What’s not to love about the neighborhoods in San Francisco? A good number of people fall in love with the City by the Bay for its remarkable architecture, world-renowned food scene, innovative tech industry, and vibrant culture.
If you’re looking for homes for sale in San Francisco, here are some of the best neighborhoods to put down roots.
The Mission
Settled by immigrants from various parts of the world, the Mission is now home to many up-and-coming professionals in the tech industry. The neighborhood today is a showcase of San Francisco’s transformation over the decades, with designer shops and upscale restaurants standing alongside classic taquerias, Victorian and Edwardian houses, and vintage apartments that are no more than four or five stories high.
Dolores Park, the heart of the neighborhood, is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor time. You can camp out, exercise, practice yoga, and bask in the sun amid green open spaces.
Hayes Valley
If there’s one word to describe Hayes Valley, it’s hip. Many young professionals looking for luxury apartment buildings and condos in San Francisco choose Hayes Valley. It’s a centrally located neighborhood lined with boutiques, high-end shops, dessert places, top-rated restaurants, and neighborhood bars.
Hayes Valley also captures the laidback, urban lifestyle sought by millennials today. The area has a community garden, an urban park, and an array of eclectic art galleries that will satisfy anyone’s need for leisurely activities.
Haight-Ashbury
There’s more to Haight-Ashbury than the infamous “Summer of Love.” From the 1960s to 1970s, this neighborhood was the epicenter of flower power and the counterculture movement, attracting famous residents like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Grateful Dead.
The neighborhood today has retained much of its hippie ambiance, with vintage shops, tattoo parlors, organic restaurants, and picturesque Victorian-era homes – including the famous Painted Ladies on Postcard Row – rounding up the vibrant and eclectic vibe.
Pacific Heights
“Pac Heights” is the Beverly Hills of San Francisco. This ritzy neighborhood, also known as Billionaire’s Row, features elegant Victorian homes with enviable views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
Similar to other classic San Francisco neighborhoods, Pacific Heights boasts hilltop parks where you can go for a quick outdoor respite. The neighborhood’s Lyon Street Steps is perfect for a scenic cardio workout with unparalleled views of the bay and, if the weather permits, of Alcatraz Island beyond.
Presidio Heights
Presidio Heights is nestled between Laurel Heights and the Presidio of San Francisco, a stunning 1,500-acre park that once served as a military base. Living in Presidio Heights gives you the best access to all the recreational options offered by The Presidio, including a golf course, over 24 miles of trails, and a vast expanse of scenic open space where you can simply spend time in nature.
Presidio Heights provides a tranquil respite from the bustle of the Bay Area. The homes here include elegant mansions with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay, as well as converted luxury Colonial Revival buildings that were once the home of military officers.
The Financial District
San Francisco’s Financial District is best known for its skyscrapers that house some of the most luxurious condos and the biggest businesses in the world. If you’re buying a condo in the Bay Area, this is one of the first places to look. At the heart of this highly cosmopolitan landscape is a thriving cultural scene that captures many of the Bay Area’s most colorful periods in history.
The district, specifically the area now occupied by Chinatown, is the birthplace of the city. Within the present-day neighborhood is the famous Dragon Gate, the iconic entrance to Chinatown where you’ll find the Chinese Culture Center, a must-visit attraction for art, festivals, and cultural and educational experiences.
Other famous San Francisco landmarks in the Financial District are the Columbus Tower, constructed in 1907, and the Wells Fargo Museum, which highlights San Francisco’s Gold Rush era.
Marina District
Marina District is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in San Francisco – and for good reason. The neighborhood is close to many of the Bay Area’s top attractions, including Crissy Field, Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Palace of Fine Arts. In addition, the Marina District is also surrounded by the vast green spaces of the Presidio, the Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason, and Marina Green. It also features a host of excellent restaurants, bars, and other urban amenities
Nob Hill
Nob Hill combines historic architecture with a fast-paced urban lifestyle. The neighborhood is home to stylish restaurants, shops, and cafes, as well as Victorian homes and mansions, luxurious hotels, and San Francisco’s famous hilly streets. Other attractions include the Gothic-style Grace Cathedral, Le Beau Market, and the neighborhood hub, Huntington Park. The buzzing nightlife at Polk Street is just a half mile away.
If you’re searching for homes and condos for sale in the Bay Area, Compass real estate agent Nina Hatvany and Team Hatvany are more than happy to assist you. Reach out to the team at 415.710.6462 or send an email to team(at)teamhatvany(dotted)com.