Alive with an atmosphere that emphasizes Mexican and Latin American culture, the Mission is a neighborhood that embraces heritage and the trendy scene adored by its hipsters.

While housing costs continue to rise, the neighborhood maintains a family oriented and humble atmosphere that attracts a young crowd as well.

“It’s a great place for kids to grow up,” said Jean Rita Alviar. “I have three kids that all grew up in the Mission and went to school and have great jobs.”

Through an emphasis on children and a Latin American influence, the Mission is a neighborhood with a strong sense of community.

Vibrant murals color the landscape of the neighborhood continuing the Mexican tradition of public art celebrating history and cultural heritage.

Precita Eyes Mural Arts is one of three mural centers in the United States and sponsors mural projects throughout the Bay Area and internationally.

Although many neighborhoods offer after-school programs, the Mission has a number of them that are free of charge.

The Mission Education Projects Incorporated is an after-school tutoring program for children that focuses on math and English and helps 67 kids daily, said Executive Director Alviar.

The emphasis on culture is evident in the numerous taquerias, markets and restaurants in the neighborhood.

Adel Alghazali owns Mi Tierra, a produce market on 16th and Mission streets. Although he is not Latin American, he wants to appeal to such customers because they populate a majority of the area.

Alghazali, an Oakland resident, prefers to have his business in the Mission, where he thinks he can be the most successful.

“There are always people out here,” he said. “I chose the Mission because more people cook. If I had a store in an upper class area, I wouldn’t do as well because people go out to eat more.”

He also opened the store with the hope of cleaning up the area.

“The street is weird,” Alghazali said. “There is a good side and a bad side. There are no women or children on the other side of the street.”

According to the San Francisco Police Department, an average of seven crimes are committed in the neighborhood each week. There is also illegal activity in the area between the Norteños and Sureños gangs.

The Mission District is split up amongst various eclectic areas including 24th Street, which is the cultural hub of the neighborhood, Dolores through Valencia streets, which sees a young and upscale crowd, and the Bryant Street area, which is the most industrial part and home to hip and trendy restaurants.

Although housing prices are rising, the cost of food, entertainment, and nightlife remains humble.

SF State design and industry senior Greg Schroeder appreciates the Mission’s authenticity and that it isn't based around high-end stores and living.

"I'm not that glamorous and I like that the Mission is on my level in that sense," said Schroeder, 21.

The area around 16th and Valencia streets draws a crowd that is attracted to the nightlife and independent art community. In 1995, the San Francisco Chronicle dubbed the neighborhood “the New Bohemia.”

Schroeder believes that the neighborhood is a great place for younger people to come.

“It fits the big artist and twenty-something population,” he said.