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Eureka Valley, San Francisco

Eureka Valley is an upscale neighborhood located at the upper end of Market Street, north of Noe Valley and west of Mission District. It is home to many members of San Francisco’s gay and lesbian community, encompassing the historic Castro District, one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States.

The gay pride movement’s rainbow flag is proudly displayed throughout the area, particularly in the Castro. In recent years, Eureka Valley has also been gaining popularity as a neighborhood for young families.

Living in Eureka Valley

The Castro District, popularly known simply as the Castro, was a center of gay activism in the late 1970s after the assassination of San Francisco native Harvey Milk, the city’s first openly gay supervisor.

The Castro today is an energetic community with distinctive streetscapes, adorned with an eclectic mix of colorful Victorian homes and contemporary buildings. It is a major shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in San Francisco.

The rest of Eureka Valley is a tranquil hillside community lined with beautiful homes. In addition to the Castro, other sub-neighborhoods include all or portions of:

  • Duboce Triangle
  • Mission Dolores
  • Corona Heights
  • Liberty Hill

The MUNI Metro lines and several city buses, and numerous tech shuttles ply the area and are easily accessible from the Castro.

The neighborhood is also home to several top-rated schools, such as Rooftop Elementary School and Alvarado Elementary School, as well as the Marin Preparatory Private School.

Eureka Real Estate and Eureka Homes for Sale

The housing stock in Eureka Valley is a mix of single-family and multi-family residences.

Historic Victorian homes can be found across the neighborhood, giving it a distinct San Francisco flavor. Many of these remain single-family homes, with updated features and modern conveniences, commanding some of the highest prices in the area. Others have been transformed into multi-family dwellings with spacious units and the finest finishes.

Contemporary and mid-century homes also dot Eureka Valley. They come in custom styles, showcasing various architectural influences. Recently built apartments and condo complexes with tall glass windows and steel frames are also found throughout the neighborhood.

Attractions and amenities

  • The Castro is Eureka Valley’s best known destination. It’s a favorite among tourists and locals, particularly members of the LGBT community, for its vibrant atmosphere and collection of restaurants, entertainment venues, unique shops, and nightspots.
  • Must-visit restaurants in the Castro include old and new favorites like Orphan Andy’s, Francis, Poesia, Nomica, Catch, Anchor Oyster Bar, and Ike’s Place. There are numerous coffee houses and cafes including Philz, Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee.
  • The Castro is also known for its teeming nightlife. Popular spots include Harvey’s, The Mint and Midnight Sun.
  • The neighborhood’s famous LGBT events include:
    • The Castro Street Fair, an annual festival founded in 1974 by Harvey Milk and the Castro Valley Association
    • The San Francisco Pride Month parade happening on Market Street every last Sunday of June. The day before that is the SF Dyke March and Rally, a lesbian pride day.
  • The Castro Theatre is one of the most notable destinations in the area. Built in 1922, it was designated a San Francisco landmark in 1977. It’s well known for its stunning architecture and design, as well as for events that include sing-alongs and the showing of old and new films.
  • In addition to the Castro, other attractions in Eureka Valley include Eureka Valley Park, the historic John McMullen House, and the local branch of the San Francisco Public Library.