“I enjoy reading your newsletter and your blog. Thanks for all the helpful info. Would you mind helping me better understand Inner Parkside w/respect with the weather? We’re looking at a home on the west side of 16th; does that mean we’re doomed to being shrouded in fog? Also, more importantly, is it virtually impossible to build upward (one story) in this neighborhood? Or will we have to go back, essentially eliminating the home’s small backyard?
Thanks,
Pete”

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As answered by Alexander Clark, of Hill & Co. Real Estate and sfnewsletter

Inner Parkside can have some pretty dodgy weather, indeed. Foggy in the summer, windy in the spring, but beautiful in the fall. Regardless of whether you’re on the west or east side of the street, it will be foggy. It’s the wind that will get you, both in summer and spring. That is why, in my opinion, the east side of the street is better. You may not get ocean views from there, but at least your backyard is blocked by your house from the wind. You can be back there on the windiest day, and if it is sunny, you’ll think you’re in SoCal. Plus, the morning sun in SF feels much warmer than the afternoon sun, thanks to the wind. But being on the west is not the end of the world either. It’s all how you play with the wind. If you build a nice deck, just make sure you build it to block some wind. Don’t think fog, think wind, and think positive. It could be worse, you could live in Sacramento where it frequently hits 100+, without West Portal out your back door.

With respect to building up, check out Sven Lavine’s comments from the last “Ask an Expert” response, Building up in Outer Sunset.
For more of our take on the Inner Parkside check out our Tour de San Francisco.
Perhaps the best person to consult on the weather is Bill Martin of KTVU Channel 2 Weather. He surfs at Ocean Beach all the time and tends to be pretty good with the micro-climates.
Lastly, you might want to rent “An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore…the Inner Parkside could soon have the best weather around. ;-)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for asking.
alex