San Francisco Real Estate: The November Digest
San Francisco is a city that’s always changing, thanks to new homes undergoing construction and new skyscrapers rising along the skyline. The never-ending flux is largely fueled by the tech-driven demand for homes and low supply of housing inventory across San Francisco’s many neighborhoods. If you’re in the market for a home and have your eye on the City by the Bay, here’s an overview of what the real estate market looks like in San Francisco right now.
Neighborhoods With the Most Homes for Sale
View homes for sale in Pacific Heights
If you’re looking for a home in San Francisco, your best bet is searching for neighborhoods with the most homes for sale. Pacific Heights, Richmond District, Noe Valley, Sunset, and Nob Hill have a large number of available homes, according to Neighborhoods.com listings. Pacific Heights has become quite an exclusive community over the years, and according to Business Insider, it’s home to many billionaires. Richmond District and Noe Valley are both residential, family-friendly neighborhoods with good amounts of greenspace. Sunset, due to its proximity to Ocean Beach, is known for being one of the foggier neighborhoods in the City by the Bay, but there’s also plenty of entertainment, recreation, and dining. Nob Hill is one of San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods, with luxury mansions and fancy hotels galore.
Most Popular Neighborhoods
View homes for sale in Marina District
Marina District will likely always be one of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods. Located right next to the water, this area offers stunning views, pristine homes, and a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere. Bernal Heights, often nicknamed “Maternal Heights,” is a constant favorite among families seeking a peaceful neighborhood in which to raise their children. North Beach is a trendy neighborhood where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the authentic trattorias and hang out in the charming coffee shops. South of Market (SoMa) was once a warehouse district, but it’s become one of the major high-tech hubs in Silicon Valley. From towering skyscrapers to boutique shopping to trendy bars, SoMa has it all.
Where Our Users Are Searching
View homes for sale in Monterey Heights
According to our data, Outer Parkside, Promenade, and Monterey Heights were the most searched San Francisco areas on Neighborhoods.com over the past three months. Outer Parkside is popular among residents who have been priced out of San Francisco’s more expensive neighborhoods, and homebuyers come here in search of good public schools as well as ocean views at relatively more affordable prices. Promenade is a neighborhood on the outskirts of San Francisco proper, with mid-size homes that are more affordable than what you’d find in the city even though the prices are still very high (a median sale price of $1.3 million). Monterey Heights offers stately homes in a neighborhood with a suburban feel, so it’s popular with buyers who want a slice of suburbia in the middle of the city.
Elsewhere in the Bay Area, Fremont, Santa Rosa, San Jose, and Burlingame also came in on top. These cities are known for having some very family-friendly neighborhoods. Fremont, San Jose, and Burlingame are also close to a lot of tech jobs, while Santa Rosa offers the beautiful rolling hills and idyllic lifestyle of wine country.
Expensive Neighborhoods
View homes for sale in Presidio
It’s no surprise that Presidio topped the list of most expensive neighborhoods in San Francisco. This 1,500-acre park that was transformed from a former military post, is now one of the city’s greenest neighborhoods, with vast stretches of forests and miles of walking trails, as well as scenic vista points and stunning views. Russian Hill is also one of San Francisco’s most upscale neighborhoods, with luxury homes nestled in an intimate atmosphere. The Marina District is popular for its waterfront location, comfortable vibe, and beautiful scenery—it’s no wonder the median home price here is $1.7 million. Dolores Heights is the perfect neighborhood for those who don’t want to drive, as the area has a Walk Score of 95. This energetic community is also home to many families who appreciate the central location and easy access to public transit options like the Muni streetcar and bus lines.
Affordable Neighborhoods
View homes for sale in Downtown San Francisco
Given the location of Downtown San Francisco, the median home price in the high $800s is reassuring for those who want to live near where they work. Home to many businesses, company headquarters, and office buildings, the neighborhood tends to quiet down in the evenings. Portola, while by no means cheap, is also relatively affordable with a median home price tag at $1.2 million; the quiet, green neighborhood is home to many independent shops and family-run businesses and offers a strong community feel. SoMa’s median home price is in the low $900s, surprisingly low for a neighborhood home to so many towering skyscrapers and community headquarters. For those who work in the fast-paced neighborhood and want to live near the office, SoMa’s price tags may be within reach.
Neighborhoods with Lots of New Construction
SoMa is a San Francisco neighborhood where new construction always seems to be happening, whether it’s a new skyscraper or a series of condominiums. Stage 1075 features 90 condos, ranging from the low $500s to $1.2 million and 495 to 1,100 square feet. With a central location and large quantity of community amenities, this SoMa complex is already quite popular. The six-story, 112-unit 99 Rausch is another condo community with amenities like a rooftop terrace, BBQ grills, a yoga area, and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.