NOPA, San Francisco Overview

That is the sentence I use to sum up the location of the NOPA to visitors and even some locals.
NOPA basically stands for: North of the Panhandle.

There are three unique things that stand out about NOPA:

1) USF: The university literally stands out in this neighborhood, sitting atop the Lone Mountain Hill. The avenues are filled with students and faculty biking, walking, driving and skateboarding down the streets to their next class, job or a quick cup of joe. The neighborhood itself is filled with young twenty somethings, some USF students and some not, who are dog friendly and very outgoing. USF students do support local shops and businesses whether it is to get a burrito at papalote, a beer at Bistro Gambrinus or fix their bikes that one place on Hayes (I forgot the name!) USF students are out and about and for that, the neighborhood is very youthful.

2) The Panhandle: That little strip that divides the Haight/Ashbury neighborhood from NOPA is where homeless people lay, basketball players play and mothers and children spend their day enjoying the sun and park. This little park has basketball courts, bike paths, a playground, a garden and lots and lots of trees. Come have a picnic with friends, play some catch, or even take part in some pick up basketball. However at night this place can be kind of sketch with the numerous homeless and drug addicts sleeping in the park so if you must pass through, be sure to have a friend with you.

3) Local Businesses: The residents are very fond of their neighborhood cafe, bar, grocery store, repair shop, etc. Along the busy streets of Masonic, Divisadero and Fulton, one may find a day’s worth of shopping and eating to do. Stop in and strike up a conversation with that local barista, bartender and waiter and don’t forget to tip them as well!

Great place for young and single twenty somethings to mingle during the day and at night!