Choosing the best neighborhoods in San Francisco is no easy feat. After all, this hilly city is one of the most in-demand locations in the United States, and it’s easy to see why — San Francisco is known for its fascinating Gold Rush history, its beautiful homes, great restaurants, and easy access to nature.
San Francisco might be especially appealing if you’re planning to pursue a cutting-edge career in “Cerebral Valley,” the new hub of the AI revolution. You won’t be alone; the city’s population is still growing steadily.
If you’re contemplating a move this year, San Francisco beckons with its proximity to Silicon Valley, stunning cityscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. Keep reading for a breakdown of the best San Francisco neighborhoods to consider in your search.
What to Look For in a San Francisco Neighborhood
San Francisco’s booming tech scene, impressive cultural diversity, and reputation for inclusivity make it one of the most popular cities in the world. People come in droves to experience the legendary steep streets and unparalleled access to California’s spectacular wilderness areas.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a city dweller, or a combination of both, San Francisco has the perfect community for you. The city’s neighborhoods are as diverse as its population, making it easy to find one that suits your style.
As you’re exploring the options, here are a few things to look for:
- Commute time: If you’re planning to work in the office, consider looking for SF neighborhoods that are close to your company or public transportation. City traffic can be challenging, and parking is very expensive. The Mission District and SoMa have excellent transit connections. If you work downtown or in the Financial District, consider Nob Hill or North Beach as alternative options.
- Walkability: Though it’s hilly, San Francisco is a great city for walking. If you want to get around on foot, North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill are great options.
- Microclimates: San Francisco is famous for its microclimates — areas that have considerably different weather from neighboring ones. Outer Richmond tends to be cool and foggy, while Haight-Ashbury often has foggy mornings and clear afternoons. For sunshine, Noe Valley and the Mission District are great options.
- Rent or home price: San Francisco has a notoriously high cost of living, which means your budget might play a big role in your choice of neighborhoods. If you’re in the market to buy, you’ll find reasonable home prices — by San Francisco standards, anyway — in areas like Outer Richmond. When it comes to rent, there are deals in every area, including Lower Nob Hill and the Mission District.
Moving to San Francisco for Work?
Since your commute is an important part of living in SF, here are some of the most popular San Francisco neighborhoods for the city’s common industries:
- Tech and software: If you’re in the tech industry, consider Downtown or Potrero Hill for easy access to highways. From SoMa, you can catch the Caltrain to Silicon Valley.
- Tourism: Many hospitality and tourism jobs are located near Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, and Chinatown.
- Arts and culture: North Beach, Mission District, and SoMa are popular hubs for creatives.
- Healthcare: If you’ll be working in the UCSF system, consider areas like Mission Bay, Haight-Ashbury, or Inner Sunset.
Moving to San Francisco in 2025
True to its boomtown heritage, the Golden City attracts millions of visitors and new residents from around the world every year. The city’s population may have been in decline for a significant part of the last decade, dropping by 7.45% from 2018 to 2022, but it’s bouncing back. In fact, the population is expected to grow to 983,000 people by 2030.
Many of these new residents are coming from inside the state. In 2024, California had more relocations than any other state.
“Arguably one of the most influential neighborhoods in the world, Haight-Ashbury holds a significant place in history as the birthplace of the 1960s hippie counterculture movement. Nowadays…it’s home to a diverse community, a progressive population, and a buzzing art scene.”
Part of the resurgence is driven by the Bay Area’s proximity to Silicon Valley, the global epicenter of technological innovation and home to mega-companies like Google and Meta. This tech hub attracts a large number of young professionals looking for lucrative careers — and as AI becomes more popular, job growth is almost certain.
To sweeten the deal, city officials have been cracking down on crime, and SF crime rates are lower than they’ve been in the past 23 years. Car break-ins have dropped by 61%, and property crimes are down 46% since 2017. These changes are reflected in the tourism industry, where hotel bookings are up by 70% for the year.
Facts About San Francisco
Here are some San Francisco quick facts:
- Current population: 873,965
- Cost of living: $5,887 per month for a family of four, excluding rent
- Median home cost: $1,380,500
- Median household income: $126,730
- Highest education level: 11.9% high school, 11.8% some college, 34.7% bachelor’s degree, 25.7% graduate or professional degree
- Common nickname: The City by the Bay
- Famous people from San Francisco: Robin Williams, Ansel Adams, Maya Angelou, Clint Eastwood
San Francisco’s Best Neighborhoods in 2025
The San Francisco Board of Planning recognizes 37 neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm. The best San Francisco neighborhood for you depends on several factors, including your financial situation, interests, family situation, and whether or not you’ll need to commute to work.
San Francisco is incredibly diverse, with a population that comes from all over the United States and the world. Many areas overflow with remnants of the city’s rich and fascinating history, ensuring that you’ll find another interesting sight around every corner. Whether you’re seeking the echoes of a cultural revolution or a family-centered haven filled with things to do and sights to see, San Francisco has you covered.
Here are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to consider moving to in 2025.
North Beach: Classic San Fran Vibes
- Average rent for North Beach: $1,987
- Average home price for North Beach: $1,733,736
- Median income: $98,107
- Population: 9,822
North Beach is home to some of the most iconic history that San Francisco has to offer (including the city’s signature steep hills and cable car lines). It also offers beautiful views of the Bay.
This neighborhood was settled by Italian immigrants in the 1800s, and it’s still home to some of the city’s best Italian-style cafes. You’ll also find a bustling art scene that has inspired artists for generations. In fact, the legendary artists of the Beat Generation spent lots of time in this area. After dark, North Beach comes alive with jazz music and chatter from the local dive bars.
Fisherman’s Wharf: Lively Waterfront
- Average rent for Fisherman’s Wharf: $2,511
- Average home price for Fisherman’s Wharf: $1,527,919
- Median income: $119,892
- Population: 1,821
Located on the water, Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular neighborhood for both tourists and locals. Here, you can take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous Alcatraz prison while savoring the city’s famous (and trademarked) sourdough. Or, join the throngs of visitors to watch the sea lions and enjoy a meal overlooking the water.
This neighborhood, located away from the shore, provides all the amenities of a world-class city. It also has two cable-car lines, allowing for easy travel to other city areas without concerns about traffic or parking.
Russian Hill: Upscale Living
- Average rent for Russian Hill: $2,531
- Average home price for Russian Hill: $1,663,832
- Median income: $168,979
- Population: 13,876
If you’re dreaming of a classic San Francisco Victorian home, Russian Hill is the place to be. This prestigious neighborhood boasts some seriously spectacular homes and some of the best views in the city — all reflected in the property prices.
While Russian Hill is relatively quiet, it’s also home to Lombard Street, affectionately known as the most crooked street in the world. It’s a major tourist attraction, so expect to encounter crowds in that small area.
This neighborhood offers easy transport to the financial districts, Chinatown, and Union Square, making it ideal if you commute to work or want to experience San Francisco’s nightlife.
Nob Hill: Elegant and Historic
- Average rent for Nob Hill: $2,120
- Average home price for Nob Hill: $1,399,478
- Median income: $113,315
- Population: 13,682
Located next to beautiful Russian Hill, Nob Hill is another of the best neighborhoods to live in San Francisco. Historic and eye-catching, it offers some of the best standards of living you’ll find anywhere in the city.
In Nob Hill, you’ll find opulent mansions, historic buildings, luxury hotels, and panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. It’s an idyllic setting if you’re looking for elevated living experiences for families and professionals alike. Getting to other parts of the city is a breeze, which makes commuting easier. You can even take the famous Cable Cars up and down the steep streets.
Marina District: Family-Friendly Charm
- Average rent for Marina District: $3,162
- Average home price for Marina District: $1,768,852
- Median income: $214,983
- Population: 12,955
Ready to settle down? The Marina District is the best neighborhood in San Francisco for raising a family. Boasting scenic views of nature, the cityscape, and the Bay, it’s a beautiful place to call home, with plenty of outdoor attractions, and has a crime rate well below the California average.
A significant part of the Marina District’s charm comes from its proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge and Marina Green Park, a perfect spot for family outings. The area also offers excellent shopping and dining options, featuring a variety of retail outlets, cafes, and restaurants.
Haight-Ashbury: A Hipster’s Paradise
- Average rent for Haight-Ashbury: $2,884
- Average home price for Haight-Ashbury: $1,554,600
- Median income: $182,785
- Population: 4,891
Arguably one of the most influential neighborhoods in the world, Haight-Ashbury holds a significant place in history as the birthplace of the 1960s hippie counter culture movement. Nowadays, this centrally located neighborhood is home to a diverse community, a progressive population, and a buzzing art scene. It’s also home to Amoeba Records, a music store that frequently hosts live shows.
Haight-Ashbury has both bustling and residential areas, giving you plenty of options. The area is close to major thorough fares, and it offers a mix of modest apartments and larger homes, making it ideal for budgets of all sizes.
Outer Richmond: Peace and Quiet
- Average rent for Outer Richmond: $2,352
- Average home price for Outer Richmond: $1,544,242
- Median income: $133,573
- Population: 31,125
Looking for a neighborhood where you can relax? Outer Richmond stands out as a hidden gem with its residential atmosphere. There are plenty of families in the area, and you’ll often see parents with kids out for a walk or bike ride. It’s also a great spot to look for a home if you want a bit of backyard space — something that’s not easy to come by in San Francisco.
Situated on the western side of the city, the area features scenic views and plenty of outdoor attractions. It’s a few blocks away from Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park, as well as the Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museum and the historic Sutro Baths.
Support For Your San Francisco Move
Once you choose the best neighborhood in San Francisco for your needs, it’s time to get ready for the move. Here are some things to consider:
- Budgeting: Costs can be high in San Francisco and throughout California. As you determine a budget, it might be helpful to understand the average cost of relocating to California.
- Packing: Make sure to check the list of things that are illegal to bring into California — you might be surprised by some of them. (Leave your citrus plants and fruits behind!)
- Scheduling: While the weather in SF tends to be relatively moderate year-round, winters are generally quite wet. As you plan a moving date, the drier summers might be a better option. However, fog is more common in the summer.
- Moving: Whether you’re planning a local relocation or a long-distance move to San Francisco, you’ll probably need some support. The city’s steep hills and notoriously tight parking are best navigated by professional movers.
At HireAHelper, we make it easy to find and book trustworthy movers in San Francisco. Use our handy online system to compare moving companies based on your budget, schedule, and unique needs.
Here are three top-rated options:
- MovingZoom: Average rate is $190 per hour for 2 movers. “The movers were prompt, friendly and professional. Got down to business and took care to move my heavy furniture up the stairs without scuffing the new paint, banisters or new flooring. 100% would use again.” Jennifer S.
- ABC Movers: Average rate is $120 per hour for 2 movers. “Very professional. They were conscientious of preserving not just the items they were moving but the apartments they were moving things in and out of. Great communication, too.” Brandon L.
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With San Francisco’s AI boom and recent decline in crime, the city is primed for a resurgence. No matter where you end up in San Francisco, you’re sure to find a neighborhood you’ll be proud to call home.