3 San Francisco Condo Buildings Perfect for Downsizers and Pied-à-Terre Buyers

Real Estate Colleen Cotter August 6, 2025

For many longtime Bay Area residents, there comes a moment when the home that once fit perfectly just doesn't feel quite right anymore. Maybe it’s the big yard. The multiple levels. The upkeep. It worked beautifully for years, but now you're craving something easier. Something convenient. Something that gives back a little more time and energy.

Not a hotel. Not a short-term rental. Your own keys. Your own view. Your own perch in the city.

Or maybe you’re living elsewhere full-time, but San Francisco still has your heart – and you want a place to call your own when you're in town.

Whether you're downsizing or shopping for the perfect pied-à-terre, I've helped many clients find homes that offer:

Elevator access (goodbye stairs)
Doorman buildings (for peace of mind and convenience)
Central, amenity-rich neighborhoods like Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, Nob Hill and Lower Pacific Heights
Proximity to fabulous markets, parks, restaurants, and the culture that makes SF so magical
A home that feels just right for this next chapter

And beyond that, so many are drawn to San Francisco’s vibrant energy recently—the museums, the architecture, the street life, the markets. They want to visit the farmers market on Saturday morning, see a show at SF Jazz, or meet a friend at Jane on Fillmore. These are the neighborhoods where that life happens.

If you’re thinking about what’s next, here are three North side buildings that I love for downsizers and pied-à-terre buyers alike:

2200 Sacramento Street – Pacific Heights Towers

Just half a block off Fillmore Street – one of the most central and vibrant stretches in the city
Directly across from Lafayette Park, one of Pacific Heights’ most beloved green spaces
Full-time doorman, elevator, and a small but well-equipped gym
Stones throw to coffee shops, Mollie Stone’s Market, Alta Plaza Park, and all the charm and convenience of upper Fillmore

This building is all about location. From your front door, you can find anything and everything – groceries, coffee, restaurants, the park, even your pilates class. For anyone looking for ease, lifestyle, and centrality, 2200 Sacramento delivers.

Featured listing:

2200 Sacramento Street, Unit 403
- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- 1,130 square feet
- 1 car garage parking
- Listed at $1,495,000 by Darwin Tejada with Sotheby’s International Realty

999 Green Street – The Summit, Russian Hill

An iconic mid-century view building developed by Eichler, perched atop one of San Francisco’s most prestigious ridgelines
Gracious floorplans, tall ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light and frame breathtaking views of the Bay, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and the downtown skyline
24-hour doorman and secure access
A few blocks to Hyde Street, where you'll find cable cars, cafés, and picture-perfect strolls

Every time I step into 999 Green, I think this is a special building. The volume, the views, the light—it’s the kind of place where you can instantly exhale. Honestly, I could live here.

Featured listing:

999 Green Street, Unit 2001
- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- 1,300 square feet
- 1 car garage parking
- Listed at $2,175,000 by Callum Hutchins with Sotheby’s International Realty

1688 Pine Street – The Rockwell, Lower Pacific Heights

Doorman, elevator, and a sleek, modern gym
Stylish newer construction with upscale finishes and many units offering central AC
One block to Whole Foods and close to Polk Street, with neighborhood favorites like Bi-Rite Market, cafés, shops, and everyday conveniences
A short distance to JapanTown, Fillmore Street, and tech shuttle routes

The Rockwell is ideal for buyers who want modern convenience and city access with a touch of luxury. It’s a fabulous lock-and-leave option – whether you’re spending part of the year in SF or simply want low-maintenance living in a central location.

And these are only 3 of many other buildings that I love In San Francisco that offer these same features!

Whether you're dreaming of a low-maintenance lifestyle or looking for the perfect part-time home in San Francisco, these buildings offer a thoughtful mix of comfort, security, and location. Each one has its own personality, and the right one depends on how you want to live.

If you're curious about what's currently available – or interested in off-market opportunities – let’s connect. I’d love to help you find a home that fits this exciting new chapter.