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Source: Realtor (June 2024)
One of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods, Nob Hill offers a unique blend of historic charm and urban sophistication. It packs world-class dining, timeless architecture, and breathtaking views in less than one square mile. Live large in a small and close-knit community — Nob Hill, San Francisco homes for sale offer every imaginable luxury for those who can get a foot through the door.
Welcome To Nob Hill
Sitting on top of a hill with an elevation of 376 feet, the neighborhood offers some of the most spectacular views of the Bay, sunset, and city skyline. The California Street Cable Car traverses the neighborhood and travels past landmarks like the Grace Hotel, giving Nob Hill a postcard-perfect charm that’s hard to resist.
Residents enjoy easy access to verdant parks and a fantastic selection of bars, specialty coffee shops, and award-winning restaurants. With a combination of sleek hotels and historical buildings that hark back to the Gold Rush, the community occupies a liminal space between the past and the present.
Once home to the railroad barons, Nob Hill is a wealthy and desirable area that appeals to professionals, families, and everyone in between. Located in the northeast section of San Francisco, the neighborhood extends from Van Ness to Powell Street and Broadway to Bush Street. Its convenient location provides easy access to the Financial District, Union Square, and other trip-worthy neighborhoods.
Nearby neighborhoods
- Russian Hill lies north of Nob Hill and is known for quirky landmarks such as Lombard Street as well as a row of restaurants, designer boutiques, and gorgeous homes on quiet and leafy streets. Inquire about homes for sale in this nearby neighborhood
- Fisherman’s Wharf is another signature San Francisco neighborhood just north of Nob Hill. Known for bustling Jefferson Street and scenic Pier 39, this community is best loved for its red brick factory buildings and steaming plates of Dungeness crab. Inquire about homes for sale in this nearby neighborhood
- Chinatown offers an eclectic mix of locally owned art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques set amidst a charming backdrop of Contemporary and Asian architecture. It offers vibrant living in a central location. Inquire about homes for sale in this nearby neighborhood
- The Financial District/Embarcadero is a stunning waterfront neighborhood east of Nob Hill. With iconic SF landmarks such as the Ferry Building and the F line streetcar, this area offers stylish living with farmers markets, trendy restaurants, and swanky bars and hotels. Inquire about homes for sale in this nearby neighborhood
A brief history of Nob Hill
As one of the most exclusive enclaves of San Francisco, Nob Hill has long been home to the upper crust. The area dates back to the Gold Rush era, with industrialists bringing cable cars and building ostentatious mansions on the top of the picturesque hill at the turn of the 20th century.
Formerly known as California Hill for the street that went over the area, the neighborhood purportedly gets its present-day name from the word “nabobs,”or slang for prominent men. This term would eventually be shortened to “nob” over time. These nabobs referred to the” Big Four” or the founders of the Central Pacific Railroad – Mark Hopkins, Collis P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, and Leland Stanford – who famously built part of America’s first transcontinental rail line.
The 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed much of the neighborhood. Fortunately, the Flood Mansion and the Fairmont Hotel survived the devastation as did the granite walls surrounding the larger mansions. As developers rebuilt the area, modern hotels bearing the names of the Big Four would replace the opulent homes that once stood on top of the hill.
Today, Nob Hill combines Old World elegance and characteristic San Francisco charm with modern luxuries. Sleek hotels and exciting new businesses stand alongside vintage barbershops and mom-and-pop eateries. The neighborhood retains its gilded legacy even as it welcomes new residents that bring a hip and bohemian vibe to the place. Nob Hill, San Francisco homes for sale are some of the most sought-after properties in the city.
Nob Hill Real Estate
While Nob Hill real estate will always be associated with the mansions that once crowned its lofty heights, it offers an array of modern options that are no less spectacular than their predecessors. Buyers will find historic homes with Victorian and Gothic-style architecture along with lavish high-rises and apartment buildings. The most coveted homes in the area offer dazzling views of the cityscape and surrounding scenery.
Nob Hill, San Francisco homes for sale are highly exclusive and rarely come on the market, particularly detached homes. However, there is a thriving market with high-end condos, tenancy-in-common (TIC) units, townhomes, and apartments for those who want to live in this desirable neighborhood.
Because of its central location, Nob Hill is a densely populated neighborhood with a leisurely but unmistakably urban feel. High-rise towers, low-rise residential buildings, and boutique apartment communities line its steep and narrow streets. The neighborhood gets busier as you get closer to Polk Street, which is jampacked with retailers, dive bars, and restaurants.
Where to live in Nob Hill, San Francisco
Nob Hill typically refers to two areas.
- Nob Hill Proper is bordered by Russian Hill to the north; Chinatown to the east; Pacific Heights to the west; and the Tenderloin neighborhood to the south.
- Lower Nob Hill refers to the southern portion of the neighborhood. The area between Nob Hill and Tenderloin is generally referred to as Tendernob.
Nob Hill Proper is more closely associated with the neighborhood’s prestige though Lower Nob Hill offers a hipper environment and vibrant nightlife.
Nob Hill, San Francisco homes for sale bring residents close to dining and retail on Polk Street; offices in the FiDi, and the cultural venues of Chinatown. Its location makes it perfect for anyone who wants to experience the best that San Francisco has to offer.
Famous homes in Nob Hill
- The Stanford Mansion. The Second Empire-style mansion was built in 1857 for entrepreneur Shelton Fogus and purchased by Leland Stanford, founder of Stanford University and co-owner of the Central Pacific Railroad. The opulent home had 50 rooms and spanned over 41,000 square feet on the corner of California and Powell Streets.
- The Crocker Mansion. Central Pacific Railroad and Wells Fargo co-owner Charles Crocker owned a 25,000 square-foot mansion in Nob Hill. Designed by famed San Francisco architect Samuel Charles Bugbee, the extravagant home featured Neo-Classical and Second Empire architectural elements.
- The Colton/Huntington Mansion. General David Colton, a co-founder and chief lawyer for the Central Pacific Railroad, had a two-story Italian-style villa built in 1872. Collis Huntington purchased the mansion from Colton’s widow and had it renovated to accommodate sumptuous banquets. The property stood on present-day Huntington Park SF.
- The Hopkins Mansion. Central Pacific Railroad co-founder Mark Hopkins gave his spouse Mary Sherwood free reign in the design of their mansion, which features a combination of several architectural styles. The property was donated to the San Francisco Art Association (known today as the San Francisco Art Institute) after her passing. It was destroyed in a fire following the 1906 earthquake.
Gain access to Nob Hill, San Francisco homes for sale with the help of local experts. Get in touch with Team Hatvany for more information on exclusive listings and more.
Life In Nob Hill
Nob Hill residents enjoy a high quality of life with countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, entertainment, and education. From lounge bars and Michelin-star restaurants to offbeat shops and galleries, the neighborhood offers many diversions from the daily grind.
Schools
Nob Hill values education and the community is coveted for its reputable schools:
- Spring Valley Science Elementary School. This school offers an engaging environment with a curriculum that puts the emphasis on science, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving for young learners.
- Redding Elementary School. The school serves a vibrant and diverse group of students from all over the city. It offers quality education in the interest of student empowerment, equity, and social justice.
- The Cathedral School for Boys. This independent school’s Nob Hill campus is situated in a historic part of the neighborhood, creating a picturesque and dynamic learning environment for young students.
- L’Academy Preschools. The school helps children reach their full potential through language immersion. It helps facilitate social and emotional development for infants, toddlers, kindergarteners, and preschoolers.
Parks and outdoor spaces
- Huntington Park SF encompasses 1.3 acres and is surrounded by Grace Cathedral and the Fairmont and Mark Hopkins Hotel. The park features a children’s play area and a fine replica of the famed Fountain of the Turtles in Rome.
- Helen Wills Playground is situated between Nob Hill and Russian Hill. It provides access to a boardwalk, children’s play area, clubhouse, sports courts, and gorgeous landscaping.
Attractions and entertainment
- The Cable Car Museum harbors a fantastic collection of historic cable cars that once traversed San Francisco. It also features mechanical displays, photo exhibits, and a gift shop offering an array of souvenirs and merchandise. Located in San Francisco’s cable car barn and powerhouse, it pays tribute to the nation’s first moving National Historic Landmark.
- Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church is a French Gothic cathedral that overlooks Huntington Park. Known for its spires and stained glass windows, the cathedral is open for interactive and self-guided tours. Guests can explore its modern and Chartres-style labyrinths; view an Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ; and browse an eclectic collection of religious and secular art.
- Polk Street can make a casual stroll feel like a memorable experience – the colorful and vintage storefronts are a visual treat. Historic masonry buildings such as 1033 Polk Street are a sight to behold while the Frank Van Trees-designed Maple Hall was once home to the city’s greatest dance hall.
Dining and drinks
San Francisco boasts of having the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. From fine dining and international cuisine, to food trucks and farm-to-table restaurants, Nob Hill residents are spoiled for choice.
The Big Four evokes Nob Hill’s Gilded Age with mahogany panel walls, leather upholstered chairs, and killer cocktails for your next bar crawl. Harris’ Steakhouse is known for its dry-aged porterhouse, martinis, and live jazz music while the Swan Oyster Depot is a well-loved hole-in-the-wall serving rare specialties like crab back and cherry stones.
Explore Nordic cuisine at Sons & Daughters, which offers exquisitely plated meals made of sustainably sourced produce and ingredients. Let The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar transport you to the Polynesian Islands in style – lauded by Anthony Bourdain, this Fairmont Hotel bar offers Asian fusion cuisine, tropical cocktails, and a live band playing from a boat.
Nightlife and events
The SF Masonic Auditorium, also known as the Nob Hill Masonic Center of San Francisco, has been entertaining San Franciscans for over 50 years. This historic venue opened its doors to the public in 1958 and hosts internationally renowned artists throughout the year. It is the place to be for concerts, shows, and live performances, The Masonic features 74,023 square feet of flexible meetings and exhibition space that can accommodate up to 3,000 guests.
Polk Street is a two-mile stretch lined with some of the most exciting bars and clubs in San Francisco. Envisioned as an upscale commercial strip for the city’s affluent families, Polk Street was the site of the first official San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 1972.
Its southern section, Polk Gulch, has retained much of its grit and character, and is home to a diverse selection of shops and restaurants. The north end of Polk Street is glossier and more refined with nightclubs, vintage consignment stores, antique shops, and restaurants serving Thai, Vietnamese, French, and Italian.
This bustling thoroughfare cuts through Nob Hill, Russian Hill, and Tenderloin. It only gets busier at night – Green’s Sports Bar is the go-to spot for game night with its flat screen TVs, beers, and meat sandwiches. Cinch Saloon has been throwing wild parties since 1974 with its Wild West decor and Star Wars memorabilia. Aunt Charlie’s Lounge in nearby Tenderloin is renowned for its epic dance parties, live DJ sets, and drag shows.
Enjoy late night dinner and drinks at the acclaimed Lord Stanley, a bistro serving Asian-inspired dishes, French desserts, wine on tap, and low-proof cocktails. Blind Pig is a speakeasy serving spicy cocktails and Asian snacks amidst convenience store-inspired decor.
Retail
Polk Street offers a wide array of retail options, including designer boutiques, home decor stores, gourmet food shops, and pharmacy store chains. Picnic offers a curated selection of clothing, jewelry, accessories, artisanal chocolates, and other sundries. Moody Goose Vintage carries an assortment of 90s and 2000s-era jeans and leather jackets courtesy of vintage curators and craftspeople. LeBeau Market is a deli and grocery store selling fresh produce, quality meats, gourmet sandwiches, and small batch cold brew coffee.
For luxury retail and designer brands, visit nearby Union Square Plaza. From Chanel and Hermes, to Anthropologie and Sephora, this modern shopping mall has it all. It is also anchored by high-end department stores like Nordstrom and Saks Off Fifth for some serious retail therapy.
Find Nob Hill, San Francisco homes for sale with Team Hatvany. Our team turns the home buying experience in a dynamic housing market like San Francisco into the pleasant and life-defining experience it was always meant to be.
Team Havatny brings over 60 years of combined experience to the negotiating table. We are dedicated to helping buyers and real estate investors gain access to exclusive and rare listings.
Under the leadership of Nina Hatvany, Paul Kitchen, Natalie Kitchen, and Vanessa Kitchen, the brokerage helps you maximize your return on investment and enjoy the intangible pleasures of finding the perfect home in one of the world’s greatest cities.
Feel free to schedule a private consultation today. You may contact Team Hatvany at 415.710.6462 or send an email.