if memory serves, that block isn't directly across the street from projects, but is flanked by them. I knew a gal who lived on that block for several years and was quite fine there. The current projects aren't nearly as nasty as the ones they replaced, but they still do contain that element prone to drug dealing, robbery, sideshows, and shootings. If you're not aware of it already, there have been at least three murders in recent months on Haight St. in the vicinity of those projects, so if you're not used to urban living, you might want to take a pass.

That said, I'd give you the same advice I'd give to anybody living in ANY part of town. Check out the place for easy points of entry and make sure those are secure. If you're on the ground floor, there ought to bars on any window that somebody could climb in. If on higher floors, any window even remotely accessible via fire escape, drain pipe, etc. should have security locks on it (cheap at any hardware store) and the front door should have a good sturdy deadbolt lock. ALWAYS lock your doors and windows when you go out, even if you're just popping out to the convenience store for five minutes. There are plenty of people wandering around this neighborhood and others jiggling doorknobs and looking for open windows so they can rip you off. And I could tell you many tales of people I know who came home to a stranger in their place because they left a window or door unlocked.

When on the street, be aware of who is around you, and don't be afraid to turn around and look somebody in the eye if you hear them walking up behind you. And when in doubt, run like hell. You might look like an idiot, but it beats being jacked by some lowlife who wants your wallet, or maybe just wants to hurt/kill somebody tonight.

If you have a car, you might consider finding an admittedly expensive garage space, or resign yourself to buying a new window every so often. But that's a problem city-wide, and it's not going to get any better as the cops/DA have better things to do than protect you from property crime.

OK, that's the ugly. I tell you this not to talk you out of moving to the neighborhood, but to make you aware of the realities of urban living that many choose to overlook, and hence become victims. If you feel comfortable with it, then everything's gonna be fine. The upside is this is a beautiful neighborhood, easy to get around, with a wide variety of good shops and restaurants, and better weather than many districts of the city. And it's a lot cleaner than the Mission, but close enough so you can still get a good burrito if you really want one.

So take a walk around the neighborhood during the daytime, and at night, and see if it feels right for you. The Fillmo' ain't for everybody, but those of us who live here tend to like it.

I doubt you're still looking/considering, but if you are...


I live down Fell from there and I spent a lot of time watching the street before I moved in. It's pretty safe. I don't go between the projects but on Fell, they are very quiet. Nobody's ever hanging outside of them, making noise, etc...

i live on Fell & Buchanan and that housing project literally wraps around my building. i've been there for 5 years and it's fine. lord knows with my bar-hoppin' ass, i've stumbled through the neighborhood at definite wee/odd hours many many times and never ever have felt even slightly uncomfortable etc.

but unlike what someone above i think mentioned, it can be a bit noisy at times. but nothing over-the-top. for a housing project, it's actually pretty sedate. people usually don't hang out on the Fell St. side or at the Webster corner. the alley street Linden just over a half-block (toward Hayes) is where people usually congregate. kids play, hangout and (unfortunately) often zip up and down on those very loud pocketbikes (ugh, right under my windows. i thought the city banned those btw?) the corner of Hayes & Buchanan used to be a big social congregating point. though there seems to have been some sorta crackdown on that because this past year, it has been much much less. obviously, i think where you'll possibly be (Webster btw Fell and Oak) will be a lot quieter.

i absolutely love the neighborhood. lots of character, great shops and people watching. and killer centrally located. (and yeah, it's haight & webster that has a history of gang-related shootings. that block is cursed.)