601 O'Farrell

PREFACE
Born in SF, grew up in Marin, moved to SF in 1991. After Nob Hill from 1995-2004 (Resident Manager side job for 7 of them), moved to this 7-story, 81-unit bldg bordering Nob Hill/Tenderloin. November 2015 marks 11 years, longest in a home for me. Found 1BR apt is too big, but studio too small. Friend once estimated this in-between unit as 800 sq ft (which it seems like), but mgmt estimates it at only 550.
DESCRIPTION
*full bathroom incl shower window, step-down tub, no-tank toilet,... shelves, unique sink
*large main room w/bay window, crown molding, unique/modern light fixture
*full kitchen w/modern fridge, gas stove/oven, black/white tiling, unique sink
*rounded front door and rounded door-frame from hallway to main room
*dining room w/shelving, built-in ironing board
*free water, garbage, steam heat; cheap electric bill
*rent control since built 1928 (before 1979)
*walk-in closet w/shelving
*hall closet w/shelving
*laundry room in bldg
*hardwood floors
CONS
When first moved down hill, new setting not bad. At most heavy loitering on some corners. Since economic collapse, sometimes see (not necessarily on this corner) drug dealing, human defecation, and homelessness. In recent years many downtown bldgs, incl this one, allow large dogs. While 7,000 homeless in SF, 120,000 dogs live in this city. Dislike noise, mess and danger. Add dog defecation to sidewalks, and joking suggestion of wearing galoshes becomes more real. Lastly, one has to recognize this is downtown SF. Even in Nob Hill you are going to hear homeless folks arguing, sirens, and traffic.
PROS
Adjacent to prestigious Hamilton Condominiums (internally looking like atop Nob Hill), building is four (4) blocks due west of Macy's in Union Square (an epicenter of SF’s biggest industry of tourism) to which I feel addicted -- heart of dining, shopping, entertainment. Safe, clean Huntington Park, across from Grace Cathedral Church on Nob Hill, just blocks away. Proximity to historic hotels w/unique restaurants, high tea, charming bars and/or live music. Close to buses, BART, cable/rental cars. Where hotels have cabs lined up, you (whether a guest or not) can easily grab one. Fantastic to walk hills only to turn around and see panoramic views.
SUMMARY
Have cried happy tears living downtown, so see myself here for good. However, would prefer to move back up hill a few blocks. That might not be a reality in this lifetime w/how turn in economy has altered life in last several years. Read More

I love this apartment. It is technically a studio but it actually has 5 separate rooms: a living room, a bedroom, a dining room, a kitchen and a bathroom. One of the "closets" is about 8'x8' so I use it as a bedroom. I have a double bed, bedside table, huge dresser AND a laundry basket it there. Since I use the closet as a bedroom it gives me a gigantic, beautiful living room. The period details of this apt are lovely. Arched doorways, embellished beams in the ceiling, huge bay window... it has... real hardwood floors, beautiful tile in the kitchen and bathroom. Everything is quality and tasteful. I love it here. My unit faces the alley so it is quiet. The neighborhood is bad one block down, but if you go uphill it's awesome. Close to everything. No parking - I rent a spot in the alley for $275. Read More

Living in the heart of San francisco has been the time of my life. The city has so much to offer from every kind of food to all cultures. I've lived at this apartment for 3 years up until recently.. And now I am currently displaced and living out of my car.
But I will focus on my experience while living at this apartment. My studio was tiny, I had a kitchenette, but none the less I enjoyed every moment of walking into my own space located right in the middle of the chaotic city around me.