Apartments for Rent near Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA

"It is a good thing the early settlers landed on the East Coast; if they'd landed in San Francisco first, the rest of the country would still be uninhabited." -Herbert Mye

This neighborhood in the upper part of San Francisco, nestled between The Presidio and Golden Gate Park, lacks the edginess of some of the city's more typical neighborhoods. Don't expect to find late-night party goers still staggering home well after the sun is up. However, in all the most important ways, Laurel Heights offers the best of the City by the Bay. It has been noted that this area is more conservative than some of San Fran's more notorious 'hoods, but that is akin to picking a more bookish Kardashian sister. Perhaps it is Laurel Heights' almost perfectly rectangular-sized neighborhood - where streets lie in orderly rows, pleasing plant life acts as a natural decor, and all in all, homes and lawns seem well tended - that has garnered the reputation as one of the city's more refined areas. The setup certainly seems ideal, even featuring a picturesque park in the center for meeting up with friends or making use of the basketball, tennis and baseball facilities. Careful planning has structured the area to offer an eclectic mix of activities, shopping and dining while still retaining much of San Francisco's signature spirit.

Most of Laurel Heights' inhabitants are renters, making it easy to find an array of rental housing, even if the rent is still on par with San Francisco's pricey real estate market. Living by the bay is a commitment to traversing the hilly streets and paying high rents, but most people find the price of living here well worth all the culture, dining, music and natural beauty received in exchange. Those worried about the cost of living should look for all-utilities-paid properties. It may come as a surprise that even in such a small neighborhood, the real estate can differ noticeably in price due to location.

The western section is where the original homes were built before Laurel Heights was fully developed as a residential neighborhood with coveted addresses, and can be an ideal place to find luxury apartments in Laurel Heights. These older homes reflect higher prices than the homes in the east part of Laurel Heights. Commonwealth Avenue definitely represents the western real estate market. Even with differences in price and age, all the homes of this area are known for the Victorian style. The architecture is one of the big draws here, but future residents need not worry about being limited to only one size or style of homes. There are more modern builds as well, and homes can be as grand as seven bedrooms, with an equal number of bathrooms, or as practical as a studio apartment for rent. Deciding on budget, architectural style and size will help narrow your search for property rentals in the Heights.

With so much attention to the style and look of Laurel Heights, don't fret that living here will make you as dull as a sitcom character. Laurel Heights offers a centrally located area with boutiques and eats on California Street. Living in San Fran almost requires a few new-age businesses, and Laurel Heights' delivers, with yoga and hypnosis all offered here. Residents can also take up ballet, belly dancing and media arts. These all add to the eclectic options and creative vibe that residents find radiating from Laurel Heights.

The Heights itself serves as a great place to go for a run or walk, often attracting those from other neighborhoods who love running through this beautiful neighborhood. Staying so active and enjoying all that there is to do here can require a morning cup of joe or triple shot/no whip/soy latte. Either way, there are plenty of local coffee shops to find your favorite roast or super speedy barista. Nani's Coffee plays mostly classical music, which adds to Laurel Heights' rep as swanky and refined, but you can rock your favorite piercings and skinny jeans to add some hipster vibes.

Clever business names such as The Rebel Baker further underline the fun, creative side to Laurel Heights. Independent shops are the norm here, as in much of 'Frisco, but there are some chain offerings as well. Oddly enough, it's the location of one of the city's few full-sized big name grocery stores that attracts many residents. Not that they don't love their neighborhood grocers, but for big trips, it can be easier to have the convenience of a big store.

Those who love gourmet grocers and individual attention will prefer the neighborhood's Cal-Mart, surely an ironic invoking of the Mart, as this is nothing short of a foodie's paradise. A meat counter that operates separate from the rest of the store and a dazzling array of prepared foods would have Julia Childs herself swooning as she made her way down the aisles.

The San Francisco Fire Department Museum makes up the Laurel Heights' museum district, but locals are certainly not restricted to staying within the neighborhood boundaries. One of the best parts of living in San Francisco is the opportunity to enjoy all of its culturally diverse neighborhoods, and this neighborhood enjoys close proximity to the green spaces of Presidio Heights, the stately homes of Pacific Heights and the beloved Golden Gate Park.

Similar to the city as a whole, Laurel Heights is incredibly walkable. What's the point of all the California sunshine if you don't walk around one of San Fran's most desirable neighborhoods? Cyclists also find the area suitable for pedaling around on two wheels, plus your fellow Californians will appreciate you choosing pedal power over fossil fuels. Getting out and about beyond the Laurel Heights neighborhood limits is easy with the MUNI line, which features stops in Laurel Heights.