The Marina District in San Francisco is a sought-after neighborhood that attracts young professionals, families, and retirees. Located in the northern part of the city, it offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, with easy access to the waterfront, green spaces, and recreational amenities. In this guide, we'll explore the reasons why people choose to live in the Marina District and provide a comprehensive overview of the neighborhood's demographics, the housing market, schools, crime statistics, and amenities.
Why Live in the Marina District?
As mentioned in our SF neighborhood guide, people either love the Marina or hate it. That’s because it’s home to young (often tech) professionals wearing athleisure wear at all times of day, and is very, very… white. If you enjoy fraternity and sorority vibes, live here! That being said, it’s also steps from Crissy Field and a dog-friendly beach, lots of great shopping, wonderful restaurants & bars, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge- making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Marina District is considered a safe neighborhood, with a low crime rate compared to other areas of the city. According to NeighborhoodScout, the crime rate in the Marina District is 51% lower than the national average.
Demographics of residents in the Marina
The Marina District is a relatively affluent neighborhood with a median household income of around $150,000. The population is predominantly White (read: tech/finance bros and fitness influencer babes), followed by Asian and Hispanic residents. The median age in the Marina is around 34 years old, making it a popular destination for young professionals and families.
How much does it cost to live in the marina in San Francisco?
The Marina District is known for its beautiful, historic homes and expensive real estate. The median home price in the neighborhood is around $2 million, making it one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. The housing market in the Marina District is competitive, with homes typically spending around 40 days on the market before being sold.
Rent in the Marina District is also expensive, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $3,500 per month. Living in the Marina District can be expensive, so consider finding a roommate to split the costs of a multi-bedroom place. Use websites like Roommates.com or Craigslist to find potential roommates, and make sure to meet with them in person before making any commitments. When you find an apartment you like, be ready to submit your application and any necessary paperwork (such as credit reports and employment verification) right away. It is not uncommon for places to be rented immediately after being listed or open for viewing. Landlords in San Francisco often require a lot of documentation, so it’s best to have everything prepared in advance.
Schools in the Marina
The Marina District is served by several public and private schools, including Marina Middle School, Sherman Elementary School, and St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School. These schools are highly rated by GreatSchools.org, with Marina Middle School receiving a score of 9 out of 10.
Basic services and amenities in the Marina district
Post Office and Shipping Stores:
The Marina Post Office: located at 2100 Lombard St, this post office is convenient for residents of the Marina district to send and receive mail and packages.
The UPS Store: provides services like printing, copying, and mailbox rentals.
Grocery Stores:
Safeway: this large grocery store chain offers a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bakery items.
Marina Supermarket: this smaller, locally owned grocery store offers fresh produce and a selection of international products.
Coffee Shops:
Peet's Coffee: this popular coffee chain offers a variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as pastries and light snacks.
Starbucks: this popular coffee chain also offers a variety of drinks and snacks.
Gyms and fitness studios in the area:
Equinox is a luxury gym chain that offers a variety of fitness classes, personal training, and state-of-the-art equipment.
Barry's Bootcamp is a popular boutique fitness studio that offers high-intensity workouts.
SoulCycle is a popular indoor cycling studio that offers high-energy classes set to music.
CorePower Yoga is a yoga studio that offers heated yoga classes for all levels.
Crunch Fitness is a gym chain that offers group fitness classes, personal training, and a variety of equipment.
OrangeTheory Fitness is a studio that offers high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes that combine cardio and strength training.
Laundromats in the Marina District
Marina Suds: a self-service laundromat that offers wash-and-fold services as well. They have a variety of machine sizes available and offer free Wi-Fi and coffee while you wait.
4 Star Laundry: offers self-service machines, wash-and-fold services, and dry cleaning. They also have a loyalty program where customers can earn discounts on future services.
WashClub: a laundry pick-up and delivery service that operates in the Marina District. Customers can schedule a pick-up time online, and their laundry will be returned clean and folded within 24 hours.
Super Coin Laundry: offers self-service machines as well as wash-and-fold services. They also have a loyalty program and offer free Wi-Fi for customers.
The Marina district is home to several popular annual events that attract locals and visitors alike. Some of the most well-known events include:
Marina Green 4th of July: Every year, the Marina Green hosts a spectacular 4th of July celebration complete with live music, food trucks, and a stunning fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay. Warning: be prepared for typical gloomy weather and a fireworks show that is distorted by fog.
San Francisco Fleet Week: Fleet Week is a week-long event that typically takes place in October, featuring air shows, ship tours, and a parade of ships in the bay. The Marina Green is a popular spot for spectators to watch the aerial demonstrations.
Union Street Festival: The Union Street Festival is a two-day event held in June that features over 100 arts and crafts vendors, live music, food and drink, and a fashion show.
Marina Family Fest: This annual festival is held in October and features food and drink vendors, live music, and activities for kids.
Wine Walk: The Marina Wine Walk takes place twice a year (in May and October) and allows attendees to sample wines from local wineries while exploring the shops and restaurants of the Marina district.
Bay to Breakers: This famous annual race takes place in May and runs from the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach. The race route passes through the Marina district, making it a popular spot for spectators to watch the wacky costumes and festivities.
The Marina District is a beautiful and vibrant neighborhood that attracts a diverse mix of residents. With its stunning views, convenient location, and variety of amenities, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call it home. While the cost of living in the Marina District can be high, it's a small price to pay for the unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty that this neighborhood has to offer.
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