SOMA State of the Neighborhood

Thank you to the community members who shared their perspectives in our recent survey. This feedback is vital for understanding our collective strengths and the pressing challenges we must address together.

A Deeply Rooted Community

Our survey highlights a neighborhood of "stayers" with an incredibly high level of social cohesion. The data shows that we aren't just residents; we are a connected community.

● Long-term Commitment : Approximately 39.1% of respondents have lived in Soma for 9 or more years .

●High Connectivity : A remarkable 97.8% of you feel "Somewhat" or "Very" connected to your neighbors.

●Local Representation : The vast majority of feedback ( 91.3% ) came from residents in the 94103 zip code.

What We Value Most

Despite the challenges, there is a clear consensus on why we choose Soma West. Our residents appreciate the unique "urban vibe" and the convenience of our location.

● Unrivaled Access : Residents prize the neighborhood's central location, offering easy access to freeways, MUNI, BART, and downtown.

● Vibrant Diversity : The cultural diversity and unique history—from the leather district to the artist community—remain core to our identity.

●Walkability : The "flatness" of our streets for biking and walking to local essentials is a major highlight for daily life.

Urgent Concerns & Our Path Forward

The survey did not shy away from the serious issues affecting our daily lives. You identified three primary areas for immediate focus:

What You Want to See More Of

You’ve asked for a more "activated" neighborhood, including more sit-down restaurants, retail stores, and greenery like trees and parks. There is also a strong call for increased visible security, such as foot patrols and community ambassadors.

Voices of Soma West

The "Anything else" section of the survey captured the raw sentiment of our neighbors:

"Our businesses have lost even more business this year and may close."

"I would love to be part of a neighborhood association that welcomed low-income tenants and residents who are classified as 'homeless' as full members of the neighborhood... emphasizing things that everybody wants, like traffic safety and economic security."

"Playgrounds in the neighborhood need to be patrolled... so that children will actually use them."