Downtown San Francisco seen from the Marina neighborhood
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14 Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco for Your Golden City Move

San Francisco California

by Kristin Hanes Posted on August 14, 2025

San Francisco packs a lot of punch for a city that’s only 7×7 (or 49 square miles). With its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, colorful Victorian row houses, and funky, diverse districts, the City by the Bay is a great place to live — if you can afford the hefty price tag. The best neighborhoods in San Francisco are a mix of trendy and classic, with more restaurants per capita than almost any other city in the U.S. They are all mostly walkable (if you’re capable of some major hill climbs), they are close to public transit, and each has a unique flavor. Another thing about San Francisco neighborhoods? With the population here trending younger and richer, you’re more likely to see someone walking a dog than pushing a stroller.

If you’re thinking about moving to San Francisco, or just relocating to a new part of the Bay Area, you’ll probably need a little help choosing the best neighborhood in San Francisco to live in. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly, artsy, affordable (relatively), or trendy, this guide has you covered.

Planning a move to San Francisco? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

San Francisco at a Glance

  • San Francisco’s population is around 827,500, as of the 2024 Census, and the median age is just over 40 years old.
  • It’s among the most expensive cities to live in the U.S., with a cost of living that’s 145.5 percent higher than the national average and 63.8 percent higher than the California average.
  • The average value of a home in SF is just over $1.3M.
  • The median income of someone living in San Francisco is just under $141,450, per Census data.
  • If you like spending time in nature, you’ll be glad to know San Francisco is a hilly peninsula bordered on three sides by shining water. Surfers, kiteboarders, hikers, and park dwellers will love the mix of nature and culture, with miles of forested trails and beaches just a short drive away. 

14 Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco

Two colorful and unique residential homes in the Marina District, one of the best San Francisco neighborhoods.
The Marina is one of many San Francisco neighborhoods known for its trendy bars and restaurants. Expect to see plenty of 20-somethings out and about on a weekend night (Source: @marina_district_sf via Instagram)

1. The Marina

Beloved as one of the top neighborhoods in San Francisco, The Marina is perched on the north shore of the city and is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques along Chestnut Street. A flat and easy stroll brings you down to Marina Boulevard, a popular spot for runners and walkers with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, and Alcatraz. You’re also a quick walk away from the Presidio national park, the Palace of Fine Arts, and trails that lead to Fort Point. 

One glance at its $2M-plus average home value tells you that residents of the Marina tend to be more affluent, and with a population that’s 75 percent white, it’s not one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. If you go to the bars there at night, you might pick up on what some locals refer to as a “fratty” vibe, owing to the preppy crowd that skews young. But there are plenty of ways to take to the town in Marina in a quieter way, from enjoying the many restaurants to walking by the water.

2. The Outer Richmond and Sunset Districts

These two outer SF neighborhoods are also known as “The Avenues'' and aren’t too far from the windy spread of sand that’s Ocean Beach. The Golden Gate Park separates these two communities — which each feature an eclectic mix of Russian, Chinese, Burmese, and Indian restaurants. Burma Superstar on Clement Street, in particular, is a standout. Expect a more peaceful vibe in these neighborhoods, which are a longer haul from downtown — but some of the nicest neighborhoods in San Francisco.

Looking for a unique spot for a photo op or simply a beautiful place to get your steps in? Take a walk over to the Lincoln Park Steps. Situated in Richmond District, these stunningly tiled steps are among a series of tiled stairways featuring different mosaics around the city.

Large residential and commercial buildings line a street in The Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco — one of the more budget-friendly San Francisco neighborhoods.
Visitacion Valley is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco if you’re looking to live in a diverse community, according to Niche rankings. 
(Source: @tl_merchants via Instagram)

3. Visitacion Valley

Located in the southern end of the city, this diverse San Francisco neighborhood is a working-class ‘burb with housing costs that are significantly lower than in other parts of the city. Not to mention, it’s among the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. You’ll find a lot of single-family homes here and an easier commute if you work in the Peninsula. Outdoor enthusiasts will love living right by McLaren Park, SF’s second largest park after Golden Gate Park, offers hiking trails and beautiful views of the Bay. 

If you’re wondering where to live in San Francisco that’s on the quieter and more residential side, Visitacion Valley may be right for you, but if you’re looking to live around the corner from a hip nightlife scene, this probably isn’t the spot for you.

 

The view up a steep road in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco. The hill to the left of the road is filled with typical San Francisco homes.
If San Francisco is the “Gay Capital of the U.S.”, The Castro is the LGBTQ+ capital of San Francisco. After all, it’s home to the GLBT Historical Society Museum, “the first stand-alone museum of LGBTQ history and culture in the United States."
(Source: @onlyinSF via Facebook)

4. Castro

Castro, one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States, still has an open-minded and LGBTQ+-friendly attitude. This San Francisco neighborhood’s main drag includes bars, dance clubs, and top-notch restaurants, where you’ll find people sitting outdoors on sunny days. Be sure to check out the GLBT Historical Society Museum, which opened in 2011 as “the first stand-alone museum of LGBTQ history and culture in the United States,” per the museum site.  

Castro is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for walkers, according to Walk Score — it’s ranked the sixth most walkable neighborhood in the city. On your stroll, you’re sure to see rows of adorable Victorian homes, and when you’re done walking, a quick ride on the underground MUNI train or the above-ground F-line gets you downtown in no time.

5. Haight-Ashbury

You’ll still find vestiges of the 1960s hippie counterculture in this San Francisco neighborhood, once home to musicians like Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. The Haight pays homage to its colorful past with splashy murals, vintage boutiques, and funky bars. If you live here, you’ll likely build up your vinyl collection by shopping at Amoeba Music, a massive independent record store that also has locations in Hollywood and Berkeley. You’ll also spend plenty of time popping into cool thrift and vintage shops and admiring the neighborhood’s lovely Queen Anne Victorian homes. 

Its proximity to Golden Gate Park also makes it one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for those who like to be near museums, picnic areas, and trails.

6. North Beach

Beat writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg called North Beach home in the 1950s and gathered at City Lights Bookstore, still treasured by poets and writers as one of the best parts of San Francisco. Washington Square Park is another neighborhood gem, and is actually one of the city’s first parks.

Also known as “Little Italy,” North Beach bustles with tourists and Bay Area crowds on weekends. True to its history and nickname, the neighborhood is filled with old-school eateries and bakeries offering pizza and cannolis, but there is a variety of great restaurants even if you’re craving something else. You can find tons of hidden treasures in North Beach, and the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown makes it a popular spot for residents who don’t want to spend a lot of time commuting on the bus.

 

Aerial view of the Biergarten in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood.
When it comes to San Francisco neighborhoods with great outdoor venues, Hayes Valley is one our favorites! Check out the big patio at Biergarten and the al-fresco film screenings at Proxy. 
(Source: @biergartensf via Instagram)

7. Hayes Valley

Into that see-and-be-seen crowd? Hayes Valley is for you. This revitalized neighborhood between Van Ness Avenue and Western Addition is a major hotspot, with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants that attract lines a block long. Despite its haute couture style, this San Francisco neighborhood isn’t snobby and maintains its community feel. Glug a German pint at the outdoor Biergarten before grabbing a cone at Smitten Ice Cream’s outdoor stand.

Looking to take in some culture? Head over to Proxy, a walk-in theater that hosts all kinds of events for the community, from film festivals to carnivals to concerts.

 

Q: What is the most prestigious neighborhood in San Francisco?
A: Though there are so many vibrant and eclectic San Francisco neighborhoods, Pacific Heights is among the most prestigious. In fact, even if you haven’t been, chances are you’re familiar with the neighborhood if you’ve seen the house from Mrs. Doubtfire, for instance, and the colorful “Painted Ladies” row houses from sitcom fave Full House. About a 12-minute drive from downtown, Pacific Heights is known for its stunning city views, Victorian homes, and the steep price tags that come with the coveted location — the average value of a home there is nearly $1,819,200.

8. Mission

If you like hip with a Latin flair, you’ll be happy as a clam in San Francisco’s Mission District. Sixteenth and 24th streets are lined with taquerias and pupuserias — and it’s hands-down one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco if you’re looking for an incredible burrito. 

Traditionally a Latino neighborhood, this area has undergone a major gentrification in recent years, owing to the major influence of the tech industry. You’ll easily find upscale bars, restaurants, and music venues. And, it wouldn’t be the Mission without striking, colorful murals covering walls all around the neighborhood. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled when you explore, and take the time to stop and marvel. 

Another plus? Mission Dolores Park — the perfect place to stretch out with friends and enjoy a picnic on a sunny afternoon when the fog has parted.

 

Q: What is the safest part of San Francisco?
A: Every city has its share of crime — unfortunately, some more than others — and San Francisco is no exception. In fact, according to NeighborhoodScout, the city is safer than only 1 percent of other cities in the U.S. But there are districts rated higher than others when it comes to crime, including Forest Hill, Visitacion Valley, and Ocean View. As always, taking practical precautions and getting familiar with your surroundings can help protect you from harm.

9. Cow Hollow

On a sunny weekend afternoon, the people of Cow Hollow look like they came straight from the pages of GQ magazine. The patio-lined Union Street is a popular destination for Sunday brunch, with mimosas and white wine decorating almost every table. You’ll find upscale yoga studios, clothing boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in this coveted San Francisco neighborhood.  

Cow Hollow is made up of about 66 percent residents who rent their homes and 34 percent who own, and if you’re thinking of moving here, you’re in luck if you love gorgeous Victorian architecture. It’s also a very conveniently located neighborhood, just a short stroll to the Presidio and the Marina District, plus the buses 45 and 41 that go straight downtown.

 

Treetop view of Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill and the surrounding residential blocks.
Catch a glimpse of the SF skyline and you’re sure to spot Coit Tower — a concrete icon with an observation deck perched on Telegraph Hill.
(Source: @onlyinSF via Facebook)

10. Telegraph Hill

Right up there with the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the San Francisco skyline. Standing over 200 feet tall, the concrete tower is perched on the top of Telegraph Hill, which boasts narrow streets, Victorian architecture, and, yes, wild parrots. (Don’t worry. You’ll get used to the squawking of these colorful birds.) 

Sure, Telegraph Hill isn’t a cheap place to live, with postcard-size apartments going for a pretty penny. But it is walking distance to North Beach and a steep staircase away from The Embarcadero, which runs along the Bay. Spend the day there snacking, shopping, walking along the waterfront, or taking a harbor cruise.

11. Russian Hill

One of the most popular sights on Russian Hill is Lombard Street, known as the “crookedest street in the world.” If you’re not sure why, just stand at the top of the hill and look down: No fewer than eight tight switchbacks make up this snaking road, which is beautifully framed by meticulous landscaping, modern high-rises, and grand homes.

Residents of this upscale neighborhood also love the jingle of the famous cable car as it lumbers down Hyde Street day in and day out. Walk down to Polk for restaurants, bars, and clothing stores, and discover the hidden treasures of Russian Hill — tropical plant-lined pedestrian walkways and stairs, perfect for an afternoon stroll or workout.

12. Alamo Square

You’ve most likely seen pictures of The Painted Ladies in Alamo Square, a jaw-dropping block of popsicle-colored row houses overlooking downtown San Francisco. Dog walkers and picnickers love hanging out at Alamo Square Park, with its rolling green hills and Bay views.
 
This peaceful neighborhood is also walkable to many bars and restaurants and is home to people of all ages. Not only does Niche rank it one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to raise a family, but it’s one of the best San Francisco neighborhoods for young professionals, too.

 

A residential street in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. A man walks down the sidewalk as nearby trees drop brightly colored autumn leaves.
Lined with bakeries, restaurants, quaint boutiques, and bars, Noe Valley might be the definition of suburbia within a city, if there is such a thing.
(Source: @samantha_lorenzini via Instagram)

13. Noe Valley

Just south of San Francisco’s Mission District, Noe Valley might be the definition of suburbia within a city, if there is such a thing. The heart of this family-oriented neighborhood is along 24th Street, which is lined with bakeries, restaurants, quaint boutiques, and bars. If you end up living in Noe Valley, you’ll most likely be renting an apartment in a stunning Victorian or Edwardian home. Grab a cupcake or fresh loaf of bread at Noe Valley Bakery or nosh on a burger at Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers before a hike up to the top of nearby Twin Peaks.

And if you have school-aged children, you’ll find many A-rated SFUSD schools in Noe Valley, according to Niche, including The New School of San Francisco Elementary; Roosevelt Middle School, with a 17:1 student-teacher ratio; and Lowell High School, ranked No. 10 in the state. (Note: While you’ll still need to use the lottery system, more weight is given to placing students in nearby schools.) There are also plenty of private schools nearby, including the No. 1 Best High School for STEM in both CA and America, The Nueva School. Needless to say, if you’re looking for the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to send your kids to school, this is one of them.

14. Cole Valley

If you want more access to the outdoors, a place in Cole Valley might be the perfect fit for your family. This small neighborhood is nestled near Mt. Sutro Forest, Golden Gate Park, and Twin Peaks. You’ll enjoy a leisurely walk down leafy streets lined with old Victorian homes as you head for morning coffee at La Boulangerie. And even though Cole Valley is the smallest neighborhood in San Francisco, it’s home to one of the best brunch spots, Zazie, which has a line a block long every weekend.

As one Cole Valley resident, Amit Melwani, put it: “At surface level, it’s a quaint little neighborhood for 30 to 40 year olds with strollers and dogs. After a while as a resident, though, you realize how friendly the community is, how locals constantly stop to make conversation with each other passing by or in the cafes, and how the businesses feel really local. Add to that the proximity to Golden Gate Park, Sutro Trails, and Twin Peaks, and it does feel like a secret valley nestled away in a corner of San Francisco.”

Although there are no public schools directly in Cole Valley, there are highly rated schools nearby, both public and private. For example, Claire Lilienthal Elementary, which serves grades K–8, gets an A rating from Niche and is rated 8 out of 10 by GreatSchools. (Again, SFUSD schools are assigned by a lottery system, but students have a greater chance of attending nearby schools.)

 

Passengers wait at a San Francisco trans authority station as a train zips by.
There are so many factors to take into account when picking between the dozens of San Francisco neighborhoods, from public transit access to local schools. 
(Source: @sfmtaphoto via Instagram)

What to Consider When Choosing Among the Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco

Choosing one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to live is a highly personal decision. Think about whether you’d like a quiet, tree-lined street or a bustling hotspot. Do you want to be by the best burritos in San Francisco or by the most iconic row houses? How much does fog (lovingly known as Karl the Fog by San Francisco residents) bother you? How much money are you willing to fork over?
 
There’s a lot to consider when you’re moving to San Francisco, and we hope these questions and answers help you narrow down your choices.

What Does Your Housing Budget Look Like?

San Francisco’s cost of living is nearly 70 percent above the national average, and the city’s single-family homes and condos are so highly coveted, you’ll be hard pressed to find one under a million dollars. If you do find your dream home, be prepared to get in a bidding war with other potential buyers — particularly for homes in the $1 million to $3 million range. While The Marina and Cow Hollow have some of the most expensive average home values on this list of San Francisco neighborhoods, Visitacion Valley and Telegraph Hill have home prices on the lower end of the spectrum, while still being some of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco.

Do You Have a Car?

If you’re taking a car with you to San Francisco, you’re better off living in a neighborhood farther away from the city center. Parking is a bear in many parts of this highly populated city, and plenty of vehicle owners end up circling the block endlessly to find a spot. If you’re taking a car, look at outer areas like the Sunset, Richmond, Cole Valley, Noe Valley, and Bernal Heights.

And, if you’re walking, be warned: While the neighborhoods are friendly for those on foot, be prepared for some steep hill climbs in the City by the Bay — San Francisco is famously home to 48 hills, ranging in altitude from 200 to nearly 1,000 feet.

Where Are You Commuting?

A large number of people who live in San Francisco either commute to downtown’s Financial District or south to Silicon Valley. San Francisco’s transit system — the San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) — is notoriously slow and overcrowded. So think about your personal limit for the number of hours you’re willing and able to spend on MUNI, then choose a San Francisco neighborhood accordingly. 

But if you’re relocating for a job in Silicon Valley, you’ll likely get your own fancy shuttle. Fondly known as “Google buses,” they’re complete with Wi-Fi and designated stops around the city. 

Distant view of Golden Gate Bridge engulfed in fog just after sunset. Downtown San Francisco peaks up above the fog in the distance.
San Francisco neighborhoods are known for their often foggy conditions, and it’s all thanks to “Karl the Fog” — yes, it has a name!
(Source: @onlyinSF via Facebook)

What Type of Weather Do You Want?

San Francisco is known for its microclimates. For example, Dolores Park in the Mission District can be warm and sunny while, just five miles away, freezing fog is blowing its way through the Outer Sunset. Think about how much fog and cold weather you can handle. If the answer is “none,” you may want to consider living in a neighborhood outside the city of San Francisco, like the South Bay or East Bay.

A young girl wearing a school backpack is looking back as she walks into her San Francisco school, holding hands with both of her parents.
Though San Francisco schools operate on a lottery system, Noe Valley and Richmond District are some of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for schools. 
(Source: @sfunified via Instagram)

Looking for Good Schools in San Francisco?

The city tends to attract more singles than families with children, but overall, students at public schools in San Francisco tend to enjoy more success than those at other highly urban school districts across the country.

School rankings still vary significantly across the district, though, and parents will need to do a lot of homework to find the schools that best match their children’s needs and interests. That’s because students are assigned to schools based on a controversial lottery system, meaning there’s no guarantee your child can attend their closest neighborhood school or their top school choice. Although there is more weight given to placing students in schools closer to home. 

On the other hand, you’re not restricted to the schools in your neighborhood, so your child has the chance to “win” a spot in a school that’s highly rated for academics and other special programs in the arts and languages. Sound complicated? It is. Here's where you can start learning more about San Francisco school choice. 

Private schools also have a strong presence in San Francisco, with 118 schools enrolling about 24,400 students — compared to the 56,750 students attending 134 public schools. Besides the expense, you’ll have to vet the private options just as much as the public ones.

Move to San Francisco With PODS

Once you’ve picked your perfect spot in one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco, it’s time to start planning your move. Make it flexible with a PODS portable moving container delivered right to your driveway. Pack and load on your own schedule and, when you’re ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new home in San Francisco. Want a little more time to explore the city before settling on one of these San Francisco neighborhoods? No problem. You can have your container stored in a secure PODS Storage Center for as long as you need. Visit PODS.com for a free moving quote or call 877-350-7637 to speak with a moving pro.

Looking for more San Francisco moving resources? See our related posts here:

Kristin Hanes is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. Her work has appeared in SF Gate, Marie Claire, and Realtor.com, among other publications.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

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