The Best San Francisco Neighborhoods in 2024

While San Francisco made news for its mass exodus during the pandemic, the city is once again reclaiming its status as a metropolitan epicenter alongside a surge of techies in “Cerebral Valley,” the new hub of the AI revolution.  

Over the course of 2022, San Francisco saw the second-biggest worker population gain in the U.S. as people returned to the city. And heading into 2024, it doesn’t look like things are slowing down.

If you’re contemplating a move this year, San Fran beckons with its proximity to Silicon Valley, stunning cityscapes, breathtaking natural beauty, and happening cultural scene. Keep reading for a breakdown of the best San Francisco neighborhoods to consider in your search.

Moving to San Francisco in 2024 

True to its boomtown heritage, the Golden City attracts millions of visitors and new residents worldwide every year thanks to its vibrant culture, exciting nightlife, epic restaurants, and stunning views of the Bay. 

But as if that weren’t enough, the Bay stands in close communion with Silicon Valley — the global epicenter of technological innovation and home to mega-companies like Google and Meta. This proximity draws hordes of young professionals to the area in search of lucrative and lustrous careers, and that number will likely only increase with the upward trajectory of AI. This constant influx of the world’s brightest minds means world-class educational institutions and amenities for everyone to enjoy.

San Francisco Quick Facts

• The San Francisco metropolitan area has a population of 715,000, and the greater San Francisco area is home to 3,328,000 people. 
• The cost of living in San Francisco is a little under $6,000 per month for a family of four — without accounting for rent. This makes San Francisco one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. with a cost of living that’s 75% higher than the U.S. average. 
• The median listing price for a home in San Francisco is about $1.3 million, while the median sale price is a little higher at about $1.4 million in 2023, down 2.3% from the previous year.
• San Francisco boasts excellent schools, with the Palo Alto School District — the top-ranked in all of California — just a short drive away. 

San Francisco’s Best Neighborhoods in 2024

The San Francisco Board of Planning recognizes 36 neighborhoods, each community offering its own unique charm. And where you should live depends on several factors, including your financial situation, interests, family situation, and whether or not you’ll need to commute to work.

 

“The Marina District is the best neighborhood in San Francisco for raising a family. With a violent crime rate less than 50% of the California average, the area exudes safety.”

 

But, 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 Fran has you covered.

Here are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to consider moving to in 2024.

North Beach & Fisherman’s Wharf: Classic San Fran Vibes

• Average rent for North Beach: $2,500 for a 1-bedroom place
• Average home price for North Beach: $1 million
• Average rent for Fisherman’s Wharf: $3,005 for a 1-bedroom place
• Average home price for FIshmerman’s Wharf: $.2.2 million

North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf are two separate but adjacent neighborhoods in northeast San Francisco. Not only is this part of town 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) but it also offers beautiful views of the Bay.

North Beach is home to many historic Italian-style cafes as well as a bustling art scene that has inspired artists for generations. To complement the cool vibes of North Beach is the picturesque hustle and bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can take in views of Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous Alcatraz prison while savoring the city’s famous (and trademarked!) sourdough.

Nob Hill & Russian Hill: Upscale Living 

• Average rent for Nob Hill: $2,800 for a 1-bedroom place
• Average home price for Nob Hill: $1.2  million
• Average rent for Russian Hill: $3,123 for a 1-bedroom place
• Average home price for Russian Hill: $1.5 million 

Another pair of adjacent neighborhoods, Nob Hill and Russian Hill, boast some of the best standards of living you will find anywhere on Earth, which is reflected in their steep property prices.

In Nob Hill, you’ll find opulent mansions, historic buildings, luxury hotels, and panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas, making it an idyllic setting for those who desire elevated living experiences — for families and professionals alike. 

 

“The median listing price for a home in San Francisco is about $1.3 million, while the median sale price is a little higher at about $1.4 million in 2023, down 2.3% from the previous year.”

 

Russian Hill is home to picturesque Victorian-era buildings winding up its streets. You’ll also find Lombard Street, affectionately named the most crooked street in the world. 

Both neighborhoods offer easy transport to the financial districts, Chinatown, and Union Square, making them ideal for those who regularly commute to work or partake in San Francisco’s nightlife.

Marina District: Family-Friendly Charm

• Average rent: $3,250 for a 1-bedroom place
• Average home price: $2.2 million

Ready to settle down? The Marina District is the best neighborhood in San Francisco for raising a family. With a violent crime rate less than 50% of the California average, the area exudes safety. Boasting scenic views of nature, the cityscape, and the Bay, it’s a beautiful place to call home with plenty of outdoor attractions. 

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 has excellent shopping and dining opportunities with various retail outlets, cafes, and restaurants. 

Haight-Ashbury: A Hipster’s Paradise

• Average rent: $2,600 for a 1-bedroom place
• Average Home Price: $1.8 million

Arguably one of the most influential neighborhoods in the world, Haight-Ashbury holds a spot in the history annals as the birthplace of the hippie counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Nowadays, this centrally located neighborhood is home to a diverse community, a bustling art scene, and serious hipster vibes — and is still home to Ameoba Records, a physical music store that often holds live shows. It’s close to major thoroughfares, and the area offers both modest apartments and larger homes, making it amenable to budgets of all sizes.

Outer Richmond: Budget-Friendly

• Average rent: $2,400 for a 1-bedroom place
• Average Home Price: $1.5 million 

Looking to save a buck? Outer Richmond stands out as a hidden gem with its wallet-friendly rents and more reasonable cost of living. But just because this neighborhood is easier on your pocketbook doesn’t mean it doesn’t have plenty to brag about.

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.

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As if San Francisco didn’t already have a ton to offer to new residents, with the recent boom in artificial intelligence, it’s poised for an exciting post-pandemic resurgence. No matter where you end up in San Francisco, you’re sure to find a neighborhood you’ll be proud to call home.