Top 7 Best neighborhoods to live in San Francisco with the Best quality of life – 2024

Top 7 Best neighborhoods to live in San Francisco with the Best quality of life – 2024

Ranking Studies
United States
California
San Francisco

Moving to San Francisco offers an attractive living experience with its breathtaking parks like Golden Gate Park, Dolores Park, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and the Presidio, which provide great views, abundant green spaces and recreational opportunities.

Additionally, the proximity to the Bay Area, nearby ocean, trails, parks, and mountains allow water-based activities, and outdoor lifestyle, making it an appealing place for those seeking a high-quality, balanced and enriching life. 

MovingWaldo will assist you in finding the ideal place to live as we identified the top 7 best neighborhoods to live in San Francisco that offer the best quality of life in 2024.

Methodology

Due to “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in San Francisco, we based our ranking on three criteria: safety, affordability, and quality of life.

As for safety, we based our decision on the total number of crimes, which consist of homicide, rape, robbery, assault, human trafficking (sex act), burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, and larceny theft, in exception to homicide since its data reflect the number of victims and are not based on the incidents. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people. The data were gathered from the Crime Dashboard of San Francisco Police for each district where the neighborhood belongs to from January 2022 to December 2022. 

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Rockethomes’s median pricing for June 2023 and Zillow’s 1-bedroom median cost for August 2023.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Best neighborhoods to live in San Francisco

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1. Parkside

  • Crime rate: 129.57 crimes per 1,000 people (Sunset District)
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $4,875
  • Median property buying cost: $1,388,000

Locals mention that Parkside is peaceful compared to downtown, attracting residents who seek a calm and welcoming atmosphere. They also added that it is close to Ocean Beach and within walking distance of several stores if locals want to shop, visit the playgrounds, and park.

Parkside has access to parks like Stern Grove, Carl Larsen Park, Ocean Park, and Pine Lake Park which offers ample of outdoor activities. It offers a convenient location with easy access to public transportation, diverse food and shopping options along Taraval Street.

For safety, there are about 129.57 crimes for every 1,000 people, making it a smart choice for those people seeking a safer neighborhood.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $1,388,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $4,875 as of July 2023.

Zillow Homes (July 2023), Zillow Rent (August 2023), City data (2020) & SF Dashboard (2022)

Parkside, San Francisco, CA

2. Hayes Valley

  • Crime rate: 598.68 crimes per 1,000 people (Tenderloin District)
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,995
  • Median property buying cost: $2,485,000

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. 

Hayes Valley has coffee shops that residents can enjoy like Na Ya Dessert Café, Ritual Coffee Roasters, and La Boulangerie de San Francisco, Hayes. 

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

As of June 2023, the median property buying cost is $2,485,000, and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,995 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 598.68 crimes per 1,000 people. 

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow Rent (August 2023), City data (2020) & SF Dashboard 2022

Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA

3. Bayview

  • Crime rate: 166.08 crimes per 1,000 people (Bayview District)
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,278
  • Median property buying cost: $906,500

Bayview is one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco, with numerous playgrounds and parks, such as Hilltop Park and Adam Rogers Park, where they can do activities that promote an outdoor lifestyle. 

Locals praise Bayview for having the best weather in the city because it is sunny but not uncomfortably hot. If you want to be close to the downtown, waterfront districts, and pier of San Francisco, the Bayview District is convenient.

If you’re thinking about moving to Bayview, locals suggest avoiding streets like Quesada and 3rd Street. It’s a good idea to take some security precautions and avoid drawing attention to valuable items at all times. Additionally, car owners should be aware that some streets have cars parked on both sides overnight, making it difficult for other vehicles to pass through.

As of June 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $906,500, and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $2,278 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 166.08 crimes per 1,000 people.

Zillow Homes (August 2023), Zillow Rent (August 2023), City data (2020) & SF Dashboard (2022)

Bayview, San Francisco, CA

4. Glen Park

  • Crime rate: 610.92 crimes per 1,000 people (Ingleside District)
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,325
  • Median property buying cost: $1,575,000

Glen Park is located south of Twin Peaks and adjacent to Glen Canyon Park.

Residents appreciate Glen Canyon Park, which offers recreational opportunities, nature trails, and a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The area has the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of Arts, and the owner is a fierce advocate for arts education.

Additionally, there are various local recreational facilities, such as community centers and sports fields like Glen Park Recreation Center and Soccer Fields, ensuring an active and engaging lifestyle for its residents. 

Glen Park’s friendly and family-oriented atmosphere, coupled with its pet-friendly environment, make it one of San Francisco’s top neighborhoods to live in.

As of August 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $1,575,000, and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $3,325. For safety, it has a total of 610.92 crimes per 1,000 people. 

Zillow Homes (August 2023), Zillow Rent (August 2023), City data (2020) & SF Dashboard 2022

Glen Park, San Francisco, CA

5. Inner Richmond

  • Crime rate: 245.07 crimes per 1,000 people (Richmond District)
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,800
  • Median property buying cost: $1,995,000

The charming neighborhood of Inner Richmond is nestled between the Presidio, a serene national park known for its picturesque vistas, scenic trails, and rich historical and architectural landmarks.

Locals love Inner Richmond for its friendly atmosphere and chill vibes, not to mention the awesome shops, delicious food, and vibrant culture it offers.

George Peabody Elementary School and Rosenberg Early Childhood Center are the schools located in Inner Richmond. Locals admire Inner Richmond’s convenient location and the presence of various local businesses like Tastebuds and Cinderella Bakery & Café.

As of August 2023, the median property buying cost is $1,995,000, and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,800 as of July 2023. For safety, it has a total of 245.07 crimes per 1,000 people.

Zillow Homes (August 2023), Zillow Rent (July 2023), City data (2020) & SF Dashboard 2022

Inner Richmond, San Francisco, CA

6. Inner Sunset

  • Crime rate: 111.09 crimes per 1,000 people (Taraval District)
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,850
  • Median property buying cost: $1,159,116

Inner Sunset has a diverse community because it consists of a multitude of people from different backgrounds and cultures, which makes it a welcoming place for everyone.

Locals like its proximity to Golden Gate Park, has abundant food choices, and reasonable distance to Ocean Beach which encourages an active lifestyle. The presence of recreational facilities like the Garden for the Environment further supports this. 

In Inner Sunset, locals frequently see families wandering down the street and children playing at treat stores after school. They mention that it is a kind of neighborhood one feels comfortable walking at night.

As of June 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $1,159,116, and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $2,850 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 111.09 crimes per 1,000 people. 

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City data (2020) & SF Dashboard (2022)

Inner Sunset, San Francisco, CA

7. Visitacion Valley

  • Crime rate: 124.71 crimes per 1,000 people (Bayview District)
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,500
  • Median property buying cost: $950,000

Visitacion Valley, locally known as Viz Valley, is a sunny and friendly neighborhood. According to locals, it has access to beautiful green spaces like Coyote Trail and McLaren Park.

The primary commercial district is located along Leland Avenue, which is lined with Latino and Asian restaurants. Locals can also enjoy different activities in this area, such as the Visitacion Valley Greenway Children’s Play Garden and Agriculture Lot, Visitacion Valley Playground, and Visitacion Valley Baseball Field.

Moreover, this area is home to the John King senior neighborhood, a senior-restricted rental community offered to seniors with earnings below 50% of the median income in the area. For safety, it has a relatively low crime rate, with a total of 124.71 crimes per 1,000 people.

As of April 2023, the median property buying cost is approximately $950,000, and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $3,500 as of August 2023. The neighborhood offers an easy commute to both the South Bay and downtown San Francisco, making it one of the best neighborhoods to live in San Francisco.

Rocket Homes (April 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City data (2020) & SF Dashboard 2022

Visitation Valley, San Francisco, CA

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Conclusion

Living in San Francisco holds the promise of an exceptional experience, from enjoying the serene environment to scrolling the busy streets of the Financial District. Although it is one of the nicest places to live in California, it has a cost of living to match.

This place is unquestionably a top option for individuals, families, young professionals who want to enjoy outdoor activities and enjoy the view of the city all year round with mild winters and pleasant summers.

It takes time to choose the ideal neighborhoods in San Francisco for you and your family, so carefully consider this list before making your final decision. Are you planning on Moving to San Francisco soon? Learn about the Best San Francisco Movers!

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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