Bernal Heights is a hilly neighborhood that lies to the south of the Mission and Potrero Hill and to the north of the Excelsior. Its main drag is Cortland Avenue, which is home to many little shops and cafes.

History

Construction in Bernal Heights didn't take off until after the 1906 Earthquake, when most of the city was destroyed. Bernal Heights had few or no gas lines and stood on a much more stable bedrock than in the surrounding areas, and therefore was spared from fire and other damage following the earthquake.

Bernal Heights was famously known for a high number of lesbian residents, specifically lesbian moms, but since 2014 it consists of primarily traditional upper middle-class families. The neighborhood was voted as "The Hottest Neighborhood in the U.S." in 2014 by Redfin.

Open space and parks

As seen from the Excelsior (June 2007)

There are four parks in Bernal Heights, of which the former two offer spectacular views:

• Bernal Hill Park
• Holly Park
• Precita Park
• St. Mary's Recreation Center

Businesses

There is a website about Bernal Heights operated by the Cortland Merchants Association. Some businesses that can be found in Bernal Heights are:

• Avedano's Holly Park Market
• Thrillhouse Records
• The Good Life Grocery
• See also Restaurants in Bernal Heights

Locals

• Dan the Automator, a record producer lives in Bernal Heights.
• Todd Lappin runs a popular local blog called Bernalwood.

See also

• Hills  
• Neighborhoods.