Skip to main content

March 22, 2011

Smackdown: Mt. Davidson Manor vs Potrero Hill

I like smackdowns that not only pit neighborhoods against each other, but also specific property types. Today we have a single-family home in Mt. Davidson Manor competing with a condo in Potrero Hill. Both are in the $825,000-$850,000 price range. Which one do you want?

Cute house, don’t you think? 80 Pinehurst is a 2BR/1BA with a family room and second bath down (the latter two are unwarranted). Total square footage on the main level is just under 1500, and the bedrooms are very spacious. Built in 1929, 80 Pinehurst has many original details intact, such as parquet floors and arched windows. The rear deck functions as the yard, and there’s two-car parking. List price is $825,000.

You’re about one block off Ocean Avenue, which is where the K Muni runs. There are also a 24-Hour Fitness and cafe nearby. Lakeside Village is about eight blocks away, and Stonestown Galleria is a bit further. Downside is the weather; Mt. Davidson enjoys the fog. But for a house under the $1M price point, this is not a bad location.

We move over to 685 Carolina, which is back on the market after a brief stint in contract:

685 Carolina has a Marin feel, as it’s surrounded by trees and at the end of a cul-de-sac. For $849,000, you get three bedrooms and two bathrooms across two levels, as well as two-car parking (one in a private garage, another spot just outside). All three bedrooms are on the same level, and the master suite has great downtown views. The unit is located within the Victoria Mews complex, which was developed in 1978. Amenities in the 87-unit property include tennis courts, pool, gym, clubhouse and gardens with waterfall. HOA dues for 685 Carolina are $566 per month, which is about what you can expect with all the amenities included. The unit has been on the market since August 2010, and has yet to find a buyer.

The weather in Potrero is excellent, meaning that when the city is foggy, Potrero isn’t. (There’s a reason they decided that a pool would be useful in the complex.) I think this unit is a good fit for anyone who wants a spacious home in an area with good weather that’s also near the freeways.

So which home would you prefer?

Explore All Posts

Blogging Since 2008

Posts by Neighborhood

Posts by Category

Posts by Year