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| Vertical Living |
Rules and Regulations: There are many more rules and regulations in vertical living than in single-family residential properties. Buildings often have strict policies concerning visitors, pet allowances and noise levels. In certain cases, the building policies will dictate how you can decorate and/or alter your residence. While some people may find this restrictive, many people find comfort in knowing that all residents have certain standards by which they must abide. It is always advantageous to familiarize yourself with building rules and regulations prior to purchasing a residence to determine if they match your lifestyle.
Fees: In addition to mortgage payments, residents in vertical-living developments are subject to a variety of fee assessments. For instance, building maintenance fees may be charged on a regular basis. Special-improvement fees may be assessed as needed. You also may be charged for certain amenities, such as parking or concierge service. Many developments have a homeowners association (HOA) that requires monthly dues to cover property upkeep, staff payroll, insurance and repairs to the building. HOA dues and any other potential fees must be disclosed before purchasing a residence so be sure you are fully versed prior to making your decision.
WHAT’S YOUR HIGH-RISE STYLE?
Before you go shopping, review the various styles of high-rise living available in the Bay Area to determine what’s right for your lifestyle.
— Townhouses/Brownstones
In San Francisco, townhouses are usually two- or three-story residences that are owned individually yet interconnected. Townhouses are often maintenance-free and conveniently located close to business centers and shopping. Prospective buyers will find an ample selection with affordable pricing, various styles and quality features. For many, townhouses provide more space and privacy with generally nobody living above or below and the benefits of an attached garage. Often, there is a small yard for pets and entertaining. Of particular note in San Francisco is that many brownstone and townhouse properties are in converted homes with the signature Victorian architecture for which San Francisco is known. Learn more about townhouses located in the area, visit www.RelocatingToSF.org.
— Lofts
Traditionally, lofts were situated in low-rent downtown areas. While the neighborhoods were not great, the empty spaces above were appealing to artists who needed large studio spaces and great light. Times have changed, and these spaces are now desirable and located throughout San Francisco. Loft living today includes spaces usually located in downtown areas or near it, such as SoMa and South Beach, with high ceilings, exposed brick walls and pipes and ducts in the ceiling; few hard walls separating rooms; expansive windows; open kitchens; hardwood floors; and contemporary design accents.
— High-Rise Living
Whereas San Francisco lofts are open and airy, its high-rises are sophisticated and worldly. Chances are that while waiting for your elevator, you can hear several different languages being spoken because the city is a hub for international business. One delightful amenity for many is discovering the views from upper-story high-rises because San Francisco is a very green city with lush green spaces and trees as well as spectacular bay and ocean views. One trend driving the move to vertical living is interest among empty nesters to select a maintenance-free lifestyle. With children out of the house, there is no need to do yard work, pool maintenance or gardening, leaving more time for hobbies and travel with easy access to airports. High-rise amenities also appeal, including media rooms, concierge service, spas and lifestyle programs.
The 42-story Infinity Towers is the most in-demand condo complex in the South Beach neighborhood. It boasts a unique architecture with rounded corner units, sweeping views through extra-wide windows and a supreme location next to Embarcadero, a few minutes’ walk to the Financial District and Union Square. Ranging from $999,000 to $3,495,000, some units have spacious balconies and amenities include a 5,000-square-foot fitness center, on-site restaurant, concierge, lap pool, 16-seat theater and club lounge.
At 60 stories, the Millennium Tower features upscale amenities and services with spectacular panoramic views of the city. Millennium Tower’s floor plans are separated into three groups: floors 3–25 are called the Residences, floors 26–60 are the Grand Residences and next to the main tower is an 11-story mid-rise community named the City Residences. Below street level is a four-story underground garage, and other amenities include an indoor pool, outdoor terrace, fitness center, wine-tasting room with cellar and Michael Mina’s RN74 restaurant on the ground floor. Prices range from $650,000 to $5.5 million.
Awesome views of San Francisco skyline and the Bay are even better with the floor-to-ceiling windows at One Rincon Hill, a new condo community with a 60-story condo tower and 14 townhouses with several different floor plans from 1–3 bedrooms. The community also includes valet parking and a 24-hour lobby attendant, a heated swimming pool, sun deck, spa and barbecue area as well as a community room with kitchen for hosting larger gatherings. Prices range from $1.8 million to $2.5 million.
Fees: In addition to mortgage payments, residents in vertical-living developments are subject to a variety of fee assessments. For instance, building maintenance fees may be charged on a regular basis. Special-improvement fees may be assessed as needed. You also may be charged for certain amenities, such as parking or concierge service. Many developments have a homeowners association (HOA) that requires monthly dues to cover property upkeep, staff payroll, insurance and repairs to the building. HOA dues and any other potential fees must be disclosed before purchasing a residence so be sure you are fully versed prior to making your decision.
WHAT’S YOUR HIGH-RISE STYLE?
Before you go shopping, review the various styles of high-rise living available in the Bay Area to determine what’s right for your lifestyle.
— Townhouses/Brownstones
In San Francisco, townhouses are usually two- or three-story residences that are owned individually yet interconnected. Townhouses are often maintenance-free and conveniently located close to business centers and shopping. Prospective buyers will find an ample selection with affordable pricing, various styles and quality features. For many, townhouses provide more space and privacy with generally nobody living above or below and the benefits of an attached garage. Often, there is a small yard for pets and entertaining. Of particular note in San Francisco is that many brownstone and townhouse properties are in converted homes with the signature Victorian architecture for which San Francisco is known. Learn more about townhouses located in the area, visit www.RelocatingToSF.org.
— Lofts
Traditionally, lofts were situated in low-rent downtown areas. While the neighborhoods were not great, the empty spaces above were appealing to artists who needed large studio spaces and great light. Times have changed, and these spaces are now desirable and located throughout San Francisco. Loft living today includes spaces usually located in downtown areas or near it, such as SoMa and South Beach, with high ceilings, exposed brick walls and pipes and ducts in the ceiling; few hard walls separating rooms; expansive windows; open kitchens; hardwood floors; and contemporary design accents.
— High-Rise Living
Whereas San Francisco lofts are open and airy, its high-rises are sophisticated and worldly. Chances are that while waiting for your elevator, you can hear several different languages being spoken because the city is a hub for international business. One delightful amenity for many is discovering the views from upper-story high-rises because San Francisco is a very green city with lush green spaces and trees as well as spectacular bay and ocean views. One trend driving the move to vertical living is interest among empty nesters to select a maintenance-free lifestyle. With children out of the house, there is no need to do yard work, pool maintenance or gardening, leaving more time for hobbies and travel with easy access to airports. High-rise amenities also appeal, including media rooms, concierge service, spas and lifestyle programs.
The 42-story Infinity Towers is the most in-demand condo complex in the South Beach neighborhood. It boasts a unique architecture with rounded corner units, sweeping views through extra-wide windows and a supreme location next to Embarcadero, a few minutes’ walk to the Financial District and Union Square. Ranging from $999,000 to $3,495,000, some units have spacious balconies and amenities include a 5,000-square-foot fitness center, on-site restaurant, concierge, lap pool, 16-seat theater and club lounge.
At 60 stories, the Millennium Tower features upscale amenities and services with spectacular panoramic views of the city. Millennium Tower’s floor plans are separated into three groups: floors 3–25 are called the Residences, floors 26–60 are the Grand Residences and next to the main tower is an 11-story mid-rise community named the City Residences. Below street level is a four-story underground garage, and other amenities include an indoor pool, outdoor terrace, fitness center, wine-tasting room with cellar and Michael Mina’s RN74 restaurant on the ground floor. Prices range from $650,000 to $5.5 million.
Awesome views of San Francisco skyline and the Bay are even better with the floor-to-ceiling windows at One Rincon Hill, a new condo community with a 60-story condo tower and 14 townhouses with several different floor plans from 1–3 bedrooms. The community also includes valet parking and a 24-hour lobby attendant, a heated swimming pool, sun deck, spa and barbecue area as well as a community room with kitchen for hosting larger gatherings. Prices range from $1.8 million to $2.5 million.
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