Haight-Ashbury has changed in San Francisco
A reader asks:As a youngster during the 60's, my family and I visited San Francisco. We were amazed at how the area of Haight-Ashbury was glamorized in the news, yet how run down it was. Has this neighborhood changed much?
Our reply:
The Haight (as it is called today) has changed a great deal from when you visited though local shops still promote remnants of the bygone era like tie-dye tee shirts and psychedelic posters. The San Francisco Chronicle website has a nice profile of what may be found in this neighborhood today.
Previously this area had many large ornate Victorian and Edwardian homes that were allowed to deteriorate when the "hippies" invaded this area in the 60's. There was a lot of drug traffic in the area, and many transients lived in Golden Gate Park, which is adjacent to this area. Much of the detioration of the buildings was caused by communal living. Wikipedia has some more interesting history on the area plus many related links.
More recently, as property values have risen, the Haight is slowly improving. Victorian homes and apartments are being renovated which is causing the property values to rise significantly. Haight Street still has many small businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars which attracts a diverse clientelle. Unfortunately, there is still an element of drug activity and homelessness in the area of the park close to Stanyan street but the City is striving to improve this area. The Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood Council holds regular meetings to discuss topics concerning the neighborhood.
- Janis Stone and Mick Orton
posted by SFResidence.com @ 7:55 AM
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