San Francisco Neighborhoods

Alamo Square is perhaps best known for its iconic “Painted Ladies”—a row of beautifully restored Victorian houses that frame a postcard-perfect view of downtown San Francisco.

Nestled between the busy corridors of the Western Addition and the more traditionally recognized neighborhoods of San Francisco, Anza Vista is a compact district that many residents appreciate for its relative tranquility.

Tucked just uphill from the vibrant Haight-Ashbury district, Ashbury Heights offers a more serene atmosphere amid its steep, winding streets.

Balboa Hollow is a lesser-known micro-neighborhood tucked near the southwestern edge of San Francisco, close to Balboa Park and often overshadowed by larger districts like Ingleside and Excelsior.

Balboa Terrace, located in southwestern San Francisco, emerged in the 1920s as part of the city’s movement toward carefully planned, upscale residential districts.

Belden Place is one of San Francisco’s most charming hidden gems, tucked away in the bustling Financial District near Union Square.

Bernal Heights sits perched on a steep hillside in southeastern San Francisco, offering sweeping vistas of the downtown skyline and the surrounding bay.

Situated near the intersection of the Haight-Ashbury and Corona Heights districts, Buena Vista is best known for Buena Vista Park, established in 1867 and celebrated as the oldest official park in San Francisco.

Butchertown, situated in the southeastern quadrant of San Francisco near Islais Creek, gained its name from the bustling network of slaughterhouses and related industries that once dominated the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Cathedral Hill lies in the heart of San Francisco, just west of the Civic Center, encompassing the slopes around St. Mary’s Cathedral—an iconic modernist structure completed in 1971.

China Basin, situated along San Francisco’s eastern waterfront near Mission Bay, has witnessed profound transformations that mirror the city’s evolution.

San Francisco’s Chinatown, established in the mid-1800s, stands as the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.

Civic Center occupies a central position in San Francisco, both geographically and symbolically.

Clarendon Heights is perched just below the iconic Twin Peaks, offering dramatic views of San Francisco’s downtown skyline, surrounding hills, and on clear days, the glittering waters of the bay.

Cole Valley sits comfortably between the lively Haight-Ashbury district and the serene Inner Sunset, forming a modest but vibrant residential pocket in central San Francisco.

Perched near the geographic center of San Francisco, Corona Heights is instantly recognizable by its rocky outcroppings and sweeping views of the city skyline.

Cow Hollow traces its roots to a pastoral era when dairy farms and ranches dotted the northern stretches of San Francisco’s peninsula.

Crocker-Amazon, located in the southern reaches of San Francisco near the Excelsior, owes its name partly to the Crocker Estate that once owned large tracts of land in this area.

San Francisco’s Design District, often referred to as Showplace Square, sits just south of Market Street in an area once filled with industrial warehouses and factories.

Situated atop rolling terrain southeast of Twin Peaks, Diamond Heights emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as one of San Francisco’s earliest “urban renewal” projects.

Dogpatch, situated along San Francisco’s eastern waterfront, has undergone one of the city’s most dramatic transformations.

Dolores Heights sits perched above the bustling Mission Dolores area, offering panoramic views of downtown San Francisco and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Duboce Triangle is a compact neighborhood tucked between the Castro, Lower Haight, and Hayes Valley, forming a triangular area bounded by three main streets—Duboce Avenue, Market Street, and Sanchez Street.

Eureka Valley, often considered synonymous with or adjacent to the Castro District, occupies a unique niche in San Francisco’s patchwork of neighborhoods.

Fisherman’s Wharf has long been a maritime cornerstone of San Francisco, tracing its origins to the Gold Rush era when Italian immigrants established small fishing operations along the northern waterfront.

Forest Hill emerged in the early 20th century as one of San Francisco’s designated “residential parks,” a concept aimed at preserving natural topography and tree cover while constructing beautiful homes.

Forest Hills Extension, adjacent to the original Forest Hill neighborhood, carries forward the early 20th-century vision of creating tranquil “residential parks” within San Francisco.

Forest Knolls lies just southwest of Mount Sutro, nestled among winding streets that blend hillside tranquility with easy access to the city below.

Glen Park, located in the south-central area of San Francisco, is often praised for its friendly, village-like feel.

Golden Gate Heights sits atop the western slopes of San Francisco, offering sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city’s rolling hills.

Hayes Valley owes much of its modern resurgence to the removal of the Central Freeway overpass, which was heavily damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

Hunters Point, situated along the southeastern edge of San Francisco, has a history deeply intertwined with the city’s industrial and naval past.

India Basin, located on San Francisco’s southeastern waterfront, has a history rooted in maritime commerce and industry.

Ingleside Terraces, nestled in the southwestern part of San Francisco, is one of the city’s earliest examples of a planned residential community.

Ingleside, located in the southwestern part of San Francisco, is a neighborhood with a rich history and a distinctive suburban feel.

Irish Hill, now largely obscured by the industrial and commercial development of the Dogpatch neighborhood, was once a thriving, if rugged, residential enclave in the late 19th century.

Islais Creek, located in the southeastern corner of San Francisco, is one of the city’s few remaining natural waterways.

Jackson Square is one of San Francisco’s oldest neighborhoods, steeped in history that dates back to the Gold Rush era.

San Francisco’s Japantown, or Nihonmachi, is one of only three remaining historic Japantowns in the United States.

Jordan Park, nestled between Laurel Heights and the Inner Richmond, is one of San Francisco’s most serene and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Laguna Honda, located near the geographic center of San Francisco, is a quiet, largely residential neighborhood that offers a mix of greenery, hillside homes, and historical significance.

Lake Street, located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, is a picturesque residential enclave known for its tree-lined streets, classic architecture, and serene ambiance.

Lakeshore, located on San Francisco’s southwestern edge, offers a peaceful residential retreat that combines suburban charm with proximity to natural beauty.

Lakeside, located in the southwestern part of San Francisco, is a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood known for its tidy streets, well-kept homes, and suburban ambiance.

Laurel Heights, located in the northern part of San Francisco, is a quiet and refined neighborhood known for its elegant homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to upscale shopping and dining.

Little Hollywood, located in the southeastern corner of San Francisco near the Brisbane border, is a small and often overlooked neighborhood with a unique character.

Little Russia, located within San Francisco’s Richmond District, is an unofficial neighborhood that has earned its name from the strong presence of Russian immigrants and businesses that settled here in the mid-20th century.

Little Saigon, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, is a vibrant and bustling cultural district that serves as a focal point for the city’s Vietnamese community.

Lone Mountain, located in the heart of San Francisco, is a picturesque neighborhood named for the prominent hill that once stood isolated from the surrounding cityscape.

Lower Nob Hill, located just below its more famous neighbor, is a vibrant and densely populated neighborhood that embodies San Francisco’s urban charm.

Lower Pacific Heights, often referred to as "Lower Pac Heights," is a vibrant neighborhood nestled between the refined Pacific Heights and the bustling Japantown.

Merced Heights, located in the southwestern part of San Francisco, is a quiet, residential neighborhood known for its elevated position and sweeping views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and beyond.

Merced Manor, located in the southwestern part of San Francisco, is a serene and upscale residential neighborhood that offers suburban tranquility within city limits.

Mid-Market, located along Market Street between Civic Center and SoMa, has long been a central thoroughfare in San Francisco, known for its blend of commerce, culture, and community.

Midtown Terrace, perched on the forested slopes of Twin Peaks, is a tranquil, residential neighborhood that offers a serene retreat amid San Francisco’s bustling cityscape.

Miraloma Park, nestled on the slopes of Mount Davidson in San Francisco, is a peaceful, family-oriented neighborhood known for its picturesque streets, welcoming community, and breathtaking views.

Mission Bay, located along the southeastern waterfront of San Francisco, is one of the city’s most rapidly transformed neighborhoods.

Mission Dolores, one of San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods, is a compact yet culturally rich area centered around Mission San Francisco de Asís, the city’s oldest building.

Mission Terrace, located in the southern part of San Francisco near Balboa Park, is a quiet and family-oriented neighborhood known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and strong sense of community.

Monterey Heights, located in the southwestern part of San Francisco, is a serene and upscale neighborhood known for its spacious homes, tranquil streets, and breathtaking views.

Mount Davidson, a quiet residential neighborhood in the southwestern part of San Francisco, is best known for its namesake: the city’s tallest natural peak at 928 feet.

Nob Hill, perched high above downtown San Francisco, is one of the city’s most iconic and affluent neighborhoods, celebrated for its historic charm, luxury, and sweeping views.

Noe Valley, nestled in the heart of San Francisco, is a picturesque neighborhood known for its sunny weather, charming homes, and a strong sense of community.

North Beach, nestled between Chinatown and the Embarcadero, is one of San Francisco’s most beloved neighborhoods, renowned for its Italian heritage, vibrant nightlife, and historic landmarks.

Oceanview, located in the southern part of San Francisco near Daly City, is a residential neighborhood with a rich history and a strong sense of community.

Pacific Heights, perched atop some of San Francisco’s highest hills, is one of the city’s most exclusive and iconic neighborhoods.

Parkmerced, located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco near Lake Merced, is a unique and expansive residential community offering a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility.

Parnassus, tucked into the eastern slopes of San Francisco’s Inner Sunset, is a charming and historic neighborhood that offers a blend of natural beauty, residential tranquility, and academic influence.

Polk Gulch, a lively stretch along Polk Street in San Francisco, is a neighborhood rich in history, diversity, and culture.

Portola Place, a small enclave within the broader Portola District in southeastern San Francisco, is a quiet, residential neighborhood known for its peaceful ambiance and historic charm.

Portola, pronounced “Porch-ah-la” by locals, is a charming and diverse neighborhood in the southeastern part of San Francisco.

Potrero Hill, located on San Francisco’s eastern side, is a quiet, residential neighborhood celebrated for its sunny weather, sweeping city views, and strong sense of community.

Presidio Heights, an affluent neighborhood on San Francisco’s northern edge, is known for its grand homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the expansive natural beauty of the Presidio.

Rincon Hill, located near the eastern waterfront of San Francisco, is a vibrant neighborhood that blends historic significance with contemporary urban living.

Russian Hill, one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods, is renowned for its steep streets, historic charm, and breathtaking vistas.

Saint Francis Wood, located in the southwestern part of San Francisco, is a serene and exclusive residential neighborhood celebrated for its elegant homes, tree-lined streets, and park-like atmosphere.

Sea Cliff, perched on the dramatic cliffs of San Francisco’s northwest edge, is one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, luxurious homes, and tranquil atmosphere.

Sherwood Forest, nestled on the southwestern slopes of San Francisco’s Mount Davidson, is a serene and exclusive residential neighborhood known for its stunning views, spacious homes, and natural surroundings.

Silver Terrace, located in the southeastern part of San Francisco, is a diverse and evolving neighborhood known for its quiet streets, residential charm, and panoramic views.

South Beach, located along the eastern waterfront of San Francisco, is a dynamic and modern neighborhood that combines urban energy with stunning bay views.

South End, a lesser-known but historically significant part of San Francisco, is located near the city’s southeastern waterfront.

South Park, a charming and historic neighborhood in the heart of San Francisco’s SoMa district, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern innovation.

South of Market, or SoMa, is one of San Francisco’s largest and most dynamic neighborhoods, known for its industrial past, cultural landmarks, and status as a hub of tech innovation.

Sunnydale, located in the southeastern corner of San Francisco, is a neighborhood that reflects both the challenges and resilience of urban communities.

Sunnyside, nestled in the southwestern part of San Francisco, is a quiet and welcoming residential neighborhood known for its charming homes, hilly streets, and close-knit community.

Telegraph Hill, one of San Francisco’s most picturesque and historic neighborhoods, is a beacon of the city’s rich history and architectural beauty.

Located in the southeastern corner of San Francisco, the Bayview neighborhood has a history deeply intertwined with the city’s industrial boom.

The Castro, originally known as Eureka Valley, began its transformation from a working-class Irish district to a center of LGBTQ+ life and culture in the 1960s and 1970s.

Stretching along San Francisco’s northeastern shoreline, the Embarcadero has long been a vital artery of commerce and culture for the city.

Located in the southeastern quadrant of San Francisco, the Excelsior District has long been a place of transition and growth.

The Fillmore district, sometimes referred to as the Western Addition, boasts a storied history that reflects San Francisco’s broader tapestry of immigration, urban growth, and cultural evolution.

Often considered an extension of the main Financial District, the Financial District South (sometimes referred to as the Transbay or South FiDi area) lies just below Market Street, bridging historic commerce hubs with the city’s rapidly evolving waterfront.

San Francisco’s Financial District emerged in the wake of the 1849 Gold Rush, when prospectors and entrepreneurs poured into the city, rapidly transforming it into a booming hub of trade and finance.

The Haight, often referred to as Haight-Ashbury in homage to its two main intersecting streets, emerged in the late 19th century as a middle-class residential district.

The Inner Sunset, nestled at the foot of Golden Gate Park and bordering the forested slopes of Mount Sutro, is one of San Francisco’s most beloved neighborhoods.

The Lower Haight, nestled between the Haight-Ashbury and the Civic Center, is a neighborhood that blends historic architecture, creative culture, and a vibrant social scene.

The Marina District, nestled along San Francisco’s northern waterfront, is renowned for its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay.

The Mission District, or simply "The Mission," is one of San Francisco’s most dynamic neighborhoods, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and diverse community.

The Outer Mission, located in the southern part of San Francisco near Daly City, is a neighborhood that offers a tranquil alternative to the city’s bustling core.

The Outer Sunset, located on San Francisco’s western edge, is a tranquil, beachside neighborhood known for its foggy charm, relaxed atmosphere, and connection to nature.