Octavia St, Marina

I lived on Octavia Street in the Marina, north of Lombard Street, for a little over a year and loved every minute of it. The location is just about perfect. It's a quiet street right on the edge of the Marina that has multiple advantages.

The street itself includes a lot of multiple-unit apartment buildings, mostly populated by a crowd of young professionals. The rents are pricey, but with a roommate or two it can be somewhat affordable.

Octavia street ends on its north end across the street from Fort Mason and its lovely green lawns and paved paths (great for jogging, strolling, and walking your dog). Two short walkable blocks over, the Chestnut Street commercial district starts, meaning that everything from coffee shops to clothing stores to fabulous restaurants are nearby...but not so close that the noise and traffic impacts you.

There's also great bus service nearby, including the express bus to downtown San Francisco, but no noisy stops on Octavia itself.

Speaking of traffic: Yes, parking is tough, as it is anywhere in the Marina. But insiders know that after 6 p.m., parking on adjacent Bay Street is free -- so it's perfect if you're just getting home from work.