One of America’s most beautiful cities, SAN FRANCISCO sits poised on the 47-square-mile fingertip of a peninsula at the western edge of America – the perfect location for a place that considers itself the last stronghold of civilization in California’s lunatic fringe.
Indeed, the city has much to gloat about, not least the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds it – from rugged coastline and tranquil bay waters to rambling, fog-capped hills and dense, unspoiled woods. Along the steep streets of the city itself, sit a cluster of distinct neighborhoods lined by rows of preserved Victorian houses or dotted with chic clubs in converted warehouses.
From its earliest days as a stop on the Spanish chain of Missions, through its explosive expansion during the Gold Rush and right up into the present-day Internet boom, San Francisco’s turbulent history is relatively short. Named for Saint Francis of Assisi, the kindly monk who harbored society’s outcasts, the city sprang up almost overnight in the late 1840s from a sleepy fishing village named Yerba Buena.
Today San Francisco is home to Silicon Valley tech startups, the largest LGBTQ community in the U.S., iconic landmarks, and an incomparable dining scene. With moist winters, dry summers, and an average temperature around 60 degrees, San Francisco has a mild, coastal climate similar to that of the Mediterranean region, making it an ideal home for outdoor enthusiasts.
The cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California, the Bay Area is home to Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Salesforce, all of which have been recognized as some of the best tech companies to work for in the U.S. Finance, tourism, and healthcare sectors have also seen considerable growth, accounting for some of San Francisco’s largest employers outside of Silicon Valley.
San Francisco's numerous eclectic neighborhoods means you’re bound find the area that fits your lifestyle! If you’re looking for a San Francisco neighborhood with a strong foodie culture, cool art scenes, and great job opportunities, SoMa and Embarcadero might be the perfect place for you. Enjoy the outdoors? Areas like Presidio and Marina District are within walking distance of some of San Francisco’s best outdoor recreation spots. Or maybe you want a quieter, more family-friendly spot, in which case, check out Nob Hill and The Avenues, where homes are more spacious, and schools are well-rated throughout the area.
San Francisco is also known for it's world-class dining experiences. From family-owned Italian diners and upscale tapas restaurants to street-style taco trucks and Korean barbecue joints, San Francisco has a restaurant for every craving. Check out this dining guide from Eater San Francisco.
We've provided inks to San Francisco's neighborhood overviews, real estate for sale in those neighborhoods, and things to do and see in and around the Bay area. Enjoy!
San Francisco Neighborhoods, Culture & Activities
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