Top neighborhoods to live in San Francisco

Are you having trouble figuring out where to live in San Francisco? With the dozens of neighborhoods that make up the 49 square miles of the city, deciding can be difficult. It can help to make a list of your wants and needs. For instance, do you need to be close to public transit or a secure parking spot? Do you want a neighborhood that is walkable, has many parks or is close to the water’s edge? This can be the first step towards finding the best place to live in San Francisco.

Once you narrow your list down to a handful of neighborhoods it’s time to find the perfect home. Companies, like Blueground, offer turnkey apartments in the best neighborhoods of San Francisco. Without worrying about buying furniture, and other moving logistics, you can settle into your home right away. So, you can start exploring your neighborhood and visit some cafes, parks, or nearby museums. Benchmark your shortlist of apartments against the average San Francisco rents by neighborhood below. We show you how much a one-bedroom apartment in SF goes for (according to RENTCafe) versus a Blueground furnished unit.

1. South Beach

Like many of San Francisco’s neighborhoods, South Beach has transformed from its original roots. Formerly an industrial shipping area, South Beach has since evolved into a popular upscale neighborhood for living and entertainment. This neighborhood is home to dozens of gourmet restaurants, boutique shops, luxury storefronts, and nightlife options. The housing options in South Beach include new condominiums and loft developments and historic loft conversions.

Because there are several microclimates in San Francisco, the further west you go, the chillier and foggier it becomes. Since South Beach is on the eastern edge of the city, near the waterfront, they have many sunny days. Thanks to the near-perfect weather and paved path along the water, the area attracts many joggers and cyclists. With everything South Beach offers its residents, it has become one of the best places to live in San Francisco. 

A one-bedroom apartment monthly rent: It costs around $3646 for an unfurnished apartment and $4665 for a furnished and equipped apartment by Blueground.

2. South of Market (SoMa)

This huge district, known by the locals as SoMa, covers Embarcadero to Eleventh Street, between Market and Townsend. South of Market is adjacent to downtown and home to the SF Giants baseball stadium and Moscone Convention Center. The neighborhood’s architectural makeup is diverse. You’ll find warehouses, loft apartments, furniture showrooms, tech companies, residential hotels, museums, art studios, and posh nightclubs. Considered the hub of arts and culture, the neighborhood of SoMa boasts over a dozen museums. Including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Cartoon Art Museum, and Museum of the African Diaspora.

SoMa is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for public transport. The underground BART stations run along Market, making it possible to connect to Berkeley, Oakland, and other East Bay cities. BART can also take you to both the San Francisco and Oakland International Airports. Finally, taking the classic streetcars can transport you to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Castro District. Many SoMa residents enjoy the numerous days of sunshine, and the many nightlife options available to them. There are speakeasy cocktail lounges, comedy clubs, jazz clubs, concert halls, gay bars, piano bars, wine bars, and taprooms.

A one-bedroom apartment monthly rent: It costs around $3490 for an unfurnished apartment and $4317 for a furnished and equipped apartment by Blueground.

3. Pacific Heights

The most affluent and one of the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco is Pacific Heights. Multi-million dollar Victorian and Edwardian estates line the hilly streets. Views from this neighborhood feature the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Residents of this neighborhood include longtime San Franciscans, socialites, business executives, and professionals. This neighborhood is about as close as you can get to suburbia while living in the city.

Many families and couples spend their free time at Lafayette Park. Large grassy lawns, city views, tennis courts, picnic tables, and an off-leash dog area, make this park a neighborhood gem.  Another point of interest in Pacific Heights is the Lyon Street Steps. Considered the outdoor gym of the neighborhood, these 288 steep steps cover the blocks of Green Street and Broadway. Take your time on these steps to enjoy the surrounding views and snap some photos along the way.

A one-bedroom monthly rent: It costs around $3269 for an unfurnished apartment and $4650 for a furnished apartment by Blueground.

4. Mission District

The Mission District showcases some of San Francisco’s oldest housing. Century-old Victorians, warehouses, artists’ studios, and converted live-work spaces dot this neighborhood. There are many parks in this part of the city. Garfield Square, Mission Playground, and the enormous Dolores Park provide a taste of nature for the city’s residents. Given the flat streets in this neighborhood, getting around on foot is a breeze. You can easily reach the many corner stores and larger grocery stores from your home. Some of these include Duc Loi on Mission and 18th, Bi-Rite on 18th and Valencia, and Whole Foods. Furthermore, there’s no shortage of ethnic food options in the Mission, from Mexican taquerias to Chinese, Indian and Lebanese restaurants. It’s a foodie’s dream.

A one-bedroom monthly rent: It costs around $2973 for an unfurnished apartment and $4195 for a furnished apartment by Blueground.

5. Nob Hill

One mile west of the Financial District, you’ll find Nob Hill. It contains a balanced mix of old and new architecture. Each block varies, from $2 million-plus condos with doormen to bare-bones rent-controlled buildings with studios and one-bedroom apartments. Also occupying the streets of this signature neighborhood are luxurious hotels and the Cable Car Museum. Huntington Park has several grass patches to sunbathe or for dogs to run around. Many eateries, lounges, and bars cover the streets as well as Le Beau Market, a neighborhood staple.

A one-bedroom monthly rent: It costs around $3050 for an unfurnished apartment and $4728 for a furnished apartment by Blueground.

6. Mission Bay

Mission Bay is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco and also one of the newest. An estimated $4 billion went into the development of this new area. High-rise condos and lofts line the streets alongside trendy restaurants and bars. The most recent additions to Mission Bay include a basketball and volleyball court, as well as a dog run. Many young professionals, singles, and techies who commute to Silicon Valley call this neighborhood home.  

A one-bedroom monthly rent: It costs around $3711 for an unfurnished apartment and $4630 for a furnished and equipped apartment by Blueground.

7. Hayes Valley

The neighborhood of Hayes Valley has diverse living accommodations. Apartments, both new and old, single-family homes, Victorians, and low and high-rise buildings line the streets. The residents of Hayes Valley come from many different backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. No need to have a car in Hayes Valley because it’s walkable, bikeable, and has nearby transit options. Muni lines 5, 6, 7, 21, and 22, the F-line, and the Muni metro all run through or next to the neighborhood. Moreover, two BART stations, Civic Center and 16th Street are a short 15-minute walk away. Hayes Valley has many great coffee shops, such as the original Blue Bottle, Mercury Cafe, and Ritual Coffee Roasters. Take your coffee to one of the neighborhood’s parks. Patricia’s Green is well-known and often crowded. Yet Koshland Park and Rose-Page Mini Park are hidden gems in Hayes Valley.

A one-bedroom monthly Rent: It costs around $3030 for an unfurnished apartment and $4790 for a furnished apartment by Blueground.