In Laundromat-Starved Castro, How Much Is Apartment Laundry Access Worth?

In Laundromat-Starved Castro, How Much Is Apartment Laundry Access Worth?Photo: Shutterstock
Hoodline
Published on August 22, 2017

With this month's impending closure of Little Hollywood Launderette, a German eatery setting up shop in the long-vacant Rub-A-Dub-Dub on Church, and Duboce Triangle's Rising Star Laundromat being turned into a three-bedroom residence, many Castro neighbors are wondering where they're going to be able to wash their clothes.

In a neighborhood with many older buildings that lack even in-building laundry, this prompted an question extra in rent do you have to pay to have laundry (whether in-unit or in-building) at your Castro apartment? To find out, we analyzed data from rental listings website Zumper, examining all studio and one-bedroom apartments for rent in the neighborhood.

Our data found that the median rental price for a studio or one-bedroom in the Castro is $3,300, but the median for those with laundry is $3,450—a difference of $150 per month, or 4.55 percent. Meanwhile, the median for apartments with no laundry access is $2,795.

If you happen to be apartment-shopping, here are three Castro or Castro-adjacent listings that have in-unit or in-building laundry.

Those seeking an apartment with laundry that's (comparatively) cheaper should check out a one-bedroom at 22nd & Diamond streets that's renting for $3,300—the area median. In addition to in-unit laundry, the apartment offers amenities like central heat, hardwood floors, and granite countertops. Renters can enjoy a little outdoor time on the south-facing deck, and there's also a parking space included in the rent. However, pets are not allowed.

Photos: Zumper

Aspiring renters with slightly more to spend could find a home at 832 Dolores St., a one-bedroom that's renting for $3,600—$150 above the median for apartments with laundry. 

Photos: Zumper

In addition to in-building laundry, this apartment on the Castro-Mission border boasts high ceilings, hardwood floors and a walk-in closet. A second room can be used as an office/den. However, pets are not allowed.

Those with deep pockets (and a need to wash them) might want to take a look at 4219 21st St #A, on the border between the Castro and Noe Valley. A furnished one-bedroom with 1.5 bathrooms, it's renting for $4,795. In addition to on-site laundry, the apartment offers amenities like hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and a pair of patios off the living room and bedroom, with views of downtown. Parking isn't included, but pets are negotiable. 

Photos: Zumper

The listing agent notes that "the property is just four blocks from Noe Valley and in close proximity to Dolores Park, Valencia Street, the Castro, BART, Muni streetcars, every technology shuttle route and walkability to restaurants, bars and shopping."

If you don't have laundry in your apartment or building, how much more would you be willing to pay in rent each month to get it? Let us know in the comments.