Making the decision to move to San Francisco is a big one, whether it’s for school, work, or simply for a change of scenery. But once you make the choice to live in the City by the Bay, you’re faced with yet another big decision: which neighborhood of San Francisco should you live in? There are so many to choose from and each one has its own unique characteristics. To make your life easier, we’ve broken down some factors to consider before you settle on a neighborhood.

Housing Cost

Typical Homes in Bayview / Hunter's Point

The cost of living in San Francisco is notoriously high, especially with low availability and high demand driving up the prices of homes. That being said, there are some neighborhoods in San Francisco where prices are more affordable and some where prices are out of reach for most people. In Bayview, the median price of a home is $650,000, while in Bernal Heights, it’s nearly double that, at $1.31 million. If San Francisco is too unaffordable in general, consider living in Oakland or the South Bay and commuting into the city.

Public Transit

San Francisco has two major public transit systems, MUNI and BART. While both systems can be reliable, neither system is as efficient as mass transportation frequently found in other major cities. Trains often run late, and the two systems do not connect to each other. Before deciding on a neighborhood, consider whether you’d prefer to have the option of taking public transportation. Think about where you’ll be heading most often, for school, work, family, or errands. Are there public transit stops near those destinations? If so, you may want to consider living in a neighborhood that has a stop in the same system.

Amenities

A cozy park tucked away in the Mission District

Parents will probably be more comfortable spending time outside with their family in the Mission District than in, say, Tenderloin or SoMa. Take a look at which local organizations serve youngsters with art, sports, music, and culture experiences. Also, consider which neighborhoods have better public schools. If you’re interested in private schools, consider living nearby to make for more convenient drop-offs and pick-ups.

Earthquakes

Homes that are away from the waterfront typically experience less earthquake damage

It’s common knowledge that the Bay Area is located in prime earthquake territory, and seismologists predict there’s a 76 percent chance the region could be hit with a destructive earthquake at any moment over the next three decades. For this reason, earthquake expert Mary Comerio suggests not living along the waterfront, where the phenomenon of liquefaction will cause the city’s soft soil to buckle intensely during an earthquake. 

Nature

Japanese Gardens in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park

There isn’t a ton of green to speak of when you’re in the city (at least in comparison to the suburbs). So if you’re a nature-minded lover of the great outdoors, consider living in a neighborhood closer to Highway 101. That means you’ll quickly get out of the city and into Marin County to the north or the South Bay, where you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, vista points, and open space. Another option is to live near one of San Francisco’s major parks, like Golden Gate Park in Sunset or the Presidio Trails and Crissy Field in Presidio.