There are two distinctly different neighborhoods on the opposite ends of Haight Street. One half still holds true to its counter-culture while the other half has created its very own young and refreshing reputation in recent years.
The Haight is located between the Panhandle and Hayes Valley in San Francisco. It’s known worldwide for its deep history, beautiful houses, unique shops, artistic style, and of course, the eccentric people who roam the block.
Beverly Ryan has lived in the Haight for 41 years. When she was in her early twenties she hopped on a bus in a small town outside of Chicago and headed out to join the excitement in the Haight during what is now known as the Summer of Love. She fell in love with the neighborhood instantly and hasn’t left since then.
“Haight was like a dream come true to the herds of people who flocked there in the 60s and still draws in excited crowds day after day,” Ryan said. “It never lost its touch.”
When Ryan was younger, her days were filled with acid, music and long hair. Nowadays she has the advantage of reminiscing of those days while enjoying the new generation of Haight Street locals, the growing number of tourists and the commercial changes around the Haight.
Today approximately 39,000 people live in the Haight. These residents are all packed into the blocks of colorful old Victorian houses.
The median housing price is $1,096,337, which may explain while the majority of homes are renter occupied units. The majority of residents are between the ages of 25 to 34, including a large population of students and young professionals, according to About.com.
On the street level of these homes residents and visitors can find a variety of local businesses. You can go search for old records at Amoeba Music, grab a slice of pizza at Escape From New York, get a quick trim at Blade Runners Salon, get tattooed at Mom’s Tattoo or dig through bins of old-fashion clothes at Buffalo Exchange.
“My favorite part of working on Haight Street is staring out the shop window and watching the different people stroll up and down the block,” said Eric Jones, a local tattoo artist. “The people here seem to have the most character in the city. From the crack heads in the park to the old hippies, we’ve got it all.”
There are many different forms of eye-catching art on Haight Street such as street performers, graffiti and musicians who trying to make a buck or two. These artists fill the street corners during the day and at nighttime disc jockeys, bands and art galleries pull people in. Popular nightclubs such as The Underground SF, Club Deluxe and Milk keep the evenings on Haight Street alive.
There are also several schools located on Haight Street such as William R. De Avila Elementary School and Aim High Academy Middle School. There is a health clinic, Cole Street Clinic, located on the corner of Haight Street and Cole Street.
The Randall Museum serves as a children’s museum and nature center with science exhibits and live animals for the children to interact with. The museum is located right above the Buena Vista Park, a wonderful place to take your children.
But the real heart of the Haight seems to be at the very end of the street. Golden Gate Park brings together many different people form the neighborhood for events throughout the year such as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Aids Walk, Bay to Breakers and the annual Comedy Day festival.
“There may be thousands of people in the city but it seems that every Sunday I see familiar faces relaxing in the park,” said resident Jesse Palmer. “It’s like one big happy family.”