The 7 Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco: 2015 Edition

The 7 Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco: 2015 Edition

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Five years ago, we named the seven best neighborhoods in San Francisco. Needless to say, the city has changed a wee bit since 2010. And what you consider to be the "best" neighborhood depends entirely on your top priorites, be it access to nightlife or a quiet place to roll your stroller (or dog stroller). Here are seven of our favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco for 2015. 


Best for Trendsetters: Dogpatch

Yes, we know, the area is climbing to the very top of the list of most expensive neighborhoods in SF. But if you can swing it, look to our recent neighborhood guide for an overview of the top-notch food, beer, art, views, and community programming designed to bring the rapidly expanding area together. Although many residents rely on cars to get around, the ready access of the T line means that your commute downtown (not to mention to the Giants games) will be direct and consistent—by MUNI standards, anyway.

Best for Families: Outer Richmond

The far-flung borough may have a reputation for fog, but the neighborhood delivers on the family-friendly front. The Outer Richmond is sandwiched between this city's best natural beauty (Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, and Land's End), and the median price for a one-bedroom apartment is 24% lower than the city's average. Bonus: The OR has the honor of not registering on the notorious (Human) Wasteland map, aka the poop heat map. In other words, your stroller wheels will be safe.

Best for the Adventurous: Tenderloin

Sure, the TL's unseemly reputation is not entirely undeserved, but this vibrant area is in the middle of a renaissance. Long known for its proximity to Civic Center's theaters, local grassroots companies like PianoFight are building a sense of community through their productions. On the gastronomic side, keep an eye out for foodie-friendly grub from Loco'l, the new collaboration between chef-restaurateur Daniel Patterson (CoiPlum Bar) and Los Angeles street-food king Roy Choi, who plan to serve fast food with a healthy, local twist (not to mention rock-bottom prices). We won't mention the neighborhood's ranking on the poop heat map—just watch your step.

Best Neighborhood If Money is No Object: Hayes Valley

Those who experienced the San Francisco of the '90s are still reeling from Hayes Valley's meteoric rise from the Civic Center's seedy cousin to absolute glory—and by glory, we mean top-notch restaurants, skyrocketing rents, and enough boutiques to make upper Fillmore blush. Moving here is not for those with thin wallets, but if you can stomach the cost, the high walkability, availability of transit, and proximity to both the highways and Biergarten make this area a winner.

Best for Cultural Stimulation: Chinatown

Sure, it's packed with tourists, but that's almost part of this hood's charm—besides, what SF neighborhood isn't? Chinatown is filled with locals, visitors, and some of the best elbow-to-elbow people watching this city has to offer. Plus, it's got tons of cheap food, it's centrally located, and it's home to some of the best under-the-radar nightlife and bars in the city. Think LiPo, which is home to the infamous Chinese mai tai—it's best consumed when your home is but a stumble away.

Best for the Outdoorsy: Pacific Heights

Although the area is best known for Danielle Steel's house and pricey boutiques, the slowly decreasing rents and subtle, progressive cultural shift have made the once-intimidating enclave a whole lot friendlier. Runners and cyclists will love the close proximity to the endless trails of the Presidio and Crissy Field, and those with cars can leave their doorstep and arrive in the Marin Headlands in 10-15 minutes. Although much of the area is residential, Fillmore Street is bustling, and—get this—even budget-friendly.

Best for "Affordable" Rent: Excelsior

Compared to its sister neighborhood that gets way too much attention, the Excelsior is one of this city's most affordable, rent-wise. According to a recently-released median map, a one-bedroom averages at $1,800. Other than mere (relative) affordability, the area borders beautiful parks and a full-size golf course, and the under-the-radar status lends the area a refreshing lack of pretension.

Have a different perspective? Join the conversation on Facebook.

And, check out our Ultimate Guide to San Francisco Neighborhoods:

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