San Francisco’s vibrancy, style, eclectic architecture, and iconic landmarks have made it the home of generations of dreamers, who literally changed the world. From the Beat Generation in the 1950s to the hippies in the 1960s to Steve Jobs who founded Apple in the 1970s, the Bay Area has always been a hotbed of innovation and change.
Today, San Francisco is home to more residents of millennial age (between the ages of 22 and 37) than any other age group. These young professionals are drawn to the city because of the job opportunities, amazing weather, and the plethora of things to do.
These millennials settle into neighborhoods closest to their place of work, in picturesque areas with lots of local shops, or in historic nooks and hilly neighborhoods dripping with charm.
What ere are these neighborhoods? Here are a few of the best:
- Russian Hill
If there’s a place that embodies the charm and iconoclastic vibe of San Francisco, it’s Russian Hill. Sitting on top of the city’s highest hills with the crookedest street in the world (Lombard), Russian Hill lies close to the Financial District. In fact, you can take San Francisco’s quintessential cable cars to work. Everything one could want is available in this neighborhood, including shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Marina
This neighborhood is vintage, elegant, and beautiful. Marina is located on the site where the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition was held. All the buildings from that expo were demolished to make way for this neighborhood, except for the Palace of Fine Arts, which has become an exquisite landmark. For those who love to run or walk in the morning, Marina Green Park is perfect for that. And, you won’t be alone. Many residents take a morning jog before heading to work.
This 5-bedroom custom home in Cow Hollow was sold earlier this year. It has 5 bedrooms and sweeping views of the Bay. For other homes in Cow Hollow, contact real estate expert Nina Hatvany here.
This is a more affluent part of town that has become popular with millennials. The main thoroughfare, Union Street, is filled with Pilates studios, chic fashion boutiques, wellness centers, beauty salons, and juice bars. In addition to wine lounges and sports bars, you’ll find Italian bistros and fine dining restaurants. As you might guess from its name, it was once land for grazing cows.
- Mission Bay
Mission Bay is considered by many to be the best place to live in San Francisco. Its beautiful waterfront allows residents to enjoy bonfires, barbecues, and picnics. You’ll find many parks, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. With a population of approximately 10,000, the neighborhood is not at all crowded, which makes it even more attractive to buyers.
- Pacific Heights.
Pacific Heights is known for the notable people who live there. It’s an affluent area in a park-like setting. Pacific Heights has incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Presidio, and the Palace of Fine
- Castro District
Castro District was among the first LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in America and came to the forefront during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it remains a hub of activism and a symbol of queer liberation. This district offers tons of amenities to millennials, including the historic Castro Theater, which screens not only new movies, but classics from days gone by.
- South Beach
South Beach borders Mission Bay, a neighborhood for those who want to live in luxuriously modern apartments. The neighborhood also borders the sea, making it scenic and breezy. Plus, there are plenty of trendy clubs, cafes, boutiques, and shops.
- Telegraph Hill
This cozy neighborhood of only about 4,500 residents has modern housing and shady trees. Coit Tower is perched at the top of Telegraph Hill, which is a much quieter neighborhood than nearby North Beach. It’s known for the beautiful gardens that run to Levi Plaza from Filbert Street. It’s also home to red-masked parakeets, which people are prohibited from feeding.
More than most cities, San Francisco hosts some of the most distinctive neighborhoods in the US. Every area is different, with features that are entirely its own.
Before deciding which neighborhood works best for your lifestyle, take everything into account – the population, amenities, housing costs, employment opportunities, and commute times. Think, too, of your own long-term goals.
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If you want to live in the San Francisco neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, contact Nina Hatvany’s team of real estate experts. They represent some of the most desirable single-family homes, condos, and townhouses in the city’s best neighborhoods. Their professionalism and data-driven approach to home buying have earned glowing testimonials from their clients. To take advantage of their expertise, call 415.710.6462 or email nina(at)ninahatvany(dotted)com.