Mason's Guide to a Great Day in Noe Valley

In this San Francisco Community Guide to Noe Valley, a friend of SF real estate agent Katie Funk Moss & the Vivre Real Estate team shares his favorite spots around the neighborhood.

The Perfect Day in Noe Valley

Mason's path to Noe Valley has been an adventure in itself. Originally from Los Angeles, with a detour through Maine, he's called San Francisco home for over a decade. Now, he's settling into his latest chapter as a Noe Valley resident, sharing a cozy spot in the neighborhood's northwest corner with his wife and their four-legged companion.

For Mason, Noe Valley isn't simply a nice place to live - it's a strategic home base. Located in the southern part of San Francisco, it offers him the perfect launch pad for commuting between his offices in downtown SF and San Jose. As an added perk, it's ideally situated between both Olympic Club locations, catering to his active lifestyle and interest in golf. 

Though he's relatively new to the Noe Valley scene, Mason has jumped in with both feet, exploring every nook and cranny of the neighborhood. In this guide, he'll take you on a journey through his ideal day in Noe Valley. From his favorite coffee spots to hidden gems for relaxation, Mason will show you the local haunts and community vibes that have quickly made this neighborhood feel like home.

So, let's see Noe Valley through Mason's eyes - a blend of a newcomer's fresh perspective and a local's growing expertise. (And thank you, Mason, for sharing!)

Morning Kickstart: Philz Coffee

I start my day at Philz on the corner of 24th and Douglas. My usual order is a medium Tesora with a splash of cream and sugar. It's simple, but it does the trick. I'll often grab their breakfast burrito too - it's a solid way to fuel up for the day ahead. 

Just a heads up: Weekends and weekday mornings can get pretty busy, so you might want to get there early to beat the rush. Better yet, order on the Philz app. 

Park Pit Stop: Noe Valley Courts

Coffee in hand, I head across to the park next to Noe Valley Courts. There’s a tennis and basketball court, but I’m here to sit on the park benches and ease into the day. If I've got my dog with me, we'll play a bit of fetch. Otherwise, I just enjoy the morning quiet and watch the neighborhood come to life. It’s a pretty regular crowd, so I’ll probably get to catch up with some neighbors who have become friends. 

Getting Active: Sanchez Street Run

Time to get moving. I run up and down Sanchez Street, which is designated as a "slow street." That means less traffic, which is great for jogging without too many obstacles. Mornings are pretty quiet (which is perfect for a run),  and early evenings have a cool community vibe with families and neighbors out and about.

Two Stops for Lunch: Noe Cafe and Noe Valley Bakery

Post-run, I'm ready for round two of coffee. Plus,  it’s time for lunch. Noe Cafe hooks me up with a good coffee, and I'll usually grab one of their empanadas, the first half of my flaky-crust-themed lunch for today. For the second half, it's over to Noe Valley Bakery. They're known for their sweet stuff, but their savory options are underrated. My go-to is the Spinach and Mushroom Pain Suisse. Trust me, it's worth trying.

Feast al Fresco: Noe Valley Town Square

I take my bakery haul to Noe Valley Town Square. It's a great spot to relax, enjoy your food, and soak in some sun. You get a real sense of the neighborhood here - all sorts of people from the area come through. There’s an awesome farmer’s market every Saturday, and with the famous new toilet, it really has it all. It's interesting to see the mix of locals going about their day. 

Afternoon Relaxation: Massage at Arokaya

After lunch, I head over to Arokaya Massage & Wellness Studio on 14th Street for a deep tissue massage. It's become an essential part of my perfect day in Noe Valley, especially after a morning run. The place has a really calming atmosphere, and their therapists are seriously skilled. I always go for their deep tissue massage - it's intense but in the best way possible. 

Dinner Plans: NOVY

When dinner time rolls around, I head to NOVY. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is really good. I always go for the Moussaka - it's comforting and flavorful. The portions are generous too, which I appreciate after an active day.

Evening Wind-Down: Valley Tavern

I’ll end my day at Valley Tavern. They have a great selection of beers, and the back patio is perfect for San Francisco evenings. It's where I often run into friends or get chatting with neighbors. There's something about sharing a beer and good conversation that makes for a perfect end to the day.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it - my recipe for a great day in Noe Valley. From morning coffee to evening beers, this neighborhood has a bit of everything. It's laid-back but still lively, with good food, great views, and plenty of cool spots to hang out.

If you're new to the area or just visiting, give this itinerary a shot. And remember, one of the best things about Noe Valley is the community feel. Don't be shy about striking up conversations - you might discover some local gems that'll make your time here even better.

Thanks again, Mason, for sharing your local's guide and tips to a Perfect Day in Noe Valley! For more SF neighborhood inspo, check out our "Perfect Day" guides on Pacific Heights & Russian Hill.

Noe Valley Real Estate Market Insights

Before we go, let's take a closer look at Noe Valley’s real estate market over the past three years. Looking at three-bedroom condos, I've put together a rolling 3-month median sales price chart to give us a clearer picture of the trends.

This chart shows the median sales price of three-bedroom condos in Noe Valley, calculated on a rolling 3-month basis. Each point represents the median price of home sales for that month and the two months before it. This method helps smooth out month-to-month jumps and gives us a better view of the overall trend.

Here’s the data looking at Single Family Homes: 

The San Francisco real estate market can be overwhelming. Whether you're trying to understand the trends, considering a move, or just curious about the value of your home, it's natural to have questions. At Vivre Real Estate, we're here to listen and provide clear, honest answers. Don't hesitate to reach out - we're always happy to chat, no pressure or obligation. 

Honorable Mentions

And one more thing—here are some of Mason's top picks that didn't quite make the list, but you should definitely visit when you're in Noe Valley:

• Upper Douglass Dog Park: This park is a really large open lawn (enclosed by fence) that is great for dogs. It is closed between the months of November and March and on Wednesdays for maintenance, so be sure to check the calendar before you go. 
• Firefly: This is a quintessential neighborhood restaurant that has been open for over 30 years. It’s cozy and the food is great. 
• Neighbor's Corner: Arguably the perfect neighborhood coffee shop. 
• Fiorella: Such a great addition to 24th street. 
• Lupa Trattoria: Great neighborhood Italian spot with a back patio. Great for a dinner with visiting family.

Have another favorite Noe Valley spot to recommend, or maybe you are thinking about buying or selling Noe Valley real estate? Please feel free to reach out any time to discuss your personal situation and real estate goals. We look forward to hearing from you. Contact us here.