AFI Portfolio Real Estate

SOMA, San Francisco, CA

SOMA Is An Up-And-Coming Cultural Epicenter

South of Market, or SOMA as it is known locally, is truly one of San Francisco's most unique success stories. Once an unglamorous stretch of warehouses, SOMA has emerged in the past several decades as a symbol of the best of the "new" San Francisco. An energetic blend of high-end, modern living with urban charm and excitement that quite simply can't be found anywhere else.

It is hard to beat SOMA for entertainment, where venues ranging from the funky and hip Mars Bar to the historic Hotel Utah serve up great food and classy nightlife. High-end restaurants like Bacar, Fifth Floor and Zuppa satisfy even the most discerning epicure. Retail shopping in the area is also on the rise and shoppers can now enjoy shopping at a nicely refurbished Bloomingdale's, complete with a restored historic domed interior.

The real story of SOMA is residential real estate. Today, the area is chock-full of lofts and new luxury high-rise condominium buildings including the Millennium Tower, The Infinity, Rincon Center, and the gorgeous BLU building. Primarily near the waterfront, new luxury towers are cropping up like wildflowers, a testament to the vibrancy of this once-moribund and now rediscovered part of town.

SOMA is also an up-and-coming cultural epicenter thanks to the Yerba Buena Gardens, a city-backed redevelopment project covering twelve square blocks above the Moscone Convention Center. The area includes a sculpture court, waterfalls, landscaped lawns, a children's park, a full size ice rink and bowling alley, and a fabulous restored merry go-round. Since the opening of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1995, Yerba Buena has become a hub for museums including the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Museum of African Disapora and the Zeum (a fantastic children's museum). There are also construction plans for the The Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Mexican Museum. Just a short commute from UCSF, USF and The Art Institute SOMA is a great home for professionals returning to school and university professors alike.

Despite its central location, SOMA has in the past lacked good access to public transportation. All that is quickly changing, and plans are in the works for a revamped Transbay Terminal which will transform the corner of First and Mission Streets into a regional hub for commuters and shoppers desiring easy access to the South Bay's Caltrain service, AC Transit busses to take you to the East Bay, and a planned High-Speed Rail corridor serving the fast-growing Central Valley and the Los Angeles metro region.

Country: us United States

This summary is based on individual opinions. Individual experience of the neighborhood may vary.

Pictures of SOMA

Buildings in SOMA

140 South Van Ness

140 South Van Ness

Live in the heart of the city at 140 South Van Ness in SOMA, at a prime spot that borders Mission, SOMA and Hayes Valley. Are you a foodie? An upscale grocery...
829 Folsom

829 Folsom

Let 829 Folsom redefine your notion of Luxury City Living Admire San Francisco's breathtaking skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy stylish communal...
BLU

BLU

Blu is being built with simplicity and beauty in mind. 180 condominiums total, with six residences per floor makes for spacious living. Perched at the top of the...
Millennium Tower

Millennium Tower

The Millennium Tower is 60 stories of residential architectural brilliance. Exterior glass shines upon the city and reflects the rhythm of daily life in San Francisco....
Museum Parc

Museum Parc

Museum Parc is a 15 story, 233 unit, luxury condominium building built in 1988 which includes retail space and a public parking garage. It’s desirable location...
One Hawthorne

One Hawthorne

One Hawthorne offers an unusually diverse selection of floor plans ranging from 550sqft junior one bedrooms to 2200sqft penthouses.
Soma Grand

Soma Grand

SoMa Grand, a stylish and modern 246-unit luxury condominium complex, offers twice monthly house keeping, concierge services, 24/7 attended lobby, club room, coffee...