6.6 out of 10

Van Ness Ave, Civic Center

Ranked 4th best street in Civic Center
37.783544781067 -122.421014941997
Great for
  • Internet Access
  • Pest Free
  • Public Transport
  • Eating Out
  • Childcare
Not great for
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Peace & Quiet
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Singles
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  •  

Reviews

3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"Van Ness Ave a Busy Street that Runs Right Through the City"

Van Ness Avenue (formerly U.S. highway 101) is one of those streets that runs straight through the city. It's super busy and when I first moved here ten years ago and heard that Metallica once played on the roof top of Tommy's Joint, I thought I wanted to live right on Van Ness. Whew! So glad I didn't do that!

Van Ness is kind of like a "Market" street in other major cities. Fast food, movie theaters, coffee shops, stores and gas stations. But it's not a place that you want to go hang out every weekend. it has its share of homeless people and vagrants. You should think of Van Ness as a means of getting you from one end of the city to the other (from the Mission to the Marina). There's plenty of public transportation via MUNI or taxi.

There are a couple of dive bars and some cool restaurants on Van Ness (I won't discount it completely) and there is the old AMC Van Ness theater. But all in all, it's got heavy traffic.
Recommended for
  • Singles
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
2yrs+

"Probably the busiest street in San Francisco"

Van Ness Street is one of the busiest streets in San Francisco. Traffic here is really heavy during the morning and evening rush hours from and to work. There are also many automotive dealerships and repair shops on this street. You’ll get to see some really nice cars on this street as you drive by. Some noted buildings on Van Ness Street are Davies Symphony Hall and City Hall of San Francisco. There are also several theaters and places to eat on this street. Van Ness Street runs through most of the busiest streets in San Francisco, such as California Street, Geary Street, O’Farrell Street, Market Street and such. Van Ness Street also leads up to the 101.
4/5
2yrs+

"Golden Gates"

The Golden Gate Bridge in Northern California is truly a spectacle to behold. This bridge is the symbol of San Francisco, and anyone visiting the area has to go check it out. There are a few lookout spots where you can take in the vast grandeur, like Crissy Field, where you can watch wind surfers and kite-riders flying around its tall peaks. Or if you want to get a little more up close and personal, the view from Fort Point gives you a little idea of just how gigantic the structure is. A must-see.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
3/5
2yrs+

"A street where you can get things done"

Van Ness Avenue is one of San Francisco's major commercial thoroughfares, but it's not a beauty spot. The first time I was ever there, I was still a visitor to San Francisco. A friend was taking me to a movie at the big AMC multiplex at Van Ness and O'Farrell. We had some time to kill, and were looking for a place to hang out. Eventually, we found a Starbucks several blocks away, but the walk from the movie theater was just about the ugliest place I'd seen in San Francisco.

Now, I've lived here for many years, and I think of Van Ness Ave. as a place to go for practical reasons. There are major north/south bus lines, for example, that run along Van Ness and down into the Mission or SOMA. And there is a wide variety of shopping found on Van Ness. Most of it isn't high-end--unless you count luxury automobiles. If you're in the market for a $100,000 sports car, that is definitely the place to go. For the rest of us, there are stores like Staples for office supplies, several furniture stores, and other miscellaneous retailers. Unfortunately, the very useful Circuit City is no longer there.

There are several dining options on Van Ness, but they're not clustered in one area. There are a few old-fashioned, but good, neighborhood dives like Tommy's Joynt at Geary and other disperate establishments scattered along the length.

Towards the southern end of Van Ness, you'll hit San Francisco's Civic Center. There, you can disregard everything I said about the ugliness of the street. San Francisco's City Hall is magnificent. It's a Faberge egg of a building! Past City Hall, you'll find The Herbst Theater, the Opera House, and Symphony Hall. Each building is more beautiful and impressive than the last. The architecture is truly stunning.

All in all, Van Ness is a useful destination to put on your map.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
5/5
2yrs+

"Van Ness Avenue place to visit and close to everything"

Going to San Francisco you need to visit this street and beauty of its nature and parks so close as you can smell the ocean not far away from the street makes it even most wonderful.San Francisco has a natural beauty i feel that this city gives off by the people and the historic aspects of the area as well..
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Safe place to live"

A lot of retired people live here. It is clean and quite most of the time. It's close to everything you may need. A great location. Good parking for those that live here. The main apartment building there has a nice gym and pool. right off Van Ness, easy access to all the fun stuff.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5
2yrs+

"A very busy street"

Van ness Avenue is one of the most busiest streets in San Francisco and it is one of the streets that have the most traffic. This street is definitely populated most of the time because of all the attractions. There are countless numbers of stores that sell a variety of foods, electronics, clothes, and much more stuff. There is also a movie theater on this street, it is a popular place for friends or family to go after eating at one of the many restaurants on this street. It is also extremely easy to get to this street because many muni buses pass by or stop on this street. It is pretty difficult to find a parking space on this street because of all the traffic.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5
2yrs+

"A very cool street with a variety of different things."

Van Ness Ave. is one of the more well known streets of San Francisco. Usually a very busy street with many people. There is just about everything you might need on this street. There are places you can only find on van ness ave like Guitar Center or the luxury car dealers. It has access to many muni lines like the 49 or and has a Muni train station. There is a wide variety of restaurants. There is also a big movie theatre. It runs right by Japantown and downtown. A pretty cool street and should be visited by tourists.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
5/5
2yrs+

"One of the best streets to visit in the city!"

Three words. The Bush Man. There is never a dull moment on this street. from the shops and stores, to the eatery's to the entertainment, there is plenty to keep you busy in this part of town. I must say that I was not frightened by the Bush man, but so many others were and I sat there and watched him scare people for over 10 minutes! If you leave San Francisco without visiting this street, then you really didn't visit San Francisco.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2/5
2yrs+

"Heavy traffic and busy"

Van Ness Avenue is one of the major streets in San Francisco. There are so many cars at all times. There are a few homeless people begging but there are usually so many people on this street that it is pretty safe in the daytime. There are variety of stores but no real nice place to eat. Of course, they do have Mel’s Dinner and Max’s which are a little bit better than fast food but is not the best. Of course, there is the AMC 1000 which is a great movie theatre. However, it is a little expensive and they only have student discounts on a certain day of the week. You, of course, also run into City Hall which is a nice building but has homeless people hanging around.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5
2yrs+

"Van Ness Ave - interesting urban street in downtown San Francisco"

Van Ness is a main street in downtown San Francisco. One can travel on Van Ness using the 47 and 49 Muni bus lines. The street has an urban and commercial vibe because of the many crowded and tall buildings that line the street. On Van Ness, there are a couple of nice places to go to such as the AMC movie theater, Mel’s Drive In, Guitar Center, and Tommy Joint. Nearby the street is the San Francisco Supreme Court, City Hall, and the Main Library. Cars move fast on this street, so use caution when crossing the streets. I recommend catching a movie at night at the AMC Theater and then going to Mel’s Drive In for a nice dessert or snack.
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Van Ness, the culture center of San Francisco"

Van Ness Avenue
Van Ness extends almost over 3 miles and is one of the most charming and historical, yet major and busiest areas in San Francisco. It’s easily accessible as many public bus lines and underground transportation run along or across Van Ness. City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House, the Asian Art Museum, the Main Library, Davies Symphony Hall, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Galileo High School Academy surround and make Van Ness an industrial and cultural center. Theaters, private schools, small parks, small hotels, culturally diverse stores and local and major businesses and Hispanic, Asian, Mediterranean and European restaurants make up Van Ness Avenue. In spite of its busy environment, cultural events and its historical and aesthetic attractions make Van Ness one of the most desirable places to live in San Francisco. The streets crossing Van Ness are some of the most aesthetic and are filled with some of the most beautiful mansions, houses, flats and apartments in San Francisco and they definitely don’t sell for pretty prices! Van Ness is a great area for singles, because they will never be bored! Some of the streets crossing Van Ness are pleasant places to raise families for the crime rates are not too high and the aesthetic and convenient environment and cultural diversity is generally desirable. Although prices are high in this area and the houses, flats and apartments are old, they are aesthetically designed and durable-many are beautiful Victorian-styled. During the day time and weekdays, Van Ness is always busy, but during the evenings and weekends it isn’t as busy and residents still do have times of tranquility. However, Van Ness also borders the Tenderloin, which is one of the most infamous neighborhoods of crime in San Francisco.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
3/5
2yrs+

"One of the famous streets in San Francisco"

Van Ness Avenue is one of the famous streets in San Francisco. The street got its name after Mayor James Van Ness. It was originally known as Marlette street. You get to see the famous San Francisco City hall along the way. Galileo Academy of Science and Technology is in the Van Ness Avenue.
3/5
2yrs+

"Cool place to visit and stay"

Van Ness Avenue is famous for San Francisco City hall. The street was named after Mayor James Van Ness. A number of restaurants located in the street serve good food. The other place of interest in the Van Ness Avenue is Davies Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House, Herbst Theater and Max Opera café.
2/5
2yrs+

"No real reason to go"

This street runs almost straight down the center of San Francisco downtown. While having such a central locale, the street gives no other reason to visit, and mainly serves a purpose as just a street. Not only lacking a reason to visit, there are areas which are downright unpleasant to venture into. Simply not recommended aside from possibly the very northern parts which lead into Fort Mason- an old naval base which now serves as a public park.
2/5
2yrs+

"Not so enjoyble"

This street was named in honor of James Van Ness, mayor of San Francisco. The famous Galileo Academy of Science and technology is situated on the Van Ness Avenue. It was originally known as the Marlette street. The must see places on Van Ness Avenue is the San Francisco City Hall. It is quite enjoyble along this street.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
3/5
2yrs+

"A Decent, Popular Street"

Van Ness is definitely useful. But is it fun? Is it nice? Not really. If you need an oil change or a new mattress, Van Ness is the place to go. But the street is far too wide and the stores along it far too spread out for it to be a cozy hangout. The best thing about Van Ness is the AMC movie theatre, but any after-movie eating or drinking is better done elsewhere.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
5/5
2yrs+

"Max's Opera Cafe is the Center of San Fransisco's Opera Culture"

You may not realize it but San Fransisco has a bustling Opera Community. If you have children you may find it diffucult to actually go to the Opera. However a little of the "flavor" of the Opera can be captured at Max's Opera Cafe. Max's Opera Café serves delicious American diner fare, but with a twist; before you leave your server may burst into song. Located in the Opera Plaza, just two blocks from the Opera House itself, many of the restaurant's employees are aspiring singers. The atmosphere is dressed-up diner, and the booths make it a comfortable spot to be with kids.

If the opera singing doesn't interest the kids, the desserts at Max's Opera Café sure will. The apple cobbler is heavenly and the peanut butter cheesecake an instant favorite.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5
2yrs+

"Big and bustling street filled with traffic and stores!"

Van Ness Avenue runs north to south through a majority of San Francisco. It is one of San Francisco’s busiest streets as there are tens of thousands of cars passing through Van Ness daily. Starting from near Fisherman’s Wharf, Van Ness runs all the way down to the Mission District and Bernal Heights district.

There are a variety of things to do on Van Ness Avenue ranging from dining to car shopping. Food is plentiful on Van Ness and there are some very good restaurants all up and down the street. There are various car dealerships running along Van Ness Avenue and other various stores such as a home and car stereo shop.

Van Ness connects to many important cross streets such as Geary Boulevard, Lombard Street, and Broadway. It runs close to important city structures such as Fisherman’s Wharf and City Hall.

Housing is very rare on Van Ness Avenue as it mainly resides as a hub and transportation street.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles

Travelling to Van Ness Ave?

Find Hotels

Best Streets in Civic Center

"McAllister Street near Divisadero"
37.7804642518251 -122.417000367816
2

Geary Blvd

3.5/5
"One of the busier streets in san francisco."
37.7853941679494 -122.424402469641
3

Polk St

3.5/5
"The Pinnacle of Russian Hill"
37.7838409241404 -122.419325724939
4

Van Ness Ave

3.5/5
"Van Ness Avenue place to visit and close to everything "
37.783544781067 -122.421014941997
5

Page St

3/5
"Page Street - The Perfect Street !!"
37.7742460029134 -122.421140337989
6

Oak St

3/5
"Goes from residential right to the heart of the city."
37.7752301456318 -122.420969979846
7

Grove St

3/5
"Home of San Francisco's City Hall!"
37.778443546992 -122.418576800997
"Named after a Minister"
37.7849074661149 -122.423766878176
9

Pine St

3/5
"Nice residential neighborhood, great place to stay!"
37.789412022964 -122.422135009652
10

Fell St

3/5
"When traveling around the city you discover little places"
37.7764019278503 -122.419233682251

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Best Cities to Live In

Tell everyone what you love about your neighborhood!

Leave a Review

Have a question?

How are schools? Is the area safe? What about public transit options?" Why not ask our community of locals!

Ask Now

Selling or Renting Your Home?

Maximize the selling price of your home by sharing what you love about your suburb to increase its appeal...

Leave a Review

Corporate Relocation Manager?

Enable your employees to share local knowledge in a private, trusted environment with those relocating... while building community.

Learn More