Noe Valley: Not Just For Baby Strollers Anymore

I have friends, single friends, mostly, who refuse to go to Noe Valley. They tell stories of being shoved aside in the Cheese Shop by the more determined hand of a young mother intent upon that Dutch Edam sample for the mouth of her squalling child. They claim to bear scars from unfortunate entanglements with baby strollers at the intersection of 22nd and Church. But really, these stories are exaggerations- if not complete fabrications. You are not, in fact, required to have kids to settle in this neighborhood. Of course, it might be a good idea to at least like the little guys since they’re ubiquitous here; Noe Valley is one of the most child-friendly areas in San Francisco.

And child friendly areas offer distinct advantages, whether you yourself are child friendly or not. Families who own homes, especially families with children, invest in their surroundings. Accordingly, Noe’s rows of Queen Anne Victorians are immaculate- but also lived in, cared for: trimmed in wisteria and passion flowers, encircled by brightly painted porches littered with soccer balls and bicycles.

These residents demand high-quality community: low crime; ample child care resources; excellent shopping; and entertainment aimed at both kids and adults (everything from a Harvest Festival to live music at the 110 year old and acoustically incredible Noe Valley Ministry). Noe is also home to some of the city’s best food, cuisine that’s drawn from every corner of the globe- most it available at family-friendly prices.

A walk along these tree lined streets reveals that Noe Valley is its own little world, an oasis of eclectic suburban life in the heart of the city. Often ten degrees warmer than other neighborhoods, Noe offers you every reason to slow down, to relax… to never leave. Even singles are perfectly happy in Noe, mingling over cocktails at Bliss Bar. And should one feel the need for a change of scenery, Market Street, the Castro, and the Mission are a short (and relatively baby-stroller free) few blocks away.