San Francisco Disctricts

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One of the best things about living in San Francisco is having so many exciting districts and neighborhoods to choose from. Each neighborhood has something unique to offer in terms of architecture, famous landmarks, culture, shopping, and the list goes on. Below is a list of popular San Francisco neighborhoods and a description of their primary characteristics.
  • Northwest (Richmond, Jordan Park/Laurel Heights, Lake, Sea Cliff)
If you love the outdoors and recreation, this is the place for you. Stroll along Ocean or Baker Beach, take a hike at Land’s End, or dine at the famous Cliff House restaurant in this wonderful district. The scenery of the surrounding area is beautiful and the invigorating activities numerous.
o       Richmond: The Richmond neighborhood draws young urban professionals, college students, and families into their restaurants. The area’s population is diverse while the Asian population has grown significantly. 
o       Jordan Park: The pluses of this neighborhood include great transportation and exceptional views. The area is populated mostly by single family homes.
o       Laurel Heights: This city’s Edwardian-style single-family homes, apartments, and flats have been renovated recently and provide fairly easy parking. 
o       Sea Cliff: This is one of the most sought-after real estate areas in the country. The views are breathtaking as Spanish architecture rests on cliffs east of the Golden Gate Bridge. 
 
·        Northeast (Downtown, Russian Hill, Financial District, Nob Hill, North Beach)
 
o       Downtown: This is the cultural heart of San Francisco. Here you can enjoy the Civic Center Plaza, the 1932 War Memorial Opera House on Van Ness, or the golden dome of the recently restored City Hall in the Civic Center complex.
o       Russian Hill: Home to the “the crookedest street in the world”, Russian Hill offers an eclectic assortment of 19th century Italianate residences, condos, apartments, and single-family homes. 
o       Financial District: The Financial District boasts of upscale apartments and condominiums in this significant commercial center of historic banks. The area is close to four-star restaurants and hotels as well as Jackson Square Park.
o       Nob Hill: Often referred to as “Snob Hill”, Nob Hill offers luxury apartment buildings, assorted smaller, single family homes, and a few elegant mansions still remain.
o       North Beach: This is a hot spot for real estate as quaint single family homes and apartments are in high demand because of their exceptional views and great location to jobs and entertainment. 
 
·        North (Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, Presidio Heights)
 
o       Cow Hollow: This is a great place for singles to live; its hot spots are overflowing most evenings with its singles scene. The area continues to grow with both singles and young families.
o       Pacific Heights/Presidio Heights: It is no wonder why the wealthy pick this neighborhood for their location. This is the most magnificent view of the Bay with inspiring vistas everywhere you look. Both Pacific and Presidio Heights are affluent with grand estates, and although there are a few smaller homes in the neighborhood, the majority of the homes are extravagant and historic.
 
·        Central North (Alamo Square, Hayes Valley, Lower Pacific Heights)
 
o       Alamo Square: This neighborhood of the Central North District provides wonderful views of the city and is known for its beautiful Victorians.
o       Hayes Valley: This quaint neighborhood is home to many of the artists, chefs, and designers who live on Hayes Street. 
o       Lower Pacific Heights: This neighborhood is made up of a diverse urban population and is home to Japantown. The housing possibilities include upscale apartments, restored Victorians, and new condos. 
 
·        Central (Haight Ashbury, Noe Valley, Twin Peaks)
 
o       Haight Ashbury: The stately homes in these neighborhoods are  
           presently inhabited by San Francisco’s more affluent citizens. The 
           area boasts revived Victorians nestled in homey neighborhoods.
o       Noe Valley: Located close to the 101 and 280 freeways, this residential neighborhood has recently become one of the City’s most sought-after places to live. Students, families and artists alike are drawn to the quaint cafes and book shops.
o       Twin Peaks: This neighborhood, found along the summits of the two 900-foot Twin Peaks, provides residents with amazing views from their single family homes, apartment buildings, and villas.
 
·        Southeast (Bayview, Bayview Heights, Hunters Point, Mission Terrace, Outer Mission, Crocker Amazon)
 
o       Bayview and Hunters Point: This area offers homes that still consist 
   of affordable prices. The community here is remarkably tight
and has a reputation for its local activists.
o       Crocker Amazon:  This neighborhood is known for its single family 
      homes with neat front lawns and beautiful landscaped streets.
 
The most affordable housing in San Francisco can be found in the neighborhoods of the Bayview or Mission districts while the most expensive real estate, often multi-million dollar estates, are typically found in the Sea Cliff or the Pacific Heights districts.



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