Best neighbourhoods in San Francisco (and places to avoid)

The best places to live in San Francisco

With dozens of areas and suburbs in San Francisco to choose from, there are many options when it comes to finding the right neighbourhood to call home. Whether it be for its architecture, closeness to nature or a cosmopolitan crowd, freshly arrived house hunters are sure to find their ideal home in an area best suited to their needs and lifestyle.

Family-friendly suburbs in San Francisco

For those moving to San Francisco with children, it will be a priority to be close to good schools. Suburbs with access to open spaces and facilities that cater for children are an added bonus.

Inner Sunset

Inner Sunset is a relaxed, family-friendly neighbourhood on the western side of San Francisco. With its proximity to Golden Gate Park, residents enjoy easy access to playgrounds, green spaces, and cultural attractions such as the California Academy of Sciences.

The area has a welcoming atmosphere, and there are a number of public and private schools nearby. You'll enjoy the local shops, cafés, and farmers' markets, while the neighbourhood’s walkable and bike-friendly streets make daily life convenient. Inner Sunset is well connected to the rest of the city by Muni Metro Light Rail and bus services, meaning you can enjoy the calm of suburban living without sacrificing convenience.

Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is a leafy suburb in the East Bay Area of San Francisco. With its green open spaces, sports fields, and facilities for extracurricular pursuits, it's well known for being a family-friendly area.

There is a strong sense of community in Walnut Creek, with a number of good public and private schools in the area. The suburb is linked to San Francisco by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and bus. There are also a number of bike lanes and trails for cycling enthusiasts.

Novato

Novato, located in the North Bay region of San Francisco, is another great area for expats with children. There are numerous good public schools in the area, as well as several private schools. Novato has an abundance of parks and museums, so there's plenty for families to do. There is also a growing number of chic eateries and boutique fashion stores in the area.

Young and trendy areas in San Francisco

SoMa, a trendy area in San Francisco

San Francisco is popular with young people starting careers in the area's famous tech hub, and it has some excellent living options for those who want to be close to the hustle and bustle of the Golden Gate City.

SoMa

South of Market, or SoMa as it is more commonly known, is one of the largest neighbourhoods in San Francisco. The area is dotted with trendy clubs, software headquarters, bars, and eateries. It is also close to the Museum of Modern Art.

SoMa’s proximity to the city centre makes it perfect for those who prioritise being close to work, and its massive residential blocks and warehouse conversions are popular with young professionals in San Francisco. There is easy access to major highways and public transport – the convenience is another reason why this area is so popular.

Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley is a lively neighbourhood in central San Francisco. With its boutique shops, art galleries, and stylish cafés, it is a hotspot for young professionals and creatives. The area is well known for its vibrant nightlife and lifestyle, making it one of the city’s trendiest districts.

Regular street fairs, pop-up markets, and public art contribute to a sense of community in Hayes Valley. The neighbourhood combines modern urban energy with a welcoming atmosphere, attracting residents who enjoy a dynamic lifestyle.

Bernal Heights

Full of colourful Victorian-style houses and often referred to as an urban village, Bernal Heights has become popular with artists, young families, and single professionals because of its affordable properties and bohemian charm. The area is brimming with quaint cafés, trendy boutiques, and innovative eateries, and there are also regular markets for you to enjoy.

There are many accommodation options available in the area, ranging from small studios to larger family homes with gardens.

Luxury living in San Francisco

Luxury houses in Noe Valley, San Francisco

On average, rental prices in San Francisco are among the most expensive in the US. Although rent in the city is generally steep, for those who want the very best, San Francisco boasts plenty of upper-class neighbourhoods.

Noe Valley

Noe Valley is one of the most sought-after and prosperous suburbs of San Francisco. Many dot-com millionaires have chosen to call the area home, and it is filled with upscale bistros, boutiques, and cosy bookshops.

The hills that surround the valley give the area a feeling of being removed from the city's urban chaos. Properties in Noe Valley are predominantly low-rise Victorian houses, contributing to the area's historic charm.

Sea Cliff

For those who want the best sea views in the city and are willing to pay for it, Sea Cliff is the ideal location. In fact, Sea Cliff is the only neighbourhood in San Francisco that touches the ocean at Baker Beach and China Beach.

As well as being close to the ocean, residents of Sea Cliff live in close proximity to Lands End, which is part of the Golden Gate National Park. Sea Cliff is also close to a number of San Francisco’s top international schools.

It is an immaculate residential suburb of freestanding properties, boasting a distinct Mediterranean feel. The properties are large and luxurious and generally come with impressive gardens and swimming pools. Rental properties are sought after in Sea Cliff, and you may find it difficult to secure an apartment here, especially during the summer months.

Pacific Heights

Pacific Heights is one of San Francisco’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. With sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, it has long been home to the city’s elite. Upscale restaurants, designer boutiques, and elegant cafés line its streets, adding to the area’s classy atmosphere.

The neighbourhood’s grand Victorian and Edwardian mansions, alongside modern luxury residences, give Pacific Heights a distinctive architectural charm. Its elevated position offers a sense of exclusivity and calm while remaining close to the city’s cultural and commercial centre.

Areas to avoid in San Francisco

By and large, San Francisco is a safe city. No matter where you end up living, you're unlikely to fall victim to violent crimes. Nevertheless, some areas are less desirable than others due to a somewhat higher incidence of theft-related crimes and, in some cases, the noticeable presence of vagrants.

Tenderloin, located in downtown San Francisco, is one such neighbourhood, particularly the area south of the Civic Center. It may be necessary to pass through Tenderloin on the way to attractions such as Union Square, Market Street, or Nob Hill – doing so is fine during the day, but the area is best avoided at night.

The Mission District is an area that does not need to be completely avoided but should be approached with caution. Some parts of this neighbourhood have vibrant murals, making it well worth a daytime visit, but it's best to stick to the West Side, towards Castro. The eastern side of the Mission can be unsafe, particularly at night.

Where do expats recommend living in San Francisco?
"It all depends on where you're working/frequenting. If your job is on the peninsula or in the city I wouldn't recommend living anywhere in East Bay because you will hit a mountain of traffic every day both ways just on the bridge over and back. If you need something cheaper than the inner city, go for South San Francisco, Milbrae, and parts of Daly City are not too bad."
Read more about Aussie expat Katherine in her interview on the expat life in San Francisco.

Are you an expat living in San Francisco, CA?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to San Francisco, CA. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.

Areas and suburbs in San Francisco