Areas and suburbs in San Francisco

The best places to live in San Francisco

With dozens of areas and suburbs in San Francisco to choose from, there are many options when it comes to finding the right neighbourhood to call home. Whether it be for its architecture, closeness to nature or a cosmopolitan crowd, freshly arrived house hunters are sure to find their ideal home in an area best suited to their needs and lifestyle.

Family-friendly suburbs in San Francisco

For expats moving to San Francisco with children, it will be a priority to be close to good schools. Suburbs with access to open spaces and facilities that cater for children are an added bonus.

Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is a leafy suburb in the East Bay Area of San Francisco. With its green open spaces, sports fields and facilities for extracurricular pursuits, it's well known for being a family-friendly area.

There is a strong sense of community in Walnut Creek, with a number of good public and private schools in the area. The suburb is well-connected to San Francisco by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and bus. There are also a number of bike lanes and trails for cycling enthusiasts.

Novato

Novato, located in the North Bay region of San Francisco, is another great area for expats with children. There are numerous good public schools in the area, as well as several private schools. Novato has an abundance of parks and museums, so there's plenty for families to do. There is also a growing number of chic eateries and boutique fashion stores in the area.

Young and trendy areas in San Francisco

San Francisco is popular with young expats starting careers in the area's famous tech hub, and it has some excellent living options for those who want to be close to the hustle and bustle of the Golden Gate City.

SoMa

South of Market, or SoMa as it is more commonly known, is one of the largest neighbourhoods in San Francisco. The area is dotted with trendy clubs, software headquarters, bars and eateries. It is also close to the Museum of Modern Art.

SoMa’s proximity to the city centre makes it perfect for those who make it a priority to be close to work, and its massive residential blocks and warehouse conversions are popular with young professionals in San Francisco. 

There is easy access to the major highways as well as public transportation. This is one of the best areas when it comes to easy access to buses and trains.

Bernal Heights

Full of colourful Victorian houses and often referred to as an urban village, Bernal Heights has become popular with artists, young families and single professionals because of its affordable properties and bohemian charm. The area is brimming with quaint cafés, trendy boutiques and innovative eateries, and there are also regular markets.

There are many accommodation options available in the area, ranging from small studios to larger family homes with gardens.

Luxury living in San Francisco

On average, rental prices in San Francisco are among the most expensive in the US. Although rent in the city is steep in general, for those who want the very best, San Francisco boasts plenty of upper-class neighbourhoods.

Noe Valley

Noe Valley is one of the most sought-after and prosperous suburbs of San Francisco. Many dot-com millionaires have chosen to make the area home, and it is filled with upscale bistros, boutique shops and cosy bookshops.

The hills that surround the valley give the area a feeling of being removed from the city's urban chaos. Properties in Noe Valley are predominantly low-rise Victorian houses, which contributes to the historic charm of the area.

Sea Cliff

For those who want the best sea views in the city and are willing to pay for it, Sea Cliff is the ideal location. In fact, Sea Cliff is the only neighbourhood in San Francisco that touches the ocean at Baker Beach and China Beach.

As well as being close to the sea, residents of Sea Cliff live in close proximity to Lands End, which is part of the Golden Gate National Park. It is also close to a number of San Francisco’s top international schools.

It is an immaculate residential suburb of freestanding properties, and it has a distinct Mediterranean feel. The properties are large and luxurious and generally come with impressive gardens and swimming pools. Rental properties are sought after in Sea Cliff, and expats may find it difficult to secure an apartment here, especially during the summer months.