Looking for real estate in San Francisco? The City by the Bay is one of the best places to live on the West Coast and one of the top cities to invest in an Airbnb! Whether you’re looking for a quieter neighborhood or one right on the water, these are the five best San Francisco neighborhoods for homebuyers.
Castro
- Home Price: $1,067,308 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 9% of San Francisco neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
San Francisco is well-known for being extremely LGBTQ-friendly, and the Castro neighborhood in particular is considered a “Gay Mecca” by people all over the world due to its status as one of the first gay neighborhoods in the world! The Castro is the epicenter of gay culture and activism in the Bay Area, and perhaps even the entire United States. People of all ages are drawn to living in this close-knit community by its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes and condos, array of magnificent public murals, excellent local restaurants and bars, and exciting neighborhood events—like the Castro Street Fair every fall! The Castro also offers the historic F-Market & Wharves Streetcar to get to Fisherman’s Wharf, as well as easy access to Downtown San Francisco and other areas via bus and light rail routes through SFMTA.
Things to Do in Castro
Catch classic movies, new blockbusters, film festivals, live comedy shows, and more at a historical venue that’s being renovated and will reopen in 2025—The Castro Theatre. Visit the first stand-alone LGBTQ museum in the country to see exhibitions like Queer Past Becomes Present, a large piece of the original eight-color rainbow flag, and attend events like Author Talks at the GLBT Historical Society Museum. Hop in to the cafe for a cup of coffee, attend fun events throughout the year such as drag shows and holiday potlucks, and see pieces by local artists in the gallery at the Castro Country Club, the neighborhood’s “safe and sober community center.” Work out in the gym or play volleyball, softball, tennis, and more at the Eureka Valley Recreation Center. Begin the day with a Brazilian breakfast like Cheese Waffles, an Acai Smoothie, or Pao de Queijo from Cafe de Casa. Munch on French bites such as the Omelette Blanche, Salade Poulet, or a Jambon Gruyere sandwich at Le Marais Bakery. Snag a seat on the patio to enjoy Puree of Carrot Soup, Pizza Margherita, or a Fresh Ground Angus Beef Burger at Starbelly. Or order Fries With Dips and a Berry Zito or The Human Torch cocktail at Hi Tops, a popular gay bar full of gym decor.
Noe Valley
- Home Price: $1,714,572 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of San Francisco neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for a safe, quiet neighborhood in the heart of the Bay Area? Noe Valley is popular with everyone from singles and young professionals to families and retirees, thanks to its mix of urban and suburban life. The area is very walkable and bikeable, with a sunnier, warmer climate than many other SF neighborhoods due to the nearby Twin Peaks hills blocking the fog! Victorian, Italianate, and Edwardian homes line lovely streets, and residents enjoy quite a few amenities within walking distance—including high-quality schools, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and grocery stores. On top of that, Noe Valley is also a favorite for foodies, with many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and wine and cheese shops located in the neighborhood—as well as a food-based bookstore called Omnivore Books on Food!
Things to Do in Noe Valley
Play indoor or outdoor pickleball, take a class like Zumba or yoga, and bring your dog to run around at Upper Noe Recreation Center. Chase your kids through the jungle gym, or play basketball or tennis at Douglass Playground. Climb the stairs to have a picnic with gorgeous views of the entire neighborhood atop Billy Goat Hill. Check out books, audiobooks, and magazines, or see classic and modern movies during monthly film afternoons at Noe Valley Branch Library. Wake up to a Morning Bun with a Buddha Tea, Flat White, or Cappuccino from Noe Cafe. Try Greek dishes such as Avgolemono Soup, Spanakopita, or Moussaka at Novy Restaurant. Sample French-inspired recipes including Chicken Cordon Bleu and the Artisanal Salumi Plate with a glass of red or white at Noeteca Wine Bar. And satisfy your sweet tooth with a Currant Orange Scone, Peach Financier Tartlet, or Salted Caramel Cake from Noe Valley Bakery.
Outer Sunset
- Home Price: $1,023,558 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 97% of San Francisco neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
One of the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco, Outer Sunset attracts all kinds of people with its terrific public transportation, fun things to do, and top-notch schools like Francis Scott Key Elementary School and St. Ignatius College Preparatory School! Known for tons of beach access, exquisite ocean views, and gorgeous sunsets, Outer Sunset is a coastline neighborhood with numerous Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and Spanish Colonial Revival homes to choose from. This neighborhood sits right by the Pacific Ocean and is part of the larger Sunset District, which is made up of several neighborhoods—including Inner Sunset, Golden Gate Heights, and Parnassus Heights. Along with the neighboring Richmond District, this area of San Francisco is often called The Avenues, due to its easy navigation—with numbered streets that run north to south, and alphabetized street names running from east to west.
Things to Do in Outer Sunset
Hunt for seashells, fly a kite, brave the currents and cold water for some surfing, or build a nighttime bonfire at Ocean Beach. Go tandem paragliding, take lessons, and buy your own equipment at Paragliding San Francisco. Play ping pong and tennis or sign your kids up for after-school programming at the Sunset Rec Center. Browse the shelves, join the book club, and attend events such as magic shows and creative workshops at Ortega Branch Library. Order a House Espresso, Snowy Plover, or Cappuccino to go from Andytown Coffee Roasters. Sink your teeth into a Shortbread Shark Cookie, Donut Muffin, or Quiche Slice at Devil’s Teeth Baking Company. Make it a great night with casual Italian dishes including Herbed Chicken Wings, Radiatore Alla Vodka Diavolo, and NYC Style Pepperoni Pie at Fiorella Sunset. Or grab a cone of Strawberry Marble or Caffe Latte, or buy a pint of Non-Dairy Oreo or Rainbow Sherbet to take home from Polly Ann Ice Cream.
Pacific Heights
- Home Price: $1,749,956 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of San Francisco neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Pacific Heights is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for families due to its safety ratings, tranquil feel, and high-ranking schools like San Francisco Public Montessori and San Francisco Waldorf Grade School! This chic neighborhood is also one of the most prestigious in the City By the Bay. Though this makes it more expensive, the neighborhood’s breathtaking views of San Francisco, well-maintained parks, and beautiful homes—available in styles like Victorian, Mission Revival, and Art Deco—make it worth it for many residents. Since Pacific Heights is one of the largest San Francisco neighborhoods, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and famous architecture to admire, such as Atherton House and Spreckels Mansion. And with all the schools, businesses, and foreign consulates in the area, there are various job opportunities in and around Pacific Heights!
Things to Do in Pacific Heights
Walk all the way up to get a workout, enjoy the manicured landings, and see impressive views of the San Francisco Bay and Palace of Fine Arts dome from the famous Lyon Street Steps. Run around the playground with your kids, bring your dog to play fetch, and throw a frisbee at Alta Plaza Park. Browse collections including children’s books, periodicals, and Chinese and Russian language materials, or bring your little ones to Storytime: For Toddlers at Presidio Branch Library. Step back in time to learn the history and art of cars and see 42 rare vehicles, including Jaguars, Cadillacs, and Alfa Romeos, at the Academy of Art University Automobile Museum. Start your day with Peanut Butter Banana Toast or the Quiche of the Day with a Macchiato at Jane on Fillmore. Consider Mediterranean dishes such as Spinach & Feta Fillo, Chicken Pomegranate, or Beef Kafta Kebabs at La Mediterranee. Feed the whole family with Margherita or Carbonara Pizzas with a side of Crostini from Pizzeria Delfina. And grab signature cocktails like the Tanghulu, classics such as a Martini, or a glass of wine or beer in a cozy atmosphere inside or outside at The Snug.
Parkside
- Home Price: $1,182,169 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of San Francisco neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Want to move to San Francisco but don’t want live in the heart of the action? Like Outer Sunset, Parkside is located on the western edge of the city in the Sunset District—right alongside the Pacific Ocean. Residents enjoy easy beach access and large green spaces, including Carl Larsen Playground and Pine Lake Park—and the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens and Lake Merced are nearby for additional fun things to do! This SF neighborhood is desirable for all ages because it’s peaceful, pet-friendly, and boasts lovely condos, stucco houses, and cottages—which are excellent as-is or if you’re looking for a San Francisco remodeling project. Parkside is also home to some great schools such as Dianne Feinstein Elementary School, Abraham Lincoln High School, and San Francisco State University just south of the neighborhood border.
Things to Do in Parkside
Fly a kite and bring your kids to the playground all year round, or attend free outdoor concerts at the Stern Grove Festival during the summer at Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove. Chaperone your kids while they play in the water feature and sandbox, and stroll through the community garden at Parkside Square. Splash around for fun, swim laps for a workout, or take swimming lessons at Sava Pool. Learn Irish-American history in the library, sign the kids up for Irish instrument lessons like bodhran and fiddle, and attend a number of lively annual festivals at the United Irish Cultural Center. Refuel with the Irish Breakfast or Joe’s Scramble and a side of Home Fried Potatoes at New Taraval Cafe. Chill out with a Turkey Cranberry Sandwich, Asian Chicken Salad, and Espresso Con Panna from Lou’s Cafe. Munch Chinese favorites including Seafood Noodle Soup, Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings, and Shanghai-Style Chow Mein at Dumpling Kitchen. Or enjoy great Latin American dishes like Jamon & Queso Empanadas, Churros, and more with Mexican Soda at Chalos.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
