If you would like to walk the city, this is the place to be. A 10-20 minute walk to more than a handful of good places too see, and eat. The Italian district which comprises most of the North Beach area, had some of the best food my wife and I have ever had. We used the apartment as a home base, were out most of the day. It was great to have this place within a nice proximity to be able to come back to, regroup, and then head out for dinner, or our next excursion for the given day. The studio amenities were perfect for us, no problems with space issues, or otherwise.
If you are looking to "live like a local" in San Francisco, this is probably the best area to do it, very equally spaced from Fishermans wharf, Financial district, Union Square, Lombards St., and many other points of interest. Walking up the hill on the way home from dinner we would usually stop at one of the Bodega's, and grab a bottle of wine as a nightcap. Right before reaching the apartment, you can see Coit tower, illuminated in a cool blue lighting scheme. This place made us feel a part of the city, something you surely will not get, versus staying at a hotel in Fisherman's Wharf or the Financial district. Can't say enough good things about this place. You really fall into the beat of the city staying here.