About the neighborhood

Bernal Heights offers a vibrant neighborhood with various transportation options including accessible rapid transit stations and numerous bus lines, making commuting convenient. The extensive cycling network and nearby bike-share stations support alternative travel choices. Residents have easy access to diverse dining with over 50 restaurants and around 10 coffee shops along popular corridors like Cortland Avenue. Shopping needs are met by local grocery stores situated close to residences. Several public parks including St. Mary’s Playground and Bernal Heights Park provide pleasant outdoor destinations to explore. Housing options range from single detached homes to duplexes and townhouses, featuring a variety of unit sizes in well-established buildings.

Characteristics

Transportation

Bernal Heights will appeal to homeowners that appreciate a diversity of means of transportation. With a multitude of nearby rapid transit stations with access to the Millbrae/SFIA to Antioch, Dublin/Pleasanton - Daly City, Millbrae/Daly City to Richmond, Dublin/Pleasanton to Daly City, Berryessa/North San Jose to Daly City, Richmond - Millbrae, Antioch - SFO/Millbrae, Richmond to Daly City/Millbrae, Church, Daly City to Berryessa/North San Jose, Berryessa/North San José - Daly City, Antioch to SFIA/Millbrae and Daly City to Dublin/Pleasanton, and about 20 nearby bus lines, Bernal Heights benefits from an excellent public transit system. Bernal Heights will also appeal to house buyers who appreciate residing in a compact area because it is particularly well-suited to pedestrians; most daily needs are very easy to carry out without a car, and there are also many businesses in proximity. Cycling is fairly popular in this neighborhood since the cycling network is extensive, and a bike share station is always located nearby.

Services

Both primary and secondary schools are easy to access as a pedestrian from any location in Bernal Heights. Besides public schools, there are private elementary and high schools. When it comes to eating, it is very often possible for property owners in Bernal Heights to buy general and specialty groceries as pedestrians. In addition, there are over 250 restaurants and over 50 cafes to experience in Bernal Heights. It is also very easy to access a variety of clothing stores as a pedestrian, for example on Cortland Avenue.

Character

Bernal Heights has a character that caters to a fairly diverse group of people. This area has a large number of places for those looking for a dynamic vibe. Even though few entertainment venues can be found nearby, there are usually crowds of people around, and with its approximately 30 bars, there are options for nighttime activities. Cortland Avenue is among the most lively streets in this area. Bernal Heights is fairly good for those who enjoy a quiet atmosphere, as noise from the streets and other parts of the city is rarely an issue, however some areas can be quite noisy, especially closer to I-280, James Lick Freeway or the railway line. This part of the city also features a small amount of greenery; more specifically, residents will find that the tree canopy coverage for most streets is below average. However, most locations within the neighborhood have good access to parks, including Bernal Heights Park, since there are over 50 of them nearby for residents to relax in.

Car friendly5.0

Arteries nearby, but traffic congestion and parking problems are possible

Cycling friendly7.0

Suitable for bicycle commuting and/or recreational cycling

Pedestrian friendly9.6

Exceptional number of pleasant streets and pedestrian-oriented shops within a few minutes' walk. Meeting daily needs on foot is almost always practical

Transit friendly10.0

Near a wide variety of subway lines and/or other frequent transit routes

Restaurants9.0

Wide variety of restaurants within a few minutes' walk

Groceries9.4

Exceptional variety of groceries within a few minutes' walk

Shopping8.6

Wide variety of shops within a few minutes' walk

Cafes9.8

Exceptional variety of cafés within a few minutes' walk

Quiet7.0

Few sources of noise nearby