If you’re thinking about moving to the Bay Area but have no idea where to start, you need to read this.
With 89 different neighborhoods, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why today, we’ll be diving into the nitty-gritty details of living in San Francisco—everything from neighborhoods to transportation and amenities, even the best schools!
You’ll find over 20 years of knowledge in a quick 7-minute read. How does that sound?
Where to Live in San Francisco
San Francisco has 89 neighborhoods, and each one is unique!
So, finding the best place for you is all about your lifestyle and budget. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Now that we’re aware of this, why don’t we break down some of the best neighborhoods to choose from?
South Beach, Mission Bay, and South of Market (SoMA) are perfect for anyone who needs an easy commute to Downtown. They’re home to newer condos and apartments with amenities like gyms and roof decks – plus, the weather is generally sunnier!
Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, Hayes Valley, Potrero Hill, The Castro, and Noe Valley offer a mix of colorful Victorians and modern homes. They also feature lots of local shops and restaurants, which gives them a unique identity.
Forest Hill, West Portal, Richmond, and Mission Terrace are more about that residential and suburban vibe while still being accessible from Downtown via public transit. You’re more likely to find larger single-family homes here.
Clarendon Heights, West Portal, and Miraloma Park are known for their excellent public schools. Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, Lake Street, and The Marina are also very close to many private schools.
Everyone loves to talk about San Francisco’s microclimates for a good reason! Each area in the city has different weather thanks to many factors, like how high up it is or how close it gets to the Bay.
Don’t let the fog scare you off; it can be beautiful at night!
Generally, the neighborhoods closer to the ocean, like Sunset and Richmond, tend to be foggier and cooler. The central and eastern parts of the city enjoy sunnier and warmer weather—this is where you’ll find Noe Valley and Mission.
Here’s a pro tip: Visit neighborhoods at different times of day and in various weather conditions! This way, you’ll get an authentic feel of what it’s like to live there.
The Golden City is not only a tech hub but also a great place for all professionals to find the life of their dreams! Keeping this in mind, where you live will also depend on your work.
Traffic in San Francisco tends to frighten many people. But in reality, it’s all a matter of learning how to move around the city.
Flatter neighborhoods like Pacific Heights, The Marina, Cow Hollow, Hayes Valley, North Beach, Inner Sunset, Cole Valley, and Noe Valley are incredibly walkable. Commuting by foot is also an incredibly unique and relaxing experience!
If you’re somewhere flatter, commuting by foot is a breeze
On the other hand, the city also has a well-developed public transit system with BART and Muni trains and buses. If you’re commuting Downtown, look for neighborhoods along the BART line.
Finally, for anyone looking to commute to Silicon Valley, living somewhere near the 101 or 280 freeways or a Caltrain station is a must.
Welcome to one of my favorite sections! Living in San Francisco means you’re never far from world-class dining, stunning outdoor spaces, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
So, let’s take a brief look at some of the amazing things that come with living here.
Want to visit more places? Land’s End and Crissy Field make for some beautiful waterfront hikes.
Of course, we still need to discuss the elephant in the room: What does housing in San Francisco look like?
The city’s median home price is $1.7M, which is quite pricey yet expected for the Bay Area. It’s hard to find a home in an excellent area for this median price, but it’s definitely not impossible.
And speaking of styles, San Francisco’s diversity in architecture is to die for. Classic and Victorian homes are landmarks, full of ceiling medallions and wainscotting. Most of these are renovated while keeping their original charm.
If you want something more modern and full of high rises, then areas like South Beach and Mission Bay are for you. These offer condos with every modern amenity you can think of – floor-to-ceiling windows, gyms, roof decks, and much more.
Other styles include iconic Marina homes, which are obviously found in Marina and other parts of the city. I also love Spanish-Mediterranean homes, which you can find in Forest Hill or St. Francis Wood.
For more in-depth knowledge about San Francisco’s beautiful styles, you can’t skip out on reading this.
Homes in San Francisco are as diverse as our people!
San Francisco is diverse, not just in its neighborhoods but within them. Focus on your lifestyle priorities – what kind of home fits your style and budget, how you want to spend your time, and where you’re going to work.
If you want to get started on your real estate journey ASAP, make sure to email us at hello@ruthkrishnan.com or text 415-735-5867 for custom guidance!
The best weather is usually found in central and eastern neighborhoods like Noe Valley, The Mission, Potrero Hill, SoMa, and South Beach. These areas are sunnier and warmer compared to the foggier and cooler western neighborhoods like Sunset and Richmond.
We’ve all heard of the city’s infamous fog, especially in neighborhoods closer to the ocean. The mist can roll off the sea and linger for days, making these areas cooler.
So, if you prefer colder weather, these neighborhoods are perfect—and they usually offer more for your money!
For families, check out neighborhoods like Glen Park, Bernal Heights, and Miraloma Park are great options.
Glen Park has a bit of that “village” feel with good schools and parks. Bernal Heights is family-friendly, with a mix of quaint homes and modern renovations. Miraloma Park, on the other hand, has larger homes and good schools.
Right now, the market is pretty competitive, and homes are selling really quickly. Be ready for bidding wars!
To work your way around this, get help from an experienced local agent who can help you navigate the market and access off-market listings. For more information, make sure you email me at hello@ruthkrishnan.com or text 415-735-5867!
