The Marina

I’ve lived in the Marina for a few years and I love it. If you’re looking for a place that is close to downtown, has some of the best shops and restaurants in the city and has a number of places to exercise outdoors, i.e. The Marina Green and the Presidio, this is the place for you. Only thing is the rent is pretty expensive, but you pay for what you get in this town.

Seems like a great place to live. Not many bums or scums like the tenderloin or other areas of SF. If I was rich i would live here. People here keep to themselves. Oh, and there’s no fat chicks here either. Apparently they are not allowed. Which is another plus.

I came here with my friend to watch the Blue Angels and it was a pretty big place for people to get picnic blankets and watch the show.
We found that finding parking was tedious. We parked about half a mile away and climbing up and down the hills was tiring!
There wasn’t much here to be honest.

Best parking is on Webster or Vallejo/​Fillmore but you’ll have to slug it up and down a hill every 2 hours to avoid a ticket before 6 p.m. except Sundays.
I dub this place «the land of entitlement»
People literally feel entitled to your parking space, your space on the sidewalk (which I’ve yet to give up even for the women) and stepping off the sidewalk into moving traffic with a hand up to cross the middle of the street, instead of walking 50 feet down and crossing at the intersection like normal people.
For example I was driving down Green street looking for parking one time and a lady in a Mercedes SUV honked, I was so annoyed I stepped out of my car and asked why she was being so rude and her exact response was «there’s people behind you» but she was the only one and the was no oncoming traffic from the other direction.
Pretentious is a virtue here and money, status and attitude are the means of proving one is better than another in their eyes.
I actually saw dozens of people walk past a homeless man with no shoes who wasn’t even asking for money as if he didn’t exist, zero compassion.
You won’t find a single San Diego girl wishing to relocate to this part of San Francisco.
The women are absolutely hilarious, not necessarily unattractive (I’ve seen 3 very attractive women out of hundreds but most of the better ones have average faces, thin waists and nice asses, nothing else) but not particularly attractive either but you’d think you looked like comedian Jim Norton and they were NYC supermodels by their mastery of head turning, eye rotation and completely ignoring you as you walk past them even when you’re not interested at all, showing them ZERO interest and expended no effort whatsoever attempting to get their attention, yet they act as if you secretly want them but they’re too good for you. I even had an ugly woman do it as I walked by and I nearly stumbled and fell laughing (literally not figuratively)
Look at my reviews — I’ve lived in NYC, Washington D.C. and up and down the east coast and Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles for the west coast. I’ve given reviews for Las Vegas, San Diego, Dallas, Phoenix and New Orleans. I’ve seen it all and Marina people, if you haven’t ventured beyond your hallowed grounds, I can assure you, you’re not it.

Are you a «bro»? Do more than 50% of your friends refer to you as «bro»? Do you wish ALL people of color would just be more like «everyone else»?
Are you a racist? Have you been called called a douchebag? Are you over 25 and still an active frat or sorority alumni?
Do you feel uncomfortable around minorities? Are you so sick and tired about hearing «white priveledge» all-​time — time? Do you argue with your Bros about how reverse racism is so unfair?
Do you wanna bang an asian chick? Like is Lucy Liu super hot? And do you think all asian chick’s are like way nicer than white girls?
Do you drive a BMW, Mercedes, or LAND Rover your parents bought you? Are you from Marin County?
Have you ever told or wanted to tell someone to «go back to their country?
If you said yes to any of these questions then the Marina /​Cow Hollow is the neighborhood for you.
Just don’t leave that area, the rest of us really would rather not have to be around your ignorance.
Food and bars here are all pretty bad relative to what else is in the city.

Okay — the place to live if you have $$$$$$ — but some nice restaurants just south and within walking distance.
There is not a lot to see — just residential high end rent place.

I feel stupider by osmosis when I visit the Marina.

Most of these negative reviews seem to be reviewing the Marina as a destination, as opposed to a neighborhood to live in. I’ve lived in the Marina for the past year and a half, and there is a ton to love about this area (and some things to dislike).
PROS
* The fog horn at night is worth the rent alone.
* Sunny, flat, safe. Name me one other neighborhood that can offer all three. You can’t.
* Parking, while not abundant, is easier than most other neighborhoods in the NE section of SF. Never looked for more than ten minutes, outside of Fleet Week.
* Most people claim the restaurants and nightlife aren’t as top tier as other neighborhoods, and thus this is a boring destination, but they are missing the point. This is true. However, this is the most effortlessly easy area to actually LIVE IN. Within five minutes-​walk from my apartment, and frequently far less than that, I can get to a local grocery, butcher, drugstore, hardware store, gym, florist, deli, Apple store (this is SF, after all), bank, morning coffee, liquor store, dry cleaners, and half a dozen easy breakfast places (R.I.P. Grove, but we still have Café GoLo and Balboa). I can’t tell you how easy it is to come home and accomplish all your errands so quickly and easily. The aforementioned shops range from «good» to «exceptional».
* The outdoor access is phenomenal. You can easily get to Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Mason, Crissy Field, Marina Green, the Presidio, and Moscone (if you’re a rec sports type). Whether you like nature or fitness or just day drinking, the options are unlimited.
* Views, views, views. Hell, from my apartment alone I can see Golden Gate and Palace of Fine Arts. On top of that, whether from illegally breaking onto your roof or from Marina Green, you can see Alcatraz, Marin headlands, even portions of the taller FiDi buildings.
* Buildings are universally attractive and well-​kept. Lots of great art deco, Mediterranean, Italianate influences. The apartment I live in is easily my favorite apartment ever, a studio with bay windows (and aforementioned views), hardwood floors, a separate kitchen/​dining area, enormous walk-​in-​closet, etc. Most of the buildings were built at the same time, and landlords here tend to have money and fix things.
* Access to other neighborhoods is a breeze, with the 30, 22, and 47 taking you everywhere you need to go.
CONS
* Nightlife is frustratingly annoying. Day drinking crowd is borderline unforgivable. Not to say there aren’t some great wine bars and dives here, there are, but I get it. Still prefer it to the frat party over on Polk, though.
* You definitely get some of the snootiest attitudes here, and if the sight of strollers and Lululemon actually makes you nauseous (grow up, but OK), then yes, there is plenty of that.
* There aren’t too many «destination» restaurants here, from either the foodie sense or underground gems. The food on that level is absolutely less than the Mission, NOPA, North Beach, even Russian Hill. There are a lot of great «easy» dinners and date night spots though, which is primarily what I need for the neighborhood I live in. Tacolicious, Gamine, and Delarosa may not be topping foodie lists, but they are fun little neighborhood spots that are cheap, easy, and quick. For special occasion dinners, we head to other neighborhoods (which is part of the fun anyway).
* Coffee is TOUGH. You get the best coffee at Le Marais (Stumptown), which you can’t really work in, and Rapha, which is a bit niche.
MISCONCEPTIONS
* As somebody who actually lives here, I think most seem to think the obnoxious/​fratty crowds that hit up the «B&T» spots (Eastside West, Bar None) and the «Marina» spots (Stock in Trade, Tipsy Pig) actually live here. And yes, some of them do, but of the people who have moved in and out of my 18-​unit building since I lived here, only one falls into that stereotype and she is one of the nicest in the building. My building has doctors, law students, a woman who played backup for Johnny Lee Hooker, a nice young family with an infant, and a retired restaurant owner who made me tiramisu unprompted when she heard I was having a dinner party. Much older, quieter, and «original SF» than most assume. The rowdy crowd tends to head over from Russian Hill/Fisherman’s Wharf/​Lower PacHeights, and the snobbier crowd tends to come from the owner occupied streets nearer to Marina Green (if you’re renting, you’ll see the distinctions pretty quick), as well as Pacific Heights.
Overall, it is far from the most «interesting» neighborhood in SF. I get that. But for when you are exhausted from work, this is the easiest place to come home too, and has far more neighborhood charm than most are willing to admit.

I think I may have finally figured out where all the nasty d-​bags in Sac’ are coming from.
The disenfranchised can be nasty, chip-​on-​their-​shoulder a**holes in their own way.
Self righteous middle americans like myself can be a**holes.
But really, if you’re in the top 1% why do you feel the need to behave this way ?!
The next time I am sneering at them as I am engaged in an unnecessary game of sidewalk chicken, I will remember all these spot-​on descriptions of self-​important, air headed, flip flop and dunlap wearing idiots.
The next time I hear someone complaining about the San Franciscans moving here because of housing prices, and I think «What’s wrong with that? They’re helping pay for this neighborhood for us all to continue living in.»
I will remember these reviews and pray for rent control in my apartment complex.
And yes, as many have stated on this review thread, I too was warned before moving here.
I would tell people
” I’ve always wanted to see San Francisco and I always end up finding myself reconnected to it, over the course of my life.“
By the late 90’s natives and tourists from San Francisco were telling me:
«It’s not like that anymore. Don’t go there.»
I’m glad I listened and moved near but not into SF.
Thanks, Unilocal*Reviewers: D
Sincerely,
A sane, straight forward, sincere East Coaster
(side note: We need to remember that not all wealthy or start-​up people are horrid, just as not all middle americans are passive aggressive and not all poverty stricken people are thuggish. We are all contributing our money, time and good will to our community, however small and whatever capacity.)

Hands down the best neighborhood to live in. Within walking distance you have great restaurants, neighborhood bars, the waterfront, chrissy fields, fort mason and easy access to transit.
i’ve also found some noteworthy tucked away spots for salon services, coffee, and best of all yogorino! :)

It’s ridiculously expensive to live here… but is this the best place in SF? Let’s see. Water. Views of Marin. Views of Golden Gate and Sausalito. Great restaurants. Attractive women who make my semi-​athletic self look pathetic. Great breezes. Few homeless; none that follow me or do their business on Chestnut or Lombard. Breezes. The Precidio next door. No hills. So what if it’s a homogenous WASPy community! (A membership of which I don’t belong – only batting .500 in that category.) People have to live somewhere, right?

Epicenter for first world problems.
I normally avoid this place such that my soul stays intact… I’d rather hang out in the TL, honestly, but I had to journey for an errand and I am reminded of the horrific nature of this place.
I am from a socal beach town and I’m used to pretentious white people who think they are culturally adjusted because they spend money egregiously… but the Marina has the vapid materialism and conservatism of all of Orange county and LA combined in one little neighborhood!
If you are sad because you scratched your iphone screen with your diamond earring and think you do real yoga because you wear Lululemon, then this is your spot! Enjoy overspending for drinks with bad company but good décor!
Real talk, end rant.

the marina can suck my big fat yellow dong.
yep, i said it.
almost got in a fight here. another victim of (wayimynw) why are you in the marina. you’re not white.
i hate everyone here.

Sorry I’m not sorry. As a girl from the Midwest, this clean, lovely landscaped neighborhood with copious shopping, delicious food, and coffee shops galore is the closest to home I feel in San Francisco. Yes, I’m white and blonde, yes, I fit the marina stereotype sans being pretentious with an Ivy League education and a BMW. Not sure how anyone can hate on a ‘hood within walking distance to the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, and lovely sailboats to set your eyes on.

I call this place «The Newport Beach of the SF Bay area»
I have never seen so many WASPy, preppy, BMW driving, cricket sweater wearing, fraternity type guys and girls in my life.
It looks like a scary scene out of a Brooks Brothers advertisement.
If you are looking for desperate housewives, 40 year old women who still think they are in a sorority, or snobs in SF, then this is your place.
I will give it three stars since it does have fantastic views of the city and the golden gate bridge.
But be forewarned: I have never seen so many Republicans before in my life.

This is definitely one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco. Why? You’re right by the water; you have a wonderful view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz; and that whole strip leading into Crissy Fields is perfect for a nice long jog. On a weekend, this area gets packed! There’s usually a ton of tourists, people jogging, walking their dogs (there’s a dog beach nearby), or just relaxing. Chestnut Street is right around the corner and there are a ton of shops, boutiques, and a number great restaurants for brunch. Bar hopping in The Marina is not for everyone. I will tell you that much. But if you’re just looking for a good time (not necessarily the man/​woman of your dreams), you’ll have a good time.
Overall, I’m a fan. Actually, I love it. The water, the park, the bars. Yup I’m definitely a fan :)

People keep comparing this place to Beverly Hills… but I live about half a mile from Beverly Hills, and the people there are nicer.
If you’re straight, white, privileged, and have a chip on your shoulder… come here and find your people.

Honestly, I heard a lot of bad things about the marina before moving here recently.
«There are so many douche bags.»
But I guess I don’t judge my experience based upon the attitudes of dudes I don’t talk to or associate with. They might be out there, but why engage in it. Plus, douches are everywhere in the world — especially if you care enough to look for them.
The marina has much to offer. I’m a fan.

I HATE commuting. With all my twisted heart and worm-​eaten soul, I despise getting in my car and putting my life in other peoples’ hands for upwards of 3 hours a day. At times, it makes me feel positively homicidal – especially when Lookie McTourister pulls a dumb stunt like coming to a dead stop smack in the middle of a lane of moving traffic while his passengers beat on him (Is this the custom in your hometown of Yokelville?) or Quimby Dorkenheimer decides rush hour is the perfect time to have a chat from his parked car in the commute lane with someone on the sidewalk.
Sure. Right. Stop anywhere @sswipes. I’ve got all day. Don’t be surprised when someone slams into your rear end. I only hope it’s not me but I can’t make any guarantees. We’re DRIVING here people. MOVE IT!
Anyway, perhaps the only bright spot in my commute is driving the Marina. It’s usually a scene.
There are joggers: big, small, old, young, jiggly, tight, lycra-​ed, cottoned, sweating, stroller-​pushing, dog running, high strutting, slow loping, ear-​bud wearing, checkees, and checker outers.
There are dogs: big, small, old young, playing fetch, being walked, being run, jumping at bikers, jumping at runners, walking in groups (So far the record goes to the guy walking 7. What talent!), leaving their calling cards and schmoozing the puppy parade.
On occasion there are kites being flown, mounted police clopping by, urban campers wearing backpacks, tourists in those annoying three wheeler mobiles that clog traffic (minus ½ a star), gaggles of gangstas, troops of teens, farmers’ market fanatics, and families out for a frolic.
Here and there you’ll see Hare Krishnas, la crosse chuckers, sail boat suckers, soccer ballers, tots-​a-​squaller, frisbee flingers, and SF swingers. You might see pretzel peddlers, ice cream vendors or hot dog hustlers. I mean there’s always something cooking on the strip.
It used the be that folks who owned homes on the waterfront had beautiful displays in their windows but that seems to be less of a thing these days. Come ‘on guys. It’s scenic. Don’t you want to add to the spectacle? If it were me, I’d have some cool artwork or floral display or SOMETHING to add. But that’s just me. (Minus another ½ star because it used to look so much ritzier back in the day.)
AND there’s the famous Marina Safeway, the original MEET market, where your next date might be found squeezing tomatoes in the produce section or getting the smoked turkey sliced thin at the deli counter.
At least for roughly 10 minutes a day, my commute contempt gets diverted. I love driving the Marina.

as if!