What can I buy for between $1 million and $2 million?

For many single-family home buyers in San Francisco, $1 million is but a starting point. If you’re looking in this range – specifically, $1 million to $2 million – your most likely neighborhoods form a large circle in the city’s center, as well as the Richmond District in its northwest corner. Keep in mind, though, that what you get in these neighborhoods will vary widely in size and eras of style and construction.

In a place of microclimates like San Francisco, weather also plays a role in determining a home’s value. For example, west of Twin Peaks, you’re going to get more fog … but you’ll also get more square footage. The average home here is 1,869 square feet and goes for $656 per square foot.

Not so in the sunnier side of town. In Mission/Potrero/Bernal Heights, the average price per square foot for the homes in the accompanying chart is $803 per square foot with an average size of 1,600 square feet. You’ll get even less for even more in the Glen Park/Noe/Eureka Valley/Corona Heights area, where the homes average 1,463 square feet at a cost of $907 per square foot.

The higher your price range, the wider your options. If you’re climbing toward $2 million, you have the choice of tonier neighborhoods such as Saint Francis Wood and Forest Hill, which feature winding streets with elegant homes on larger lots. The San Francisco Association of Realtors Neighborhood Videos series has a Twin Peaks video segment that features Saint Francis Wood. It’s worth a look if you are not familiar with the area.

Have more specific questions? Get in touch.

Dreaming of San Francisco? Cece Blase offers local advice to San Francisco buyers, sellers and owners– and feeds the dreams of those who wish they could live in Tony Bennett’s ‘City by the Bay.’ Call 415-577-0809 or email cblase@paragon-re.com. www.ceceblase.com