Renowned for the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is a medley of picturesque hills, museums, and theaters.
The city is also Northern California’s financial, commercial, and cultural hub and is home to over 800,000 people. People from all over the world have embraced San Francisco as their home, thanks to the city's economic potential and quality of life.
Zeroing in on the best places to live in San Francisco can be daunting, given the wide range of options. While the median sale price of $1,515,000 is high, there are desirable neighborhoods to match most lifestyles.
This guide explores the best neighborhoods in San Francisco, what makes them so appealing, and the cost of living so you can make an informed decision. We’ll also delve into the fun things to do in San Francisco and the top restaurants in each neighborhood.
Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco
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Financial District
Dominated by striking skyscrapers and peppered with financial institutions, corporate headquarters, law firms, and insurance companies, the Financial District is always bustling and packed with all the modern facilities and amenities you might desire. It is one of the best places to live in San Francisco Bay Area if you are partial to high-rise living and unforgettable waterfront views.
History buffs will delight in a visit to the Ferry Building or Pacific Heritage Museum, or you can catch an exhibition at the Exploratorium. Union Square is the hotspot for shopping in the Financial District, while Gateway Theatre promises tons of entertainment.
Median Sale Price: In the Financial District, you can primarily choose from a wealth of high-rise buildings. The median sale price is $1,380,000. While high, it is worth the conveniences you enjoy daily and is affordable compared to some other San Francisco neighborhoods.
Transportation: The Financial District is also among the best neighborhoods in San Francisco because of its walkability. The public transport system is robust with the area being served by Light Rail (K, M), BART (Blue, Red), a cable car, and buses 1X, 12, 14R, 5R, and 38R.
Best Food Places: If you are looking for the best Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, this neighborhood boasts Sohunan, known for authentic Hunan cuisine. Fang, Yank Sing, and Henry’s Hunan Restaurant are other popular options. Wayfare Tavern is known for American fare while Tadich Grill serves delectable seafood.
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Castro
Vibrant, diverse, and iconic, Castro is among the best places to live in San Francisco for young professionals with a progressive outlook. Castro is the proud home of LGBTQ+ communities, has a rich history of activism, and hosts amazing Pride parades.
And when it comes to fun things to do in San Francisco, Castro has plenty to offer. Watch a film or catch a musical show at the Castro Theatre, head to the Detour bar, Beaux, or The Café to experience the area's exciting nightlife, visit art galleries, go on walking tours, and admire the murals in the neighborhood.
Median Sale Price: From Gothic and Victorian to Mission, Queen Anne, and Tudor Revival, the houses in Castro flaunt various architectural styles. The median sale price here is $1,650,000.
Transportation: Castro is an excellent area for walking or riding a bike and boasts decent public transport. You can opt for Light Rail (K, L, M), BART (Blue, Yellow, Red), or buses numbered 37, 33, 24, K BUS, and L OWL.
Best Food Places: Castro offers many choices when it comes to the best Italian restaurant in San Francisco. While Poesia serves delicious dishes in an upscale setting, The Sausage Factory is known for affordable Homestyle dining. For pizza, head to Marcello’s.
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Fisherman’s Wharf
If a picture-perfect life is what you seek, Fisherman’s Wharf is undoubtedly among the best places to live in San Francisco Bay area. From breathtaking views of the waterfront, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island to high-end shopping outlets, upscale eateries, and museums, there is something for everyone here.
When you are not working, you can enjoy a bay cruise, step inside a luxury boutique, meet sea lions at Pier 39, or grab a (sourdough bread) bowl of clam chowder from one of the many stalls in the neighborhood.
Median Sale Price: As one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco with endless entertainment options, Fisherman’s Wharf commands a high median sale price of $2,200,000. You can usually pick from townhomes, single-family homes, and condos.
Transportation: The Wharf is easy to navigate on foot, and the public transport system is reliable. You can take the ferry service at Pier 41 or hop on buses numbered 28, 39, 114, 132, or 8BX. Light Rail (F) and BART (Red, Yellow) serve the region, too.
Best Food Places: Some of the best restaurants in San Francisco, especially those specializing in fresh seafood, are in Fisherman’s Wharf. For a classic affair, consider Scoma’s Restaurant. If you want something upscale, head to Fog Harbor Fish House. Pier Market Seafood Restaurant has a relaxed vibe and offers exceptional bay views.
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Mission District
Famed for its vibrant street art, Latino roots, live music clubs, and craft cocktail bars, Mission District is one of the most artistic, hip, and best neighborhoods in San Francisco.
The area's name is inspired by Mission Dolores, a Spanish-Californian mission built in 1776. If you are looking for fun things to do in San Francisco, the district is peppered with gourmet ice cream parlors, taco stands, and tattoo joints that add to its eclectic vibe.
On weekends, a visit to Dolores Park can rejuvenate you in no time. Laze around and soak in the sun, picnic with friends, play with the kids or admire mesmerizing city skyline views from here. If you enjoy shopping, check out the trendy boutiques in the neighborhood as well.
Median Sale Price: Many houses in the Mission District boast a charming Edwardian, Victorian, Elizabethan, or Tudor architectural style. You can choose from apartments, single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. The median sale price is $1,282,500.
Transportation: BART (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green) and buses 12, 14, 14R, 33, and 49 serve the neighborhood. Besides a solid public commute system, Mission District is highly walkable and bike-friendly.
Best Food Places: The neighborhood has multiple options if you are looking for the best Italian restaurants in San Francisco. For an upscale dinner, visit Flour + Water. The simple yet warm Bottega and Beretta Valencia (serving a contemporary menu) are more affordable eateries.
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Russian Hill
Russian Hill is among the best places to live in San Francisco if you love scenic views, quaint vibes, and peace.
It is primarily known for Lombard Street, a super crooked affair with hairpin bends. Living in this neighborhood means enjoying the sight of popular city landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.
The presence of old-world and modern bars and restaurants ensures you are always relaxed and satiated. On the other hand, navigating the narrow streets and steep stairs in the area can keep you in shape. There are also beautiful parks and chic boutiques to explore.
Median Sale Price: Russian Hill has a wide array of elegant properties from townhomes to single-family homes to condos. You will find villas and penthouses as well. Though the median sale price is slightly higher at $1,775,000, it presents great living options and strong real estate investment opportunities.
Transportation: As far as public transport goes, your options in Russian Hill include the cable car (PH), BART (Red, Blue, Yellow), and buses numbered 30, 28, 49, 132, and 114. The neighborhood is also excellent for walking around.
Best Food Places: If you are searching for the best Chinese restaurant in San Francisco that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, try Lai Hong Lounge in Russian Hill. Authentic fare and a quaint ambiance are the key attractions here. Palette Tea House offers an upscale experience. Serafina and Seven Hills serve classic and farm-to-table Italian dishes.
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Duboce Triangle
As the name suggests, this neighborhood is triangular and surrounded by Mission District, Castro, and Haight-Ashbury and Market Street is nearby.
If you are looking for fun things to do in San Francisco with a family, Duboce Park, with its Scott Street Labyrinth and basketball courts, will surely appeal.
The neighborhood is also near Buena Vista Park, which has a tennis court, walking trails, and a playground. Consider visiting Corona Heights Park for its playground, community garden, and the Randall Museum. Duboce Triangle also boasts well-regarded schools.
Median Sale Price: The area’s median sale price is $1,774,000. You can pick from condos, flats, and single and multi-family homes.
Transportation: Getting around the neighborhood on foot or by bike is relatively easy. You can also hop on one of the buses numbered 7, 22, 37, F, and FBUS. Light Rail (L, K), BART (Red, Yellow, Blue), and Muni Metro also serve the area.
Best Food Places: Duboce Triangle is where you will find some of the best restaurants in San Francisco. Want to relish traditional French dishes in a cozy setting? L’Ardoise Bistro is perfect for that. Wooden Spoon is a stylish brunch restaurant serving cocktails, while Starbelly is the go-to place with an outdoor patio for California-inspired dishes.
Which of the Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco is for you?
The best places to live in San Francisco offer stability, safety, and potential prosperity—whether you are in love with the views and seafood restaurants of Fisherman’s Wharf, the convenient and high-rise lifestyle of Financial District, the unique terrain of Russian Hill, or the eclectic cultural landscape of Mission District.
While the city can be expensive, the culture, art galleries, cruises, boutiques, bars, and the best restaurants in San Francisco can make up for it in more ways than one.
FAQs
What are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for bay views?
The Financial District and Fisherman’s Wharf are the best places to live in the San Francisco Bay Area because they offer incredible views.
Which neighborhood has the best Italian restaurant in San Francisco?
The following are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for Italian fare:
- Castro: Poesia, The Sausage Factory, Marcello’s Pizza
- Mission District: Flour + Water, Bottega, Beretta Valencia
- Russian Hill: Serafina, Seven Hills
What are the best places to live in San Francisco if my budget is under $1,500,000?
Neighborhoods like the Financial District or Mission District can suit tighter budgets.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for young people?
Mission District, Castro, and Financial District are great options for young professionals, thanks to their many bars, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping hubs, and theatres. If you have a family, though, consider the Duboce Triangle.
