Top 5 Cheapest Neighborhoods to live in The Bay Area with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,983.75
• Median property buying cost: $937,000

Japantown, also known as Nihonmachi, is the 5th most walkable neighborhood in San Francisco with a Walk Score of 99. The neighborhood is full of restaurants serving Japanese cuisine (and some Korean and Chinese), supermarkets, indoor shopping centers, and hotels. Locals appreciate the area because it is quiet, full of interesting people, and has wonderful restaurants.

It is home to Mary Ellen Pleasant Memorial Park, a small park with a very fascinating history. Although Japantown does not have many parks, it is near Lafayette Park and Raymond Kimbell Playground, where locals can enjoy outdoor activities.

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,983.75 and the median cost of buying a property is $937, 000.

Rocket Homes (August 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,295.00
• Median property buying cost: $877,500

Telegraph Hill is home to Coit Tower, a landmark that lures locals with its panoramic city and bay views from the observation deck, reached by elevator.

It is located in the city’s northeastern corner and showcases the Bay Bridge, downtown, and Golden Gate views. Locals have access to Pioneer Park, which provides ample green spaces too. Telegraph Hill’s beautiful scenery, along with its parks and open areas, makes it one of the reasons it is picked as one of the best neighborhoods to live in the Bay Area.

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $3,295.00 and the median cost of buying a property is $877,500, as of June 2023.

Rocket Homes (June 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,695.00
• Median property buying cost: $1,449,000

Haight-Ashbury is a dynamic neighborhood featuring colorful Victorian architecture, trendy vintage shops, unique boutiques, and diverse bars and eateries. It’s an ideal spot to immerse yourself in San Francisco’s arts and culture.

Locals appreciate the neighborhood’s small size, which allows them to easily access essential services and get to know people in the community better. They also like the nearby parks like Buena Vista Park, Waller Street Skatepark, and Golden Gate Park Community Garden which provides outdoor activities and a sense of nature within the city.

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,695.00 and the median cost of buying a property is $1,449,000, as of July 2023. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,136.00
• Median property buying cost: $1,212,000

Hayes Valley is an attractive and delightful neighborhood that is renowned for its high-end boutiques. Its central location provides easy access to multiple amenities. The area is known for its beautiful parks, including Patricia’s Green and Hayes Valley Playground, which has an eco-friendly clubhouse.

This neighborhood is praised by locals for its vibrant atmosphere, convenient amenities like grocery stores, shopping centers, bookstores, and cafés, all of which perfectly fit their lifestyle.

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $3,136.00 and the median cost of buying a property is $1,212,000, as of July 2023. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,000.00
• Median property buying cost: $1,598,000

Fisherman’s Wharf offers great views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the renowned Golden Gate Bridge. Locals claim that because Fisherman’s Wharf is situated near Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the Maritime National Historical Park, living there is convenient and allows them to take advantage of outdoor activities.

Its proximity to the waterfront provides a range of outdoor activities, such as cycling and running along picturesque pathways. Fisherman’s Wharf is the 31st most walkable neighborhood in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a Walk Score of 96, so locals can enjoy walking around the area without needing to use their car.

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $3,000.00 and the median cost of buying a property is $1,598,000, as of July 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)