Best neighborhoods in San Francisco

1. PACIFIC HEIGHTS

When it comes to the quality of life, Pacific Heights is one of the top San Francisco neighborhoods. It is located within the central part of the city at an elevation of 380 feet. There are unbelievable views of the coast, bridge, island, the Presidio, so it is not surprising that this neighborhood is home to "Gold Coast" – one of the most expensive areas in the US chosen predominantly by billionaires. At the same time, there are cheaper San Francisco districts for living as well including the Western Addition, for example. However, this district is always described as chic, elite but also the most expensive one. There are luxurious restaurants and boutiques that can't be afforded by everyone, as well as several schools including Waldorf one, for boys only, Academy of Thought and Industry, etc.
As of 2023, this neighborhood has 21,918 inhabitants , the educational institutes are all ranked excellently (in terms of quality of education) with either an A or A+ by NICHE, and the overall rental price average is $3,195 , considerably higher than the national average.

Local Favorites

• Haas-Lilienthal House – a historic house, belonging to an affluent family, originally built in 1866.
• Lafayette Park – park, picnic spots, tennis courts, dog areas, and playgrounds, all in one place.
• Alta Plaza Park – a picnic spot.
• The Snug – local restaurant plus bar.

Pros

• Luxurious;
• Eye-catching views of the city and bay;
• Relatively safe;
• Good job opportunities;
• Excellent amenities;
• High median income – $147,213;
• A low unemployment rate of 2.8%;
• Several nice schools.

Cons

• Expensive housing – median home price is $2,119,500;
• The rent is also exorbitantly high at $3,195;
• Densely populated – 21,918 people present in the area;
• Hard to live comfortably if you’re on a budget;
• If you make an average living, both partners will have to work to keep the house running.

2. NOE VALLEY

Located in the central part of the city, the neighborhood was named after a Mexican mayor who used to own it as a Rancho. This area is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco. It has gradually transformed from a working-class area into an upscale district chosen by professionals for a living. People prefer to stroll there admiring a sunny and warm microclimate created thanks to the Twin Peaks adjacent to it. The main street of the neighborhood is lined with cafes and small boutiques.
Overall, the population of this part of town is 22,548, as of 2023, and the median rental price is $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment . The educational quality is quite excellent with institutes ranking A+ and A on NICHE.

Local Favorites

• Upper Douglass Dog Play Area – park and garden
• Upper Noe Recreation Center – for all things fun
• St Paul's Catholic Church – a historic church
• lcatraz Island – an infamous prison turned into a tourist spot

Pros

• Safe;
• Excellent amenities;
• Multiple job opportunities;
• Warmer microclimate;
• No heavy traffic – strolling and cycling dominate;
• A low unemployment rate of 3.8%;
• Good for kids.

Cons

• Expensive housing – median home price is $2,138,500;
• The neighborhood is densely populated;
• Overall, the rental cost is almost three times that of the national average;
• Not suitable for people used to living in colder areas;
• Limited traffic access.

3. SUNSET DISTRICT

It is the largest neighborhood with an area of 5,709 square miles . The western border is the Pacific Coast, while other borders have no clear definition. It is often called The Avenues due to the numerous avenues here. There are 3 sub-neighborhoods of Central Sunset, Outer Sunset, and Inner Sunset, which is very popular with those who are moving to San Francisco because of the many job opportunities here.
This San Francisco neighborhood is highly populous with 85,252 inhabitants in total, however, they are spaced apart optimally, the average rental price is also average at $2,423 in 2023 , but still higher than the average in the USA. Being an expansive neighborhood, Sunset District has several premium educational institutes with an excellent track record.

Local Favorites

• Golden Gate Park – a magnificent green area with walking tracks and more
• Sunset Reservoir – bordered by greenery
• Pine Lake – a small lake within the park
• Restaurants & cafes are dotted all over the place

Pros

• Spacious;
• Home to a variety of local businesses;
• Not that expensive – median home price is $1,656,700;
• Safe;
• A low unemployment rate of 2.9%;
• Developed facilities;
• Several schools and universities;
• Green: several parks and recreational areas.

Cons

• Some amenities offered by more luxurious San Francisco neighborhoods are absent here;
• Though the rent is low by San Francisco standards, it is still higher than the national average;
• The same can be said for other than rent expenses;
• Often foggy and chilly;
• Used to be sandy dunes.

4. SEACLIFF

This neighborhood has a north-western location and is famous for its spacious houses and breathtaking views of the ocean. But the housing cost and rent are still affordable, so this is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco. Landscape architects have planned many parks here. It is a peaceful district with many impressive mansions and wealthy neighbors. There are many things to do here.
Overall, the population is at 43,616 people in 2023, the median rent cost per month is $5,750, much higher than the average in San Francisco itself, however, the schools are excellent (no public ones though), rated as A+ by NICHE.

Local Favorites:

• Golden Gate Bridge – iconic artistic bridge, first opened in 1937
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art – features an expansive artwork collection
• Golden Gate Park – a green space featuring gardens, trails, and more
• California Academy of Sciences – a prominent museum with scientific exhibits

Pros

• Private and discreet;
• Safe;
• Walkable;
• Good job opportunities;
• A low unemployment rate of 2.5%;
• Scarcely populated – about 1,500 people only.

Cons

• Lack of public transportation;
• It is a comparatively more expensive neighborhood, the rental cost is much more than average;
• Overall property costs are also staggeringly high;
• Hard to live comfortably with an average monthly salary;
• No public schools, only 2 private ones.

5. PRESIDIO HEIGHTS

In search of secluded San Francisco neighborhoods located in the central part of the city, it is worth paying attention to Presidio Heights – an area where millionaires of Silicon Valley live next to ordinary people. It borders on the city's alluring trails and parks, but the neighborhood itself is a paradise for people who enjoy eating out and want to put down roots of the serene family life. There are eye-catching views of the coast to admire but you need to work hard to afford to live there.
The population in 2023 stands at 43,616, and the average rent price is $2,598 for a simple apartment with a single bedroom, comparatively affordable when pinned against some of the more high-end neighborhoods. Schools are all rated either A+ or A by NICHE for their educational excellence.

Local Favorites:

• Muir Woods National Monument – you’ll have to drive a bit, but it will be worth it; it is a creek of redwoods
• PIER 39 – an iconic pier with food & activities
• Lombard Street – a scenic, steep street
• de Young Museum – featuring a sculpture garden and prominent fine arts displays

Pros

• Quiet peaceful area;
• Many recreation opportunities;
• Quick commute – about 30 minutes;
• Safe;
• Excellent facilities;
• Nice selection of jobs.

Cons

• Comparatively expensive housing;
• The rent rate is also more than twice what you might have to pay for the same space in the USA, generally;
• It is a populous area, not suited for people who like the tranquility of solitude;
• The regular expenses will also be higher than in the USA, generally;
• Regular tourists staring at the local mansions.

6. MARINA

Not only a central location but also the highest number of white non-Hispanic people make Marina an attractive place for a living. Located on the oceanic coast, this neighborhood has received its name due to the municipal boat marina located there. The main sight of the area is the Palace of Fine Arts, while Chestnut Street serves as a destination for going shopping, eating out, and having a vibrant nightlife.
The Marina is a heavily populated area with 22,358 inhabitants as of 2023, the median rent expenditures are $3,400, and the overall schooling quality is also graded as A+ or A by NICHE.

Local Favorites:

• The Palace Of Fine Arts – a theater in a landmark building
• The Wave Organ – an artistic & acoustic sculpture on the bay
• Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy – engaged in protecting the local parks and wildlife
• Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture – a complex for arts on the waterfront

Pros

• Excellent amenities;
• A variety of employment opportunities;
• A low unemployment rate of 3.2%;
• Domination of white young people;
• Good recreation;
• Education: an elementary school and Academy of Art University.

Cons

• Relatively high crime rate;
• Other neighborhoods are comparatively safer;
• The rent cost is three times more than the national average at $3,400 (median rate);
• The expenses can also be hard to manage on an average salary;
• High population density – 20,035 people per square mile.

7. RICHMOND DISTRICT

Located in the north-western part of the city, the area features a variety of parks and green spaces. The neighborhood is quiet and serene, so it is great for family life. There are 4 sub-neighborhoods including Outer, Inner, Central Richmond, and Lake Street. The first one is considered to be one of the best places to live thanks to its merchant corridor and diverse ethnicity. There is a great impact of Chinese culture there as well as deep Russian and Irish roots.
There are 59,297 people in total here and the average rental costs are $2,373 for one-bedroom apartments in Central Richmond, while for Inner Richmond, the median rent cost is $950.

Local Favorites:

• Western Neighborhoods Project – a history-oriented visiting site
• San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home – fine architecture
• Holy Virgin Cathedral – a historic cathedral and church
• Mountain Lake Park Playground – for reconnecting with nature

Pros

• Beautiful green nature;
• A high number of jobs;
• A low unemployment rate of 2.8%;
• Top-notch amenities;
• Several schools and libraries;
• Nice recreation.

Cons

• Expensive housing – median home price is $1,491,700;
• High population density – 23,487 people per square mile;
• It is not as safe as some of the other neighborhoods on this list;
• Monthly expenses can be a bit inflated;
• Crime stats are not pleasing.

BEST PLACES TO LIVE WITHOUT A CAR

Walkability is a very important factor in choosing the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to stay in or live in. Even in a big city, it is more comfortable to walk to the closest store and workplace rather than commute to them for hours. Though it may sound unbelievable, San Francisco has several neighborhoods where you do not need to own a car to get most of the amenities required regularly and is considered one of the most walkable cities in the US. Despite the huge number of districts, people planning to settle in a new place try to find out firsthand where to live in SF, because they want to choose a safe area with developed infrastructure, affordable housing and free jobs. Here are the top 4 best places in San Francisco where a car is not a necessity already.

1. CHINATOWN

This Chinatown in San Francisco is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia. It features its unique customs and traditions having been influenced by the immigrants that arrived here after its establishment. The area features all the basic amenities and narrow streets, so only major roads feature traffic. Moreover, it attracts thousands of tourists who discover local sights mostly on foot.
This is a heavily populated area with 70,000 people in there, the average rent costs are around $2,695. Overall, the school grades fluctuate between A+ and A- which is decent enough, qualitatively.

Local Favorites:

• City Lights Booksellers & Publishers – a famous/historic bookstore
• Chinese Historical Society of America Museum – featuring exhibits on Chinese-American history
• Portsmouth Square – local park & gathering place
• Old Saint Mary's Cathedral – originally built in 1894

Pros

• The highest walkability score;
• Easy access to public transport (30-Stockton and 45-Union transit lines, Central Subway);
• Exclusive atmosphere;
• Excellent amenities;
• The median list price is $738,000.

Cons

• Many people speak one foreign language;
• Domination of the Asian population;
• You may have to take some time to adjust to the environment;
• Overall, the rent is cheaper than the rest of San Francisco, but still more expensive than the general rate in the USA;
• High crime rate.

2. DOWNTOWN

Naturally, walkability is a basic characteristic of most of the cities' downtowns. San Francisco is not an exception. Union Square and its surroundings offer excellent walk, transit, and bike scores. It is an economic, financial, cultural, and shopping district where you can make your life vibrant and bright any time of the day and night. This is probably the best area to stay in San Francisco.
The population levels are comparatively high with 39,932 people in the area, and the median rent cost is $2,620, less than the average rate in San Francisco. The schooling quality varies but scores like A+ and A- on NICHE are still dominant.

Local Favorites:

• Transamerica Pyramid – a unique skyscraper
• Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco – features Chinese & Chinese-American art exhibits
• Wells Fargo Museum – bank history exhibits
• Mechanics' Institute – a local museum

Pros

• A variety of things to do and see;
• Excellent job opportunities;
• Possibility to get to any point of the city thanks to the developed transit system;
• Cheaper living costs when compared with the rent of San Francisco;
• Central business district with headquarters of many global companies.

Cons

• Highly populated part of the city;
• The safety factor is not very dominant;
• Hustle and bustle of the city;
• Expensive housing – median list price is $849,000;
• San Francisco's crime rate in the Downtown area is high.

3. LOWER NOB HILL

Dreaming of living among the upper class and having no car? It is a reality in the Nob Hill neighborhood with the third-highest walkability, transit, and bike scores. It is the highest-income SF districts in the whole country and there are a variety of luxury places to spend your money too.
Overall,this part of town is sparsely populated with only 13,575 inhabitants, the average rent cost is $2,695, and most of the schools listed on NICHE have an A+ rating, i.e. excellent educational quality.

Local Favorites:

• Top of the Mark – an iconic cocktail bar with panoramic views
• Alcazar Theatre – a theatre and architectural marvel
• Victorian Home Walk – a public tour spot with Victorian-era homes
• Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum – a local museum

Pros

• Many historic sites to visit;
• Dotted with luxurious places;
• Great variety of well-paid jobs;
• Many green parks with excellent recreation;
• Perfectly safe.

Cons

• Very expensive housing – median list price is $863,000;
• Very densely populated, in per sq mile terms;
• The overall expenditures, other than rent, are also much higher than elsewhere in the USA;
• Though schooling is excellent, private school fees can be a bit too much;
• The luxurious amenities also come at a higher price.

4. THE TENDERLOIN

Another area from the San Francisco neighborhood guide is located in the central part of the city and has very high walkability, transit, and bike scores. There is quick access to the subway and many types of passenger transportation which will take you wherever you wish. The greatest drawback of this neighborhood is the high crime rate because of drugs, homelessness, prostitution, but it also covers theatre and shopping districts partially as well as has a vibrant art scene, so you will not feel sad there.
The population numbers at 9,433 inhabitants, median apartment rent is only $1,995 in 2023, and the schooling quality varies between A+ and B+ as per niche NICHE.

Local Favorites:

• Tenderloin Museum – a local museum of this famous district
• Geary Street – a historic stretch along the local plaza
• Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park – a local parks
• Sergeant John Macaulay Park – a small local park with a playground

Pros

• Developed culture;
• Excellent amenities;
• Several parks are open for visitors;
• Dedicated playgrounds for kids;
• Cheaper homes – the median list price is $624,000.

Cons

• High crime rate;
• Overall, the neighborhood fades in comparison with surrounding areas;
• Drugs are quite common;
• Homelessness and rampant prostitution is also a problem;
• Dirty and smelly.

Best PLACES TO LIVE NEAR SAN FRANCISCO

Naturally, not every single person or a family can afford to live in San Francisco even with a rather impressive salary. Unfortunately, the housing is so expensive that you should share one room with other people or give a big sum of money to be able to live alone. That is the reason why many people look for the best places to live near San Francisco. There are the top 5 of the best areas for living outside the city.

1. LOS ALTOS HILLS

This small city is located 41 miles from San Francisco and it takes about 44 minutes to get to it. This city is considered to be one of the best places for living in California, especially for families with kids. There is quality school education and many basic amenities. This city has a population of 8,423 only, the median rent cost is $3,750, and educational institutes are mostly rated between A+ and A- on NICHE.

Local Favorites:

• Los Altos History Museum – farmhouse replica/local history
• Foothills Nature Preserve – 1,400-acre green space with trails
• Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve – a hiking area plus farm
• Pearson-Arastradero Preserve – a dedicated area for biking, hiking & horseback riding

Pros

• Safe;
• Good education;
• High median household income;
• Quiet;
• Beautiful nature and scenery.

Cons

• Expensive housing – median home value is $2,000,001;
• The rent itself is not very easily affordable;
• The place is not situated within San Francisco;
• The sum you might be able to save by living here will be slashed via transportation charges to San Francisco;
• You'll need personal transport to live here.

2. PALO ALTO

There are 28 miles between Palo Alto and San Francisco, but it is very difficult to move quickly in rush hours. It is one of the most expensive Bay Area cities for a living with a very high percentage of educated people. It is an economic center of Silicon Valley with excellent employment opportunities, but many people choose this city for moving.
The latest population estimates for the city are 66,573 for 2022-2023, overall, the median rent cost for a single-bed apartment is $3,544, and the schools are mostly ranked between A+ and A on NICHE.

Local Favorites:

• Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts – art museum plus a sculpture garden
• Baylands Nature Preserve – a marshland, ideal for bird-watching
• Castle Rock State Park – a camping site with hiking & horseback riding
• Googleplex – Google’s global headquarters

Pros

• Quality education
• A variety of jobs;
• The employment rate is also very decent;
• Developed transportation system;
• Good recreation opportunities.

Cons

• High crime rate;
• Expensive homes – median home value is $1,989,300;
• The rent rates are also very extravagant;
• The city is not present within San Francisco;
• Horrible commute..

3. OAKLAND

This city is located rather close to San Francisco – only 13 miles. It is a large port city located in the suburbs of San Francisco that used to be and partially remains a powerful agricultural center. There is one of the most diverse ethnicities and excellent employment opportunities. The city can boast a very high GDP too, so the quality of life is high here as well.
The population-level for this city is 425,097 as per the latest estimates, average apartment rent (single bedroom) is $2918, and the educational quality in local schools is graded between A+ and A by NICHE.

Local Favorites:

• Angel Island – an island with a great city view
• Oakland Zoo – an animal preserve with 650+ native & exotic species
• Tilden Regional Park – a park stretching over 2,000+ acres
• Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park – local woodlands with trails & camping

Pros

• Cheaper housing – median home price is $734,900;
• A developed job market;
• Fresh products and goods;
• Great entertainment and recreation opportunities;
• Significant art scene;
• Bright nightlife.

Cons

• This place is not situated within San Francisco;
• You'll have to spend more on traveling to SF, for your job, compared to if you were living within SF;
• The crime rate is also not very reassuring;
• The rent, though low by SF standards, is still three times as much as the national average;
• Safety issues.

4. MOUNTAIN VIEW

It will be necessary to cover 39 miles from Mountain View to get to San Francisco. However, living in this city is comfortable, because it is friendly for pedestrians, there are many tech companies including Google headquarters and a greatly developed transportation system.
The total population is 81,656, the median rent is $3,087, and schools are graded as A+ and A on NICHE.

Local Favorites:

• Shoreline Amphitheatre – festival-size outdoor music venue
• Shoreline Lake Events – park plus golf course
• Google Android Statues Square – mascots of the Google Android OS
• Rengstorff House – a landmark mansion dating back to 1867

Pros

• Excellent employment opportunities;
• Peaceful;
• A variety of amenities;
• Close to SF, though not within the city;
• Good recreation.

Cons

• Expensive housing – median home value is $1,863,700;
• The rent is also quite expensive;
• Your expenses, generally, will be higher here than otherwise in the USA;
• Not located within SF;
• If you are employed within SF, the daily commute may become exhausting.

BOTTOM LINE

One of the most important aspects of moving is the right choice of the neighborhood in San Francisco. If you plan a relocation to the city or the Bay Area, try to make it smooth and stress-free with the professional help of the long-distance team. Our full-service company is always at your service no matter to what distance you move, so turn to the trusted and reliable San Francisco Bay area movers, and your life in the new place will start only with good emotions!