Hi SF’ers-
Already in the bay area, but I’m planning a move into the city. I’m looking for ideas on the best areas to train. I know that Marina/Cow Hollow have the greatest number of triathletes per capita, but what other neighborhoods are good? Thoughts on South Beach/SOMA? I work in south bay so I need good options to commute down 101/280.
Thanks,
DKSF
The southern section of the sunset district would seem like an ideal intersection for a south bay commute/multiple training routes. Won’t have a great deal of traffic to wade through in the city to get to freeways and you can go right up the great highway to the bridge and over to marin. I believe housing prices are fairly low in this district (compared to other districts) and is generally a family area. It’s far from the nightlife of the city, but close to the tuesday/thursday sprint workout in golden gate park. Also, not too far away from BART if you choose to head to the east bay for some good hills.
Potrero Hill is great for the commute and restaurants and sunshine, but not so great for training. Outer Sunset or out by SF State is close to 280, but the weather would not do it for me. SOMA/South Beach might be a good compromise.
clm, Russian Hill resident
South Beach is a cool place, you have great access to the bay and the running is great. I imagine that commute would be hell. Sure you’re near 280 but on the wrong end of the city. The Noe Valley/Diamond Heights/Lower Castro area would work pretty well for your commute and there is great riding from there. The running is a drawback though, and you’re pretty far from some of the trendier parts of the city. When I lived in Noe Valley, the commute down 280 was a snap. South Beach would be cool though. Any chance you can get a job in the city?? 
I’ve lived in the TenderNob, J-Town, the Sunset, and the Presidio. The Presidio was probably the most handy for walk-out-the-door training, but the Sunset district is pretty good and also makes for an easy Southbound commute. GG Park and Kezar Stadium are close, which is handy if you plan on attending GGTC track workouts. There’s also a nice little conduit through the park that will get you close to the Presidio (near Baker Beach) and over GG bridge if you want to ride in the North. I personally like the Sunset district a lot, but Cathy is right re: the weather - if you don’t like fog, it might not be the place for you. (I grew up in Vancouver, BC) In that case South Beach or SOMA might be a better bet.
I lived in the Haight, right on the panhandle extension of GG Park. It was great for training (especially running in the park). Biking wasn’t too bad as you could easily get over to the Presidio and across the bridge into the Marin headlands.
I commuted to Palo Alto from the Haight and had little difficulty with 280.
Go North Beach!
Not the best for training, or commute, but its a hell of a lot of fun. I do nearly all of my training in Marin anyways.
Giants game tonight. Good Times!!
Go North Beach! <<
Yeah! Great place to hang out. In fact, probably dinner tonight. 
clm
Let me speak to the many virtues of the TENDERLOIN DISTRICT. I lived there during graduate school many many moons ago.
First and unmistakable is the smell. It will acclimate you to running past filled port-a-potties on race day. Next, is the fact that you will be “downhill” from virtually everywhere else you want to go so you will always get your hill work in on both run and ride days.
For cross-training days, you are a short distance from the Western Addition where you can always find a game with the local 'bangers. (yo, Larry, throw me the rock)
Last and least, when the sun goes down, there will be absolutely nobody around who lives above the poverty line unless there is something going on at the opera, symphony or ballet. This will provide many adrenaline fueled late night workouts.
In summary, not a great place for a family, but very eye opening for the rural to suburban dweller. Also, the rents are the lowest in the City.
Have fun.