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Lower Haight, San Francisco facts for kids

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Lower Haight
Nickname(s): 
Haight–Fillmore
Lower Haight is located in San Francisco
Lower Haight
Lower Haight
Location in San Francisco
Area
 • Total 0.77 km2 (0.298 sq mi)
 • Land 0.77 km2 (0.298 sq mi)
Population
 • Total 9,120
 • Density 11,835/km2 (30,653/sq mi)
ZIP Code
94102, 94117
Area codes 415/628

The Lower Haight is a cool neighborhood in San Francisco, California. Sometimes people call it Haight–Fillmore. It's known for its unique shops, cafes, and homes.

Exploring the Lower Haight Neighborhood

The Wiggle
The Wiggle bicycle route through the Lower Haight

The Lower Haight is located in a valley. It was even called "Pine Valley" in the 1970s because of all the pine trees. This area is generally found along Haight Street, east of Divisadero Street. It sits between Oak Street (or Fell Street) to the north and Duboce Avenue (or Waller Street) to the south. The eastern edge can be Webster Street, Laguna Street, or even Market Street.

It's located east of the more famous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, which is also known as the Upper Haight. The name "Lower Haight" comes from how Haight Street goes steeply uphill from Scott Street towards Buena Vista Park.

Parks and Green Spaces

The neighborhood slopes down from Oak Street (north) toward Duboce (south). You can find Duboce Park near Duboce and Scott streets. This park has a grassy area, a playground for kids, and a special space for dogs. It also has the Harvey Milk Recreational Arts Building.

Neighboring Areas

The Lower Haight is surrounded by other interesting neighborhoods:

What Makes Lower Haight Special?

The Lower Haight is a lively mix of places. You'll find many restaurants, small music venues, coffee shops, and art galleries. There are also unique hair salons and homes.

Community Spots

Important places in the neighborhood include:

  • John Muir Elementary School
  • San Francisco Zen Center
  • The United States Mint
  • Duboce Park and Koshland Park
  • The Haight Street Art Center

Unique Vibe and Architecture

The Lower Haight is different from the Upper Haight. It has a more diverse group of people living there. There are also fewer big retail stores. The beautiful Victorian and Edwardian houses here are often less decorated than those in the Upper Haight. Rent can also be more affordable. People sometimes describe the neighborhood as having a "bohemian" or artistic feel. Local residents have worked hard to make the area safer over the years.

Getting Around Lower Haight

The neighborhood is easy to get around. Several San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) bus lines serve the area. You are also just a few blocks from all MUNI Metro train lines. The main part of the neighborhood, at Fillmore and Haight, is a short walk from the Church and Market subway stop. This stop is also near the city's largest supermarket, a Safeway.

Many people in the Lower Haight choose to bike or walk. Surveys show it's one of the top neighborhoods for daily bike trips in San Francisco! The area's layout makes it perfect for biking from the Mission District towards Golden Gate Park. A popular bike route called The Wiggle zigzags right through this neighborhood.

San Francisco Zen Center
San Francisco Zen Center

The San Francisco Zen Center is located at the northeast edge of the neighborhood. It's in a beautiful brick building designed by the famous architect Julia Morgan in 1922.

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