A bit of je ne sais quoi in the heart of San Francisco.

With its sidewalk cafes, bakeries and fromageries, Cole Valley brings a bit of je ne sais quoi to the heart of San Francisco. Residents can stroll down hill to find several very good restaurants, gourmet food and wine stores, some mom and pop storefronts and a locally-owned hardware store.

Most San Franciscans think of Cole Valley and Parnassus Heights as the area surrounding the distinctively charming commercial district that runs along Cole Street. Everyday basics like a mechanic, dry cleaner, gym and coffee shops are all right there.

The older single family homes in this district are popular with buyers; there are quite a few newer multi-unit buildings and condos to be found for investment buyers as well. The trees and lush landscaping that flourish here add to the area's overall charm. Weather patterns are fairly consistent, with foggy mornings and sunny afternoons, and the wind picks up the higher you head uphill. The N Judah Muni line stops right at Cole Street, making downtown transit a breeze. Several bus lines serve the neighborhood, and freeway access is easy, too.

This is a very tight-knit neighborhood, and you're sure to start seeing familiar faces after a few short weeks here. The Cole Valley Improvement Association hosts an annual street fair, and Halloween on Belvedere Street is a family-friendly spectacular every year.

How Cole Valley got its name
Cole Valley was named for a famous surgeon, Dr. Richard Cole. He was one of the first doctors to perform c-section surgeries among other complicated surgeries. He moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco in 1852. Dr. Cole was a dean of several universities during his lifetime, the surgeon general of California, President of American Medical Association and more.