A Neighborhood Guide to the Districts of San Francisco
District 1: Northwest
Neighborhoods include Central, Inner & Outer Richmond, Jordan Park/Laurel Heights, Lake Street, Sea Cliff & Loan Mountain.
Situated in the northwest corner of San Francisco, District 1 stretches from north of Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach and just south of Lincoln Park and Park Presidio. Often referred to as the Richmond District, this highly desirable area offers an array of outdoor activities, captivating historical sites, and numerous shops and restaurants.
Though the district can be foggy, its landscape consists of gentler hills compared to other parts of the city and boasts stunning scenic views. Each neighborhood possesses a unique character, with housing options ranging from modest single-family homes and modern condominiums to elegant properties overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Lake Street and Sea Cliff neighborhoods often feature Victorian and Edwardian styles, while Marina-style homes can be found in Central and Outer Richmond.
The main thoroughfares are Geary Street, which serves as both the primary transportation corridor and the hub of commercial activity, and Clement Street, another bustling shopping street that runs from 3rd Street to approximately 12th Avenue.
District 2: Central West
Neighborhoods include Golden Gate Heights, Parkside, Outer & Inner Parkside, Inner, Central & Outer Sunset.
District 2 can be found in the central western part of San Francisco, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and Golden Gate Park to the north. This area is often referred to as the Sunset District, which was originally comprised of sand dunes extending toward the ocean.
The district was fairly quiet until the Twin Peaks Tunnel’s construction in 1918. In those early days, some homes were even fashioned from abandoned streetcars, with a few of these historic residences still standing today.
The majority of the buildings were meticulously constructed in the mid-1940s following WWII. Although many houses may appear similar on the exterior, the diverse interior architecture, styles, and designs offer pleasant surprises.
Despite being one of San Francisco’s foggiest districts, District 2 exudes a charming small-town atmosphere within the city. The N-Judah and L-Taraval MUNI light rail lines provide easy access to downtown, and the close proximity to Golden Gate Park is always a bonus. The Sunset and Parkside neighborhoods cater to families, featuring a strong sense of community, modest single-family homes, quality schools, and numerous family-owned businesses. In contrast, Golden Gate Heights is situated above the flatlands, boasting expansive views, winding streets, and more upscale homes.
District 3: Southwest
Neighborhoods include Lake Shore, Merced Heights, Pine Lake Park, Stonestown, Lakeside, Merced Manor, Oceanview, Ingelside & Ingelside Heights.
Located on the southwestern side of San Francisco, District 3 was one of the last areas to undergo major development. Once characterized by horse farms and a racetrack, the district has transformed into a residential neighborhood with a suburban ambiance and numerous attractions, including the San Francisco Zoo, Lake Merced, the Olympic Club, Lake Merced Golf Club, Stonestown Galleria Mall, and the San Francisco State University campus.
The Southwest District predominantly features smaller residential properties built before the 1940s. With easy access to I-280, commuting to the Peninsula and South Bay is convenient. For shopping, Ocean Avenue and Stonestown Galleria Mall offer plenty of options. District 3 presents comfortable middle-class living with an array of affordable single-family homes and well-equipped condos for student housing.
District 4: Twin Peaks West
Neighborhoods include Balboa Terrace, Diamond Heights, Forest Hill, Forest Knolls, Ingelside Terrace, Midtown Terrace, St. Francis Wood, Miraloma Park, Sherwood Forest, Monterey Heights, Mount Davidson Manor, Westwood Highlands & Park, Sunnyside and West Portal.
District 4, situated on the southwestern side of Twin Peaks and Mt. Davidson, once encompassed a heavily wooded, picturesque expanse of land. Prior to 1918, the area was challenging to access from downtown San Francisco, but the opening of the Twin Peaks Tunnel facilitated an easy commute to the city center.
Comprising 16 neighborhoods, District 4 is regarded as one of San Francisco’s most upscale areas, with the esteemed community of Saint Francis Wood, Forrest Hill, and Balboa Terrace at its core. The district features diverse architectural styles, from Mid-Century Modern to Mediterranean. Community focused neighborhoods such as Ingleside Terrace, Sunnyside, and Diamond Heights are nestled among these exclusive enclaves. West Portal, the primary shopping district, offers MUNI line trains, shopping, restaurants, and serves as a local favorite. The shops atop Miraloma Park and on Ocean Ave. are also conveniently close by.
With a more suburban feel than some of the city’s older neighborhoods, District 4 boasts numerous stunning single-family detached homes and provides easy access to Highways 101 and 280.
District 5: Central
Neighborhoods include Glen Park, Haight Ashbury, Noe Valley, Twin Peaks, Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights, Buena Vista/Ashbury Heights, Corona Heights, Clarendon Heights, Duboce Triangle.
San Francisco’s diversity is one of its most alluring features, and District 5, often called the Central District, exemplifies this quality in its vibrant neighborhoods. Positioned at the city’s geographical center, the district is the heart of San Francisco, encompassing iconic areas such as Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, and the serene, community-minded Noe Valley.
A popular destination for both tourists and locals, the district enjoys sunnier weather compared to other parts of the city, as it is sheltered from the famous San Francisco fog. District 5 is also home to Buena Vista Park, the city’s oldest public park, as well as Twin Peaks, Mission Dolores Park, and Mission Dolores.
The architectural styles of homes in the district are as diverse as its residents and neighborhoods, featuring single-family homes, flats, apartments, lofts, condominiums, ornately decorated Victorians in Ashbury Heights, and wood-shingled homes in nearby Parnassus Heights.
For commuters, Glen Park BART station offers direct access to downtown, supplemented by numerous Muni lines, tech shuttles, bike lanes, and convenient connections to Highways 101 and 280.
District 6: Central North
Neighborhoods include Anza Vista, Hayes Valley, Lower Pacific Heights, Western Addition, Alamo Square, North Panhandle.
District 6, also known as the Central North District, also known as the Western Addition due to its position immediately west of downtown San Francisco. Home to some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and providing easy access to public transportation, District 6 is an enjoyable area to live and explore, attracting tourists and locals alike.
Remarkably, much of the architecture in this district survived the devastating 1906 earthquake, preserving some of San Francisco’s finest original Victorian homes. Among these is the famous “Painted Ladies,” a row of six stunning Victorian houses overlooking Alamo Square Park, which offers exceptional views of downtown San Francisco and beyond.
In contrast, Hayes Valley is a revitalized neighborhood boasting trendy boutiques, popular restaurants, and a high concentration of condominiums. Lower Pacific Heights provides a similar ambiance to Pacific Heights but at a more accessible price point, while homes in Anza Vista exemplify the simple, Bauhaus style.
District 7: North
Neighborhoods include Marina, Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights & Cow Hollow.
Located at the northern tip of San Francisco, District 7 is among the most sought-after residential areas in the city. It encompasses the classic charm of “old San Francisco,” with the stately elegance of Pacific Heights and the trendy Marina district found within its borders.
Comprising four esteemed neighborhoods—Cow Hollow, Marina, Pacific Heights, and Presidio Heights—District 7 boasts a diverse array of architectural styles. Real estate options range from large single-family homes and luxurious condominiums to opulent mansions.
The district also features several parks, such as the former military airstrip at Crissy Field, Fort Mason, and Marina Green. Spanning 74 acres, Marina Green offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and Alcatraz Island. The district’s stunning homes are complemented by the surrounding natural beauty and wildlife.
District 8: Northeast
Neighborhoods include Downtown, Financial District/Barbary Coast, Nob Hill, North Beach, Russian Hill, Van Ness/Civic Center, Telegraph Hill, North Waterfront, Tenderloin.
District 8, situated in the northeastern part of San Francisco, embodies the quintessential image that comes to mind when envisioning the city. It encompasses iconic attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Coit Tower, downtown skyscrapers, cable cars, exceptional shopping at Union Square, and an array of world-class restaurants. Yet District 8 offers more than just tourist hotspots; it is a dynamic region steeped in history and serves as one of the nation’s primary business and financial hubs.
The district is also a cultural epicenter, housing theaters, the San Francisco Opera and Ballet, the Asian Art Museum, the modern San Francisco Public Library building, and key governmental institutions, including the Supreme Court of California, the Court of Appeals, and City Hall.
Residential options in District 8 vary, featuring unique single-family homes in Little Italy and North Beach, upscale downtown apartments and condominiums, and the diverse architecture of Tenderloin. Russian Hill, home to designs by renowned architects, boasts elegant residences and unparalleled views from its summit. Public transportation is excellent across the district, with many areas served by cable cars as well as the Muni Metro and BART. Furthermore, the ongoing Central Subway Project will soon extend the Muni Metro T Third Line, creating a direct transit connection between the Bayshore and Mission Bay areas, SOMA, downtown, and Chinatown, further enhancing District 8’s public transportation options.
District 9: Central East
Neighborhoods include Bernal Heights, Inner Mission, Mission Bay, Potrero Hill, South of Market, Yerba Buena, South Beach, and Central Waterfront/Dogpatch.
The eastern-central region of San Francisco, known as District 9, is undergoing a transformation, emerging as one of the city’s most dynamic areas. While some neighborhoods in this district have long been residential, others have a history rooted in warehouses, light industry, and shipping yards. Notable landmarks include Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants, Chase Center, home to the Golden State Warriors and the bustling Mission District.
As the largest district in the city, each neighborhood within District 9 boasts its own unique charm. The Mission area, for instance, serves as the lively epicenter of the local Latino community. In contrast, Potrero Hill and Bernal Heights offer a personal community, small-town ambiance. SoMa, South Beach, Yerba Buena, and Mission Bay provide a more urban experience, featuring lofts and condominiums. Remarkably, Dogpatch survived the devastation of the 1906 earthquake and fire, preserving some of San Francisco’s oldest homes.
With convenient connections to Highway 101, I-280, and I-80, commuting from District 9 to destinations north, south, east, or west is a breeze.
District 10: South East
Neighborhoods include Bayview, Crocker Amazon, Excelsior, Outer Mission, Vistacion Valley, Portola, Silver Terrace, Mission Terrace, Hunters Point, Bayview Heights, Candlestick Point and Little Hollywood.
Situated in the southeastern-most corner of San Francisco, District 10 is bordered by Interstates 80 and 280 to the west and the San Francisco Bay to the east. The district has a history rooted in light industrial and warehouse activities, and at one time, was home to tanners and navy ships. District 10 is composed of mature neighborhoods with diverse populations and possesses significant potential for urban growth.
The district offers an array of recreational options for its residents. McLaren Park features tennis and basketball courts, sports fields, jogging and hiking trails, a swimming pool, playgrounds for children, and a golf course. Additional parks in the area include Balboa Park, Cayuga Park, the Crocker Amazon Playground, and the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.
For those considering investment in real estate, commercial property, or purchasing a first home, District 10 presents an attractive opportunity. The district predominantly consists of single-family homes and duplexes, most of which were built in the 1950s, and includes both owner-occupied and rental properties. Bayview offers a distinct city-within-a-city experience in San Francisco, while the Crocker Amazon, Visitacion Valley, and Excelsior neighborhoods have a suburban feel, boasting some of the more affordable homes in the city.
