COMMUNITIES

Russian Hill

Dazzling views, the twisting hairpin turns down brick-paved Lombard Street, and the Hyde-Powell cable cars make Russian Hill a favorite with tourists. Locals savor the steep garden walks, the tiny pocket parks, and Swenson's Ice Cream on the corner of Union and Hyde Streets. Restaurants and boutiques along the tree-lined streets of Hyde between Jackson and Union Streets exude European charm. Polk and Green Streets boast international fare from Venetian inspired cooking to French cuisine. Upscale boutique shopping is arrayed along Polk Street between Union and Broadway. Housing ranges from charming, century-old back yard cottages to multi-million dollar mansions, luxury hilltop town homes and condos with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. The architectural examples in the neighborhood hark back to Italianate, Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Neo-Georgian influences, as well as Arts and Crafts style. Regardless of the steep streets, Russian Hill is considered a highly walkable urban enclave. Residents can walk to work in the Financial District and Civic Center. And best of all, ride the cable car home, using a SF MUNI monthly pass.