I just spent some time in Bernal Heights and liked it a lot. It's pretty far south relative to other SF neighborhoods, but it's got a good vibe.

It's one of the neighborhoods I'd prefer to live in if I was still there. Some great old homes at reasonable (relatively speaking) rents. Access to both inner and outer mission districts, and to the freeway. Some nice restaraunts. Quiet.

Straddles the upper Mission neighborhood on one side and Bayshore/Alemany on the other, but perched on a cool hill with a park on the top that offers great views of the city (also a very popular spot for dog-lovers). You have the convenience of Mission shopping and public transportation (Mission and other bus lines, J streetcar line, 24th and Mission BART a short walk). Lots of green streets and older houses and cottages. Cortland Ave. is a great little cozy neighborhood focal point with nice shops and restaurants. Several staircases through the neighborhood head up the hill and have gardens tended by the neighbors. Also a very active community center with services for seniors, youth and low-income families. A great, vibrant neighborhood that maintains a very humane scale.

Too isolated because the MUNI underground does not run down here. I detest riding that poky old 14 Mission bus. Nice older homes. When I used to live here in the 70s there used to be teenage gangs wandering around the area.

A cute little enclave, with places to walk that have impressive views. Also, a great place to go for Salvadorean food.