16 Best Neighborhoods In San Francisco: A Guide

San Francisco's cable cars don't just connect streets—they tie together the city’s history! For example, the Powell-Hyde line takes you from bustling Union Square through charming Nob Hill, with its classic architecture, and all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf, where fresh seafood and ocean views await. Each neighborhood on the route gives you a slice of San Francisco’s past and present, all wrapped up in a single ride. If you are planning to visit or move to this city, we have made things simpler for you by providing a list of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco.

16 Best Neighborhoods In San Francisco

Each of San Francisco's neighborhoods, be it Chinatown or Cow Hollow has its own charm and appeal. Whether you're captivated by the history of Pacific Heights, the artistic vibe of The Mission or the elegance of Nob Hill, San Francisco offers something for everyone. Let's dive into the list of best neighborhoods in San Francisco that truly make this city a hidden treasure, for all kinds of people.

1. Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the safest and best neighborhoods in San Francisco because of its proximity to the waterfront and some great tourist attractions nearby. Staying in this San Francisco neighborhood will automatically put you near the nightlife and an array of restaurants. This neighborhood is known for having a variety of seafood restaurants, and you will find a few fishermen too! 

For students, Fisherman's Wharf offers safety, waterfront access, and proximity to attractions. However, it's known for tourist-oriented, potentially pricey seafood restaurants. If affordability is a concern, consider 524 Columbus Residences in North Beach, a popular choice for student housing in San Francisco neighborhoods. Students can make use of a variety of amenities and services at this student housing. There are many things to do across San Francisco neighborhoods. 

Here are a few things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf:

1. Visit Pier 39 and watch the sea lions basking in the sun

2. Dive into the underwater world at the Aquarium of the Bay. 

3. Treat yourself to Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista

4. Go on a cruise and enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Facts about Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Located 1.5 miles from downtown SF, accessible by car or cable car.
Affordability: The average meal cost is $20-30, offering budget-friendly seafood options.

2. Chinatown

Smell the temple incense, hear the mahjong tiles, and feel the culture in this neighborhood in San Francisco. Chinatown is probably the second-most visited neighborhood in San Francisco, right behind Fisherman's Wharf. It's not hard to convince yourself that you're actually in China if you let your thoughts wander while walking down a street in Chinatown. Bohemian boarding housing and upbeat hostels can be found in the Chinatown neighborhood. 

While it's a must-visit neighborhood, Chinatown can offer affordable student accommodation like bohemian boarding housing and lively hostels. Students can explore off-campus student housing options, including Broadway Residences and Nob Hill, each with various amenities like laundry facilities and high-speed internet access.

Here are a few things to do in Chinatown:

1. Taste the delicious dim sum, dumplings, and Peking duck at restaurants.

2. Witness the dragon dances and cultural festivities of the neighborhood.

3. Visit Tin How Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in the United States.

4. Savor your favorite cookie at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

Facts about Chinatown in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Easily accessible via public transit, with bus and subway options.
Affordability: Wallet-friendly dining with an average meal cost of $10-$15.

3. North Beach

North Beach is San Francisco’s “Little Italy” and is not that far from Chinatown. This is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco and is identified by red, white, and green flags on lamp posts. You will find a rising number of gelato stores, Italian cafes, and bohemian bars which makes it one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco! Most people rent their housing in North Beach, giving the neighborhood a dense urban vibe.

The cost of living in San Francisco can be high, but North Beach is comparatively affordable and one of the nicest neighborhoods in San Francisco. North Beach Residences - 371 Columbus, San Francisco, and 1449 Powell Residences, San Francisco, are two popular neighborhoods nearby. Both houses have fully furnished rooms and CCTV monitoring to ensure the safety of their residents. Students can choose from studios, ensuites, and non-en suite accommodations with various amenities.

Here are a few things to do at North Beach:

1. Start your journey by visiting Washington Square Park.

2. Book lovers should not miss City Lights, an iconic independent bookstore.

3. Take a short walk to Coit Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Facts about North Beach in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Walkable district in the heart of San Francisco, with no need for a car.
Affordability: Average meal costs around $15-20, offering value and flavor.

4. Russian Hill

Russian Hill is one of the nicest places to live in California and is located in San Francisco. This is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for students, as there are numerous bars, eateries, coffee shops, and parks. Russian Hill is a more sedate and one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco, known for its relaxing strolls and the infamously twisted part of Lombard Street.

Here are a few things to do at Russian Hill:

1. Explore Ghirardelli Square for chocolate treats.

2. Visit George Sterling Park for panoramic views of the city.

3. Walk through Macondray Lane to get away from the city's hustle and bustle.

Facts about Russian Hill in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Easily reachable by car, with parking options.
Affordability: The average meal costs approximately $20-25, delivering taste without the splurge.

5. Pacific Heights

Home to many renowned mansions, including “Mrs. Doubtfire”, Pacific Heights is the place to go if you want to see affluent or Victorian mansions. It offers some of San Francisco's most pleasant weather, as well as stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and other San Francisco landmarks.

Pacific Heights, San Francisco, is a district that represents the city. With its historical and vibrant Victorian houses, it reflects the city you see in movies. It's a fun area to shop in as well, with both locally-owned stores and high-end brands with a worldwide following. However, students can find a variety of housing options in nearby districts, through student housing platforms like amber.

Here are a few things to do in Pacific Heights:

1. Relax in Alta Plaza Park.

2. Visit the Lyon Street Steps, a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts.

3. Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Facts about Pacific Heights in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Served by multiple bus lines, making it accessible for commuters.
Affordability: Average meal cost ranges from $25-40, offering upscale dining options.

6. Marina District

The Marina District is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco as there are numerous bars, eateries, coffee shops, and parks in this area. The Marina District in San Francisco is a lovely bayside community. The Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, and the Palace of Fine Arts are just minutes away from this location. The former U.S. Army outpost Fort Mason, which borders the Marina on one side, is a terrific place to go on a Friday night to eat at the truck food shops.

Here are a few things to do in Marina District:

1. Stroll or bike along the Crissy Field.

2. Explore the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture.

3. Savor a meal at one of the Marina District's many restaurants and cafes.

Facts about Marina District in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Bike-friendly area with bike lanes, perfect for eco-conscious travelers.
Affordability: Enjoy meals at an average cost of $20-30, a blend of taste and value.

7. Nob Hill

Due to its abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants, shops, galleries, and cultural organizations, hosting some of the best universities in San Francisco, Nob Hill is a popular luxury destination in San Francisco. One of the original "Seven Hills" of San Francisco inspired the area's naming. One of San Francisco's wealthiest and safest neighborhoods is Nob Hill. The majority of popular areas can be reached on foot, and there are a tonne of restaurants and bars nearby. 

Northeastern University and the San Francisco State University are 10 minutes away from Nob Hill, making it one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco. Students can choose to stay in Dakota Hotel, San Francisco, and Post Street, San Francisco; both of these student housing have fully furnished rooms and are close to many universities.

Here are a few things to do at Nob Hill:

1. Visit the Cable Car Museum.

2. Explore Grace Cathedral, an impressive Gothic-style cathedral.

3. Enjoy a meal or drink at the historic Fairmont Hotel.

Facts about Nob Hill in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Convenient cable car access to explore historic and scenic views.
Affordability: Average meal cost hovers around $30-40 to upscale your dining experiences.

8. Downtown

Downtown offers all the modern conveniences, including megaplexes, upscale hotels, first-run theaters, malls, and art galleries. Because of the large number of offices in the area, the downtown area is also referred to as the "financial district," or "FiDi." High-end restaurants are primarily renowned for being located downtown, although neighborhood lunch spots serve office employees.

If you're looking for student housing downtown, 221 7th Street Residences (SOMA), San Francisco, 1080 Folsom Residences (SOMA), San Francisco, and Downtown San Francisco Apartments, San Francisco, are good options. The facility offers students fully equipped rooms and 24-hour building security with utilities included.

Here are a few things to do at Downtown:

1. Shop until you drop at Union Square.

2. Art enthusiasts can spend hours at SFMOMA.

3. Relax in the Yerba Buena Gardens.

Facts about Downtown in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Well-connected by subway and bus lines which makes city exploration a breeze.
Affordability: The average meal cost is $15-25, catering to various budgets.

9. Castro

We couldn’t miss this area when talking about the best neighborhoods in San Francisco. This area is for you if you've ever desired to live in one of the proudest LGBTQ+ communities in the United States. Despite how far away from downtown attractions the Castro appears on a map, it is actually simple to get to because of the numerous transportation options that connect it to the area, including the high-speed metro lines that run from Castro Station under Market Street. The University of San Francisco and the University of California, San Francisco, are just 10-15 minutes away from the area. 

Here are a few things to do at Castro:

1. Catch a movie or enjoy a special event at the Castro Theatre.

2. Pier 15 offers interactive science exhibits.

3. Join a guided LGBTQ+ history walking tour at Castro.

Facts about Castro in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Accessible via streetcars, as it is connected to the heart of the neighborhood.
Affordability: The average meal cost is around $15-20, offering value in a vibrant setting.

10. Sunset District

Golden Gate Park can be easily accessed through this neighborhood. It has several gorgeous tiled stairs, little parks, and breathtaking hilltop views. Its 5,709 square miles make it the largest and best neighborhood in San Francisco. Due to the multiple avenues in this area, it is frequently referred to as The Avenues. The three areas of Central Sunset, Outer Sunset, and Inner Sunset are particularly popular with people relocating to San Francisco due to the city's numerous employment options. Find more student housing in San Francisco on our accommodation page. 

Here are a few things to do at Sunset District:

1. Head to Ocean Beach, watch the surfers or simply relax there.

2. Visit attractions like the Japanese Tea Garden, the California Academy of Sciences, and the de Young Museum.

3. Don’t miss the Stern Grove Festival during the summer months.

Facts about Sunset District in San Francisco neighborhoods:

Transportation: Well-served by bus routes, ensuring convenient commutes.
Affordability: Average meal cost hovers at $15-25, delivering value in every bite.

11. Presidio Heights

Presidio Heights is a calm and upscale neighborhood, one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco, known for its beautiful homes, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere. Residents have convenient access to beautiful trails, golf courses, and the Presidio Wall Playground, all of which are nearby. The area is filled with charming boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and family-friendly spots.

Here are a few things to do in Presidio Heights:

1. Walk along Lover’s Lane in the Presidio.

2. Dine at the renowned restaurants on Sacramento Street.

3. Enjoy a picnic at the nearby Julius Kahn Playground.

Facts about Presidio Heights:

Transportation: Easily accessible by car and public transit, with scenic routes throughout.
Affordability: Higher-end area with dining options averaging $30-50 per meal.

12. Inner Sunset

Located near the popular Golden Gate Park, Inner Sunset is a cozy and welcoming place to live in San Francisco. Widely known for a wide range of eateries, and coffee shops, residents get to enjoy a variety of cuisines at the popular international restaurants. Offering quick access to some of the most popular tourist attractions and green spaces makes this the best area to stay in San Francisco. Residents will come across an active and diverse community in this best neighborhood in San Francisco. 

Here are a few things to do in Inner Sunset:

1. Visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

2. Explore the cafes and restaurants along Irving Street.

3. Walk or bike through Golden Gate Park.

Facts about Inner Sunset:

Transportation: Well-served by the Muni light rail, offering easy access to downtown.
Affordability: Mid-range dining with meals around $15-25, great for those seeking variety without breaking the bank.

13. Hayes Valley

If you’re someone artsy, Hayes Valley is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for you! Offering a blend of a strong culinary scene, stunning art galleries, and boutiques, this hub is one of the nicest areas in San Francisco for creative minds. One can come across gorgeous street art, pop-up cafes, and Patricia’s Green (community park). 

Here are a few things to do in Hayes Valley:

1. Shop at local boutiques and artisan stores.

2. Grab a treat from a local patisserie or coffee shop.

3. Relax in Patricia’s Green, a central park space with public art.

Facts about Hayes Valley:

Transportation: Accessible by Muni and BART, making it easy to get around.
Affordability: Dining options vary, with most meals ranging from $15-35 depending on the venue.

14. Glen Park

A perfect blend of natural beauty, and family-friendly atmosphere, Glen Park is a calm neighborhood in San Francisco that offers small-town charm. This best neighborhood in San Francisco is a hidden gem with a strong sense of community and convenient access to Glen Canyon Park, a lush expanse with trails, rock climbing, and scenic views. Glen Park, with its quaint shops and cozy eateries on Diamond Street, is ideal for those looking for a slower pace in the city.

Here are a few things to do in Glen Park:

1. Hike through Glen Canyon Park for scenic views.

2. Enjoy the local eateries on Diamond Street.

3. Visit the Glen Park Library, a neighborhood staple.

Facts about Glen Park:

Transportation: Well-connected via BART and Muni, ideal for commuting.
Affordability: Affordable dining with average meal prices around $10-20, fitting for casual outings.

15. Bayview

Bayview is a diverse San Francisco neighborhood with a rich history and a thriving arts community located in one of the best parts of San Francisco. Bayview is a lively and one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco that celebrates cultural diversity through colorful street murals and community-driven events. The Bayview Opera House serves as a historical landmark, hosting events and promoting local talent. The area also has several scenic spots along the Bay Trail that offer beautiful views and fresh air.

Here are a few things to do in Bayview:

1. Visit the Bayview Opera House for local arts and performances.

2. Walk along the scenic Bay Trail.

3. Explore local breweries and pop-up markets.

Facts about Bayview:

Transportation: Served by Muni buses, making it accessible to other parts of the city.
Affordability: Known for affordable eateries with meal prices ranging around $10-20, offering a great mix of flavors.

16. Bernal Heights

Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and community spirit, Bernal Heights is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco. Bernal Heights Park offers an incredible and breathtaking view of San Francisco from its peak. Similarly, Precita Park is a popular green space for families and picnics, these two are well-known attractions in the area. Cortland Avenue is the main hub here, with charming shops, cafes, and weekly farmer's markets.

Here are a few things to do in Bernal Heights:

1. Hike up Bernal Heights Park for panoramic views of San Francisco.

2. Browse the shops and cafes along Cortland Avenue.

3. Visit Precita Park for a picnic or leisurely stroll.

Facts about Bernal Heights:

Transportation: Accessible by Muni with easy routes to downtown.
Affordability: Moderate dining costs, with meals averaging around $15-25, perfect for relaxed dining and local flavors.

Students can live in neighborhoods of San Francisco because it is lovely and secure. With so many universities located close to the best neighborhoods in San Francisco, you are bound to have a productive and enjoyable stay in the city. We hope this guide has helped you pick a neighborhood among the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for you.