The Mission has a number of distinct personalities: it's a Latino neighborhood where working-class folks raise families; it's a hipster hood where the tattooed and pierced hold court; it's a culinary epicenter, with destination restaurants and affordable global cuisines; it’s the face of gentrification, where tech money prices out longtime renters; and it's an artists' quarter, where murals adorn walls long after their creators have moved to cheaper digs.
It's also the city's equivalent of the Sunshine State—this neighborhood's always one of the last to succumb to fog.
While the Mission is diverse and lively, Bernal Heights and Potrero Hill are decidedly subdued in comparison, almost like pleasant suburban neighborhoods in an urban setting. As the names suggest, both areas feature a signature steep hill with sweeping views. And, both areas have a charming central business street (Cortland Avenue for Bernal and 18th Street for Potrero) that feels as cute and quaint Main Street USA as you'll find anywhere in San Francisco.
