Noe Valley is a great neighborhood and while Noe St. itself isn't too "happening," the surrounding area is. Noe intersects with Castro and 24th streets, both of which have a lot going on. But Noe itself is pretty much a residential street. It is quiet and pretty. North of Castro, Noe is really adorable. The street is a little more narrow and lined with trees, making the charm factor go way up.