SoMa, short for South of Market, is a vibrant and rapidly evolving neighborhood in San Francisco. Once an industrial area filled with warehouses and factories, SoMa has transformed into a hub for technology, arts, and culture.
In This Article
Key Points
- SoMa is a diverse neighborhood known for its mix of tech companies, art galleries, and nightlife
- The area has undergone significant urban renewal and gentrification in recent decades
- SoMa is home to many San Francisco landmarks and cultural institutions
History of SoMa
SoMa’s history dates back to the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. The neighborhood was originally called “Happy Valley” and housed many of the city’s working-class residents and immigrants. After the 1906 earthquake and fire, much of the housing in SoMa consisted of residential hotels that served the labor force rebuilding San Francisco.
Throughout the 20th century, SoMa remained a largely industrial area with a strong working-class identity. However, the neighborhood began to change in the 1970s and 80s as artists and the LGBTQ community moved in, attracted by the large, affordable warehouse spaces.
Urban Renewal and Gentrification
In recent decades, SoMa has undergone significant urban renewal and gentrification. The Yerba Buena Redevelopment Project, which began in the 1960s, transformed a large portion of the neighborhood with the construction of the Moscone Center, Yerba Buena Gardens, and several museums.
The dot-com boom of the late 1990s brought an influx of tech companies and high-paid workers to SoMa, leading to rising rents and the displacement of many long-time residents. This trend has continued with the growth of the tech industry in San Francisco.
Arts and Culture
Despite the changes, SoMa remains a center for arts and culture in San Francisco. The neighborhood is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and performance spaces, including:
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
- Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
- Museum of the African Diaspora
- California Historical Society
SoMa is also known for its vibrant street art scene, with murals and graffiti art found throughout the neighborhood.
The Folsom Street Fair, an annual BDSM and leather subculture festival, takes place in SoMa and attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees. The neighborhood is also home to the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District, which aims to preserve and promote the area’s queer history and culture.
Dining and Nightlife
SoMa offers a diverse array of dining and nightlife options. The neighborhood is known for its high-end restaurants, many of which are located in the trendy South Beach and Rincon Hill areas. There are also numerous casual eateries, food trucks, and bars throughout SoMa.
The neighborhood is a popular destination for nightlife, with many clubs, music venues, and cocktail bars. Some notable nightlife spots include:
- DNA Lounge
- Mezzanine
- The Midway
- 1015 Folsom
Transportation and Accessibility
SoMa is well-connected by public transportation, with several MUNI light rail and bus lines serving the area. The Powell Street and Montgomery Street BART stations provide easy access to the neighborhood from other parts of the city and the East Bay.
The neighborhood is also known for being bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes on many streets and a large number of bike-share stations.
Real Estate and Housing
SoMa has seen significant growth in luxury apartment and condo development in recent years, driven by the demand for housing from the tech industry. However, this has led to concerns about affordability and gentrification.
The neighborhood still contains a mix of housing types, including older apartment buildings, residential hotels, and live/work lofts. There are also several affordable housing developments in SoMa, many of which were built as part of the Yerba Buena Redevelopment Project.
Community and Activism
SoMa has a long history of community activism and organizing, particularly around issues of affordable housing, tenants’ rights, and preserving the neighborhood’s cultural heritage.
Organizations like the South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN) and the Filipino-American Development Foundation (FADF) have worked to advocate for the neighborhood’s diverse communities and to resist displacement due to gentrification.
In 2016, the city designated a portion of SoMa as the SOMA Pilipinas Cultural Heritage District, recognizing the significant Filipino-American community in the neighborhood.
FAQ
Is SoMa safe?
Like many urban neighborhoods, SoMa has areas that are considered safer than others. While the neighborhood has seen a reduction in crime in recent years, some parts of SoMa still struggle with issues related to homelessness, drug use, and petty crime. It’s always best to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when walking alone at night.
What is there to do in SoMa?
SoMa offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, including:
- Visiting museums and art galleries like SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
- Attending events at the Moscone Center, such as conferences and conventions
- Exploring the neighborhood’s street art and murals
- Enjoying the dining and nightlife options in the area
- Shopping at the Westfield San Francisco Centre or the smaller boutiques and shops in the neighborhood
How expensive is it to live in SoMa?
SoMa is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in San Francisco, with high rents and home prices driven by the demand from the tech industry. According to Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in SoMa is around $3,800 per month, while the median home price is over $1.2 million.
Is SoMa a good place to live?
Whether SoMa is a good place to live depends on your individual preferences and priorities. The neighborhood offers a convenient central location, access to public transportation, and a variety of dining and entertainment options. However, the high cost of living, noise and traffic, and some safety concerns may be drawbacks for some people.
What is the history of SoMa?
SoMa has a rich and varied history, from its origins as a working-class neighborhood during the Gold Rush to its role as a center for industry and labor in the early 20th century. The neighborhood has undergone significant changes in recent decades, with urban renewal projects and the growth of the tech industry transforming the area. Despite these changes, SoMa remains a culturally diverse and vibrant part of San Francisco.
