The site of a former navy shipyard, rapidly evolving Hunters Point is a sunny, diverse urban neighborhood that is currently in the midst of significant transformation. The area boasts a high concentration of home ownership, and properties are still affordable by San Francisco standards. Architecture ranges from art deco to mid-century, with some Victorians thrown into the mix, and most single-family houses are generously sized with backyards and off-street parking. Newer townhouses and duplexes are scattered throughout the neighborhood, and in recent years condo developments have popped up as part of the city’s plan to reinvigorate the area.
Two of these projects—the first at Candlestick Point, and the second up the hill on the former Hunters Point Shipyard property—will include some 12,000 new residences along with retail stores, restaurants, a marina, and parks with waterfront access. Many of the neighborhood improvements seen over the past few years have been spearheaded by a determined community, which has rallied to create urban gardens and collaborative artists’ spaces, update parks, and support local businesses. More families are moving into the area, along with artists, musicians, and other creative types who are drawn to its open spaces and promising future. ©2016 Maryann LoRusso
Flora Grubb Gardens is an open-air gardening center offers unique plants, garden décor, and an espresso bar.
The Quesada Gardens Initiative is an award-winning community project that has spawned a network of gardens, public art, and gathering spaces.
A towering old copra crane serves as the landmark for a new park at Islais Creek.
One of San Francisco’s ecological treasures, Heron’s Head Park is teeming with native plants and a wide variety of birds.
The Hunters Point Shipyard Artists is a community of artists who rent studios in the former shipyard on Hunters Point and host biannual art shows.
Established in 1959 by boxer Sam Jordan (who was also the first African-American to run for mayor), Sam Jordan’s Bar and Grill is now run by Sam’s children.
All Good Pizza whips up brick oven pizza and paninis from scratch, using locally sourced organic produce.
Butchertown Gourmet Bread is a bakery and wine tasting room with special pizza nights and wholesome, home-cooked food.
Radio Africa Kitchen produces a rotating menu of market-fresh, health-conscious Ethiopian cuisine.
San Francisco’s oldest theater, The Bayview Opera House offers community members arts-education and cultural-enrichment programs.
The expanded San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market provides local fruits and vegetables to many of San Francisco’s finest restaurants.