for a soak if you want to access it.)

The condo building at 451 Donahue St., built in 2016, is mostly two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos, of which two are for sale, with unit 501 priced at $680,000 and unit 304 at $699,000.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/img_4152.jpg?w=2500" alt="A condo building's facade is seen in a photo." class="wp-image-259374"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The condo building at 451 Donahue St., built in 2016, is mostly two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos, of which two are for sale, with Unit 501 priced at $680,000 and Unit 304 at $699,000.</figcaption></figure>

The Shipyard broke ground in 2016 and is now home to more than 500 people, according to real estate agent Nicholas Carnell, who has sold two homes in the community. Lennar currently lists 72 homes for sale at the Shipyard, according to Fammie Pham, a Lennar agent.

The Shipyard broke ground in 2016 and is now home to more than 500 people, according to real estate agent Nicholas Carnell, who has sold two homes in the community. Lennar currently lists 72 homes for sale at the Shipyard, according to Fammie Pham, a Lennar agent.

Lennar spokesperson Danielle Tocco said in an email that of the total 522 homes planned, 74 have yet to be built. Tocco said 10% of homes fall under the city&#8217;s definition of below market rate but did not say whether the homes are part of San Francisco&#8217;s affordable <a href="https://housing.sfgov.org">homeownership lottery program</a>. A 558-square-foot one-bedroom condo at 570 Innes Ave., unit 101, was listed for sale in the lottery program for $247,219 Friday.

Lennar spokesperson Danielle Tocco said in an email that of the total 522 homes planned, 74 have yet to be built. Tocco said 10% of homes fall under the city's definition of below market rate but did not say whether the homes are part of San Francisco's affordable <a href="https://housing.sfgov.org">homeownership lottery program</a>. A 558-square-foot one-bedroom condo at 570 Innes Ave., unit 101, was listed for sale in the lottery program for $247,219 Friday.

Lennar spokesperson Danielle Tocco said in an email that of the total 522 homes planned, 74 have yet to be built. Tocco said 10% of homes fall under the city&#8217;s definition of below market rate but did not say whether the homes are part of San Francisco&#8217;s affordable <a href="https://housing.sfgov.org">homeownership lottery program</a>. A 558-square-foot one-bedroom condo at 570 Innes Ave., unit 101, was listed for sale in the lottery program for $247,219 Friday.

“Affordability was definitely a factor for me,” said Michael Le, who bought a one-bedroom condo at 10 Kennedy Place last summer after living in the East Bay. “You’re also away from the hustle and bustle, but you’re still close enough to get around the city.” To get around the city, Le, a car owner, either drives or orders an Uber.&nbsp;

“Affordability was definitely a factor for me,” said Michael Le, who bought a one-bedroom condo at 10 Kennedy Place last summer after living in the East Bay. “You’re also away from the hustle and bustle, but you’re still close enough to get around the city.” To get around the city, Le, a car owner, either drives or orders an Uber.&nbsp;

The staged living room of 451 Donahue #501 currently offers a view of a construction site visible through its window. Some of the Shipyard's homes are still under construction.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/img_0206-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="The staged interior of a San Francisco condo listed for sale is seen in a photo." class="wp-image-259380"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The staged living room of 451 Donahue St., unit 501, currently offers a view of a construction site through its window.</figcaption></figure>

Although Le declined to say what he paid for the unit, a Compass listing for a one-bedroom condo in his building with views of San Francisco Bay is asking $798,500, plus a $542 monthly HOA fee.

Although Le declined to say what he paid for the unit, a Compass listing for a one-bedroom condo in his building with views of San Francisco Bay is asking $798,500, plus a $542 monthly HOA fee.

A quick search on Zillow for a home in that price range shows incredibly slim pickings across San Francisco’s busier, more desirable neighborhoods. If a similar-sized property is listed around that price in those areas, the HOA fee is usually much higher.&nbsp;

A quick search on Zillow for a home in that price range shows incredibly slim pickings across San Francisco’s busier, more desirable neighborhoods. If a similar-sized property is listed around that price in those areas, the HOA fee is usually much higher.&nbsp;

On the lowest and highest end of the spectrum for homes sold at the development, studios cost less than $500,000, and three-bedroom units go for around $1 million. Three-bedroom townhomes have sold for around $1.1 million. 

On the lowest and highest end of the spectrum for homes sold at the development, studios cost less than $500,000, and three-bedroom units go for around $1 million. Three-bedroom townhomes have sold for around $1.1 million.

They spent millions to live on an island in San Francisco with no grocery store. Who are they?

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HOA board member Rafe Gabel and his wife, Kelly Fox, bought a three-bedroom townhouse on Coleman Street for $1.1 million in 2017. The home has since dropped in value to around $950,000, Gabel said, blaming price drops across the city. As a real estate agent, Gabel has sold at least four homes in the Shipyard.

HOA board member Rafe Gabel and his wife, Kelly Fox, bought a three-bedroom townhouse on Coleman Street for $1.1 million in 2017. The home has since dropped in value to around $950,000, Gabel said, blaming price drops across the city. As a real estate agent, Gabel has sold at least four homes in the Shipyard.

“A home here is cheaper than the same one on, say, 22nd and Valencia,” Gabel said. “That’s a whole different world from us.”

“A home here is cheaper than the same one on, say, 22nd and Valencia,” Gabel said. “That’s a whole different world from us.”

Fox said the couple had searched the city for a three-bedroom home but couldn&#8217;t find anything affordable in the city that wasn’t a fixer-upper.

Fox said the couple had searched the city for a three-bedroom home but couldn't find anything affordable in the city that wasn’t a fixer-upper.

Fox said the couple had searched the city for a three-bedroom home but couldn&#8217;t find anything affordable in the city that wasn’t a fixer-upper.

“We looked around, but everything was over $1.5 million,” Fox said. “Finding this place allowed us to stay in San Francisco.”

“We looked around, but everything was over $1.5 million,” Fox said. “Finding this place allowed us to stay in San Francisco.”

The building at 52 Ines Ct., built in 2017, has 36 condos. Currently a 720 square-foot one-bedroom, one-bath unit in the building is for sale with an asking price of $615,000.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/img_4074.jpg?w=2500" alt="A condo building's facade is seen in a photo." class="wp-image-259373"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The building at 52 Innes Court, built in 2017, has 36 condos. Currently, a 720-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bath unit in the building is for sale with an asking price of $615,000.</figcaption></figure>

‘What’s there to do? Nothing really’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-there-to-do-nothing-really">‘What’s there to do? Nothing really’</h2>

If you want to walk to a restaurant or supermarket from the Shipyard, you’re out of luck. To do all those things, you’ve got to have wheels. The nearest place to go for dinner, Mexican joint Las Isletas Restaurant, is an almost 40-minute trek. It&#8217;s 30 minutes by foot to the Lucky supermarket on Third Street.

If you want to walk to a restaurant or supermarket from the Shipyard, you’re out of luck. To do all those things, you’ve got to have wheels. The nearest place to go for dinner, Mexican joint Las Isletas Restaurant, is an almost 40-minute trek. It's 30 minutes by foot to the Lucky supermarket on Third Street.

If you want to walk to a restaurant or supermarket from the Shipyard, you’re out of luck. To do all those things, you’ve got to have wheels. The nearest place to go for dinner, Mexican joint Las Isletas Restaurant, is an almost 40-minute trek. It&#8217;s 30 minutes by foot to the Lucky supermarket on Third Street.

Scott Engler lives just across the street from Lennar’s new community. He rents a two-bedroom townhouse on Cleo Rand Lane, built in 1989, for $3,600 a month, and often walks his dog around The Shipyard. If he wants to do anything else, he’s said he gets on his bike or drives.

Scott Engler lives just across the street from Lennar’s new community. He rents a two-bedroom townhouse on Cleo Rand Lane, built in 1989, for $3,600 a month, and often walks his dog around The Shipyard. If he wants to do anything else, he’s said he gets on his bike or drives.

“What’s there to do? Nothing really,” Engler said. “I wouldn’t say it bothers me. It’s a 10-minute bike ride to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/20/san-francisco-park-renovation-esprit-park-groundbreaking/">Dogpatch</a>, and there’s stuff on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/25/black-owned-business-on-bayviews-3rd-street/">Third Street</a>.”

One of the coolest neighborhoods on the planet will get a better park

View of Bayview: A tour of Third Street&#8217;s Black-owned businesses

“What’s there to do? Nothing really,” Engler said. “I wouldn’t say it bothers me. It’s a 10-minute bike ride to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/20/san-francisco-park-renovation-esprit-park-groundbreaking/">Dogpatch</a>, and there’s stuff on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/25/black-owned-business-on-bayviews-3rd-street/">Third Street</a>.”

Scott Engler lives just across the street from Lennar’s new community. He said while it's easy to get to other parts of the city, there are no businesses—not even a grocery store— that are within walking distance.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/img_0271-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man stands on the sidewalk holding a dog on a leash." class="wp-image-259376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scott Engler lives just across the street from Lennar’s new community. </figcaption></figure>

Standing in the doorway of his three-bedroom Shipyard townhouse on Hudson Avenue, Rey Guillen said he and his wife chose to rent the $4,700-a-month home as they wanted somewhere quiet with nice views in a newly constructed building.

Standing in the doorway of his three-bedroom Shipyard townhouse on Hudson Avenue, Rey Guillen said he and his wife chose to rent the $4,700-a-month home as they wanted somewhere quiet with nice views in a newly constructed building.

“It’s not very walkable,” Guillen said. “If you want to go out to dinner, you’re driving.”

“It’s not very walkable,” Guillen said. “If you want to go out to dinner, you’re driving.”

Guillen said he cooks dinner at home most nights with meal delivery kits from Gobble. When he does go out, he usually drives to the Mission.

Guillen said he cooks dinner at home most nights with meal delivery kits from Gobble. When he does go out, he usually drives to the Mission.

“That’s the open wish—that they would build a grocery store here,” Guillen said.

“That’s the open wish—that they would build a grocery store here,” Guillen said.

Rey Guillen stands in the doorway of his three-bedroom townhouse built in 2019. Gullien said he wanted to rent the home because it was newly constructed and in a quiet area. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/screenshot-2024-03-14-at-10-35-53-am.png" alt="A man stands in his home doorway." class="wp-image-259378"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rey Guillen stands in the doorway of his three-bedroom townhouse, built in 2019. Gullien said he wanted to rent the home because it was newly constructed and in a quiet area. | Garrett Leahy/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Guillen also takes the 19-Polk bus, which stops a few blocks from his home, but it’s a 45-minute ride to his job near <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">U.N. Plaza</a> as the chief operating officer of the city’s <a href="https://sfhss.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health benefits system</a> for its employees.&nbsp;

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Guillen also takes the 19-Polk bus, which stops a few blocks from his home, but it’s a 45-minute ride to his job near <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/09/dealers-chased-tenderloin-crackdown/">U.N. Plaza</a> as the chief operating officer of the city’s <a href="https://sfhss.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health benefits system</a> for its employees.&nbsp;

Getting to the Polk Gulch shopping district on the 19 bus takes around 50 minutes. The 15-Bayview Express goes downtown, but even that takes 45 minutes, Guillen said.&nbsp;

Getting to the Polk Gulch shopping district on the 19 bus takes around 50 minutes. The 15-Bayview Express goes downtown, but even that takes 45 minutes, Guillen said.&nbsp;

Gabel said he wants a Blue Bottle Coffee or a Whole Foods to open in his neighborhood.

Gabel said he wants a Blue Bottle Coffee or a Whole Foods to open in his neighborhood.

“People think it’s far, but it’s not,” Fox said. “I find it’s 20 minutes to get anywhere from here. Twenty minutes to the Castro, 20 minutes to the Mission, 20 minutes to Noe Valley.”

“People think it’s far, but it’s not,” Fox said. “I find it’s 20 minutes to get anywhere from here. Twenty minutes to the Castro, 20 minutes to the Mission, 20 minutes to Noe Valley.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Radioactive Superfund site</h2>

The Shipyard, while not part of the development, is a stone’s throw from a radioactive Superfund site, the former <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/21/at-hunters-point-former-mayor-willie-brown-cashes-in-even-as-massive-development-project-remains-stalled/">Hunters Point Naval Shipyard</a>.

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The Shipyard, while not part of the development, is a stone’s throw from a radioactive Superfund site, the former <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/21/at-hunters-point-former-mayor-willie-brown-cashes-in-even-as-massive-development-project-remains-stalled/">Hunters Point Naval Shipyard</a>.

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