Check out this article I recently wrote for Golden Gate Mother’s Group (GGMG) magazine
Having lived in San Francisco for a decade, five of those working in residential real estate, I can attest that the City by the Bay truly has something for everyone. Realtors divide the city into 10 districts (different from your voting district), and each has its unique charms, perspective, microclimate, and pros and cons. Often, families move after they’ve had kids. They can get by in their rent-controlled apartment with one baby and then after two, they want to upgrade. If they don’t head to the suburbs, they often seek neighborhoods that offer more space, a backyard, and conveniences like parking and storage. If you’re thinking about making a change, get out and explore. San Franciscans tend to stay in their neighborhoods, so when I started working in real estate, I knew nothing about neighborhoods like Miraloma Park or West Portal. That said, when I told people about places in my neighborhood like Levi’s Plaza or one of my favorite restaurants, Hillstone, they had no idea what I was talking about. I recall a former boss who lived in the Inner Richmond and I thought it was so far “out there.” Now I know it’s a fantastic neighborhood—close to Clement Street and the Presidio, with beautiful architecture and big backyards. COVID-19 has reduced city traffic, making it a great time to get outside and explore the city safely. The parks and playgrounds are open, so pick a new area to explore around that. For example, the recently renovated Glen Canyon Park is a fantastic place that I only recently discovered after having my second child. In addition, San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail is a hiking and biking pathway that stretches 16.7 miles from Candlestick Point to Lands End and gives you a chance to explore lesser-known areas in SF.
San Francisco Neighborhood Highlights
District 1 (Northwest) – Sea Cliff, Lake District, Jordan Park/Laurel Heights, Lone Mountain, Inner, Central, and Outer Richmond
Highlights: Some areas have great views, access to Marin, shopping on California and Clement Streets; Mountain Lake Park. Large, deep lots. A mix of architectural styles and property types.
District 2 (Central West) – Inner, Central and Outer Sunset, Golden Gate Heights, Inner and Outer Parkside
Highlights: Mostly single-family homes, shopping on Irving Street, ocean proximity, Golden Gate Park, views in certain areas. N Judah is great for commuters working downtown.
District 3 (Southwest) – Ingleside and Ingleside Heights, Oceanview, Stonestown, Pine Lake Park, Lake Shore, Merced Manor and Heights, Lakeside
Highlights: Easy access to South Bay, Stonestown Galleria shopping, Lake Merced, SF Zoo, Ocean Ave. shopping, Stern Grove.
District 4 (Twin Peaks) – Forest Knolls, Midtown Terrace, Miraloma Park, Diamond Heights, Sherwood Forest, Westwood Highlands, Westwood Park, Monterey Heights, Sunnyside, Ingleside Terrace, Mount Davidson Manor, Balboa Terrace, St. Francis Wood, Forest Hill and Extension, Forest Knolls
Highlights: Larger single-family detached homes with 3+ bedrooms, some areas have gorgeous city views. Some older neighborhoods with architectural detail.
District 5 (Central) – Buena Vista/Ashbury Heights, Duboce Triangle, Haight Ashbury, Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights, Corona Heights, Twin Peaks, Eureka Valley/Dolores Heights, Mission Dolores, Noe Valley, Glen Park
Highlights: Center of the city and close to 101; some of the city’s warmest weather. Ample, shopping, restaurants, many parks including Duboce, Glen Canyon, Mission Dolores
District 6 (Central North) – Anza Valley, Hayes Valley, Lower Pacific Heights, Western Addition, Alamo Square, North Panhandle
Highlights: Great shopping on Fillmore Street and in Hayes Valley, Alamo Square, close to the Financial District.
District 7 (North) – Marina, Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, Cow Hollow
Highlights: Some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, close to the Presidio and Marina Green, bustling neighborhoods on Union, Chestnut, and Sacramento Streets, close to Marin. New playgrounds on Chestnut Street. Older architecture.
District 8 (Northeast) – Downtown, Financial District/Barbary Coast, Nob Hill, North Beach Russian Hill, Van Ness/Civic Center, Telegraph Hill, North Waterfront, Tenderloin
Highlights: More urban, very close to Financial District, mostly condos. Huntington and the newer Joe Dimaggio Park and Russian Hill park are opening soon.
District 9 (Central East) – Bernal Heights, Inner Mission, Mission Bay, Potrero Hill, South of Market, Yerba Buena, South Beach, Central Waterfront/Dogpatch
Highlights: Downtown location, close to Ferry Building, stadiums for Warriors and Giants, public transportation, up and coming areas (Dogpatch), one of the easiest walking districts, weather, views. New playground in Mission Bay. Mostly condos, currently presenting a lot of value.
District 10 (Southeast) – Bayview, Crocker Amazon, Excelsior, Outer Mission, Visitacion Valley, Portola, Silver Terrace, Mission Terrace, Hunters Point, Bayview, Candlestick Point, Little Hollywood
Highlights: Offers some of the best values in the city, close to the freeway, Crocker Amazon Park. Mostly single-family homes. Warmer weather.