If your budget is under $1M and you want a condo with views, your best bets will be neighborhoods like South Beach and Mission Bay. Real estate is roughly around $1,000/sq foot there, so if you manage to snag a property with Bay views, you’ll really be getting the best bang for your buck.
Here’s a look at three condos with views in popular buildings that are near 280, Caltrain, BART, Muni, AT&T Park, and renowned restaurants:
260 King #1515
The Beacon (Mission Bay)
1BR/1BA, 903 sq ft
HOA dues: $762/mo + $140.40 parking/mo
List price: $799,000
260 King #1515 in The Beacon has dead-on Bay views from every window, and that’s no exaggeration. This is the type of home where you walk in and immediately realize that the online photos don’t do the views justice. The unit features hardwood floors, a kitchen with granite counters and stainless-steel appliances, and an in-unit washer/dryer. There’s also a separate alcove if you need an office area. Constructed in 2004, The Beacon spans two buildings (250 and 260 King) and has 595 units. It’s got excellent amenities like a 24-hour doorperson, concierge services, lap pool, spa, fitness center, club house and dog park. There are currently eight condos available in the Beacon for under $1M, but #1515 offers the best views and position in the building for the money.
403 Main #410 N
Portside II (South Beach)
1BR/1BA, 941 sq ft
HOA dues: $478.92/mo
List price: $799,000
One of the largest one-bedrooms in Portside II, 403 Main #410 N looks directly at the Hills Building, and the Bay Bridge to the right. There’s a separate den with built-in bookcases and the parking space is near the elevator and garage exit, so you’re good to go for running a quick errand. Portside II has 158 units and was built in the late ’90s. (Its sister building, Portside I, was built in 1994 and has another 62 units.) You get nice amenities like an outdoor pool and spa overlooking the Embarcadero, sun deck, and a fitness center in each building.
501 Beale #7C
The Watermark (South Beach)
1BR/1BA, 801 sq ft
HOA dues: $750.71/mo
List price: $899,800
The Watermark is one of my favorite buildings in South Beach. It sits next to the Bay Bridge, so the trick is to buy one of the units that faces the Embarcadero and Bay—like corrner unit #7C. The living room and bedroom face the Bay and the open floor plan features floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchen and marble finishes in the bathroom. Perks are air conditioning, parking and in-unit laundry. 501 Beale is a standalone building constructed in 2006 with 135 units that have access to a 24-hour doorperson, concierge, lap pool and spa, fitness center, and BBQ area.