Quantifying the characteristics of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for young professionals

Understanding the Bay Area through location data

Local Logic builds location intelligence solutions to help home seekers and investors find opportunities that are most suited to their preferences and requirements. We draw upon thousands of data points to develop 18 proprietary Location Scores to provide street- and neighborhood-level insights.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers can better understand and assess a location. Using our location insights, you can find properties based on specific characteristics, such as proximity to schools or quiet neighborhoods, and make more informed decisions on where to live.

Benchmarking neighborhood scores against San Francisco’s average scores

Below you’ll find the Location Scores for the best places to live in San Francisco for young professionals, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• Transit-friendly: Represents the frequency and level of service of public transit
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Restaurants: Quantity and diversity of restaurants nearby
• Cafes: Quantity and diversity of cafés nearby
• Shopping: Quantity and diversity of shops nearby
• Nightlife: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby
• Vibrancy: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby

Then, we ranked each neighborhood by a composite score of all these factors.

Ranking the best neighborhoods in San Francisco for young professionals

Here’s our data-informed list of San Francisco’s top neighborhoods for young professionals:

1. Lower Nob Hill

Lower Nob Hill is essentially the opposite of its sister neighborhood, Nob Hill. Most residents rent their homes, and the area is very lowkey and diverse. It’s proudly home to tons of global eateries and bakeries, and it’s a stone’s throw away from Union Square. Some neighborhood favorites include Happy Lamb Hot Pot, 620 Jones (which is a bar), and Members Only Supper Club.

If you’re into dinner and drinks with a view, Top of the Mark is a must on the weekends or post-work Happy Hours. There are a lot of options for young professionals that like to take in the arts, including the Masonic Auditorium for concerts and comedy shows, SF Playhouse for theater performances, and the San Francisco Art Exchange for rare photograph collections and other art.

2. Downtown / Civic Center

The Downtown/Civic Center neighborhood is the perfect cross-section of arts, government, and culture. It’s home to the stunning San Francisco City Hall, a popular spot for small civil weddings. If you like live music, you can check out the SFJazz Center and Davies Symphony Hall. If you want to dive deeper into Asian culture, pop into the Asian Art Museum.

If you’re vegan, or have vegan colleagues, finding a spot to eat will be a breeze. One of the most popular options for vegan cuisine is Rad Radish. The Madrigal is a bustling bar and restaurant, and if you’re into French food, Absinthe Brasserie & Bar is a must.

3. Hayes Valley / Lower Haight

The Hayes Valley neighborhood is a chill and revitalized area in the Western Addition of San Francisco. Hayes Street is the main commercial hub of the neighborhood, and holds a number of upscale designer fashion boutiques and home decor stores, which are popular with young professionals.

When you need a break or a bite between shops, pop into one of the dessert shops, bars, or trendy restaurants on the strip. Some notables include Hazie’s American and Suppenküche for German cuisine. End off your day with a walk through the neighborhood’s community garden.

4. Russian Hill

The picturesque Russian Hill neighborhood is best known for being home to Lombard Street, a windy, curvy stretch of road. You’ll also find the iconic cable cars all over across the hill. If you’re someone who loves to play tourist in your city, there’s no better neighborhood for doing that.

Along Polk and Hyde Streets, you’ll find a number of Happy Hour contenders in the form of old school bars and restaurants, and plenty of spots for some post-work or weekend retail therapy. Some honorable mentions include Seven Hills for Italian, Abrazo for seafood, and Union Larder for wine.

5. Telegraph Hill

Telegraph Hill is home to some of the coolest and quirkiest attractions that San Francisco has to offer. You can do a hike on the wooden steps of Filbert Street or hang out with the feral parrots that are found in many of the neighborhood’s trees.

Coit Tower is also popular among locals and tourists alike, as the hike offers some of the best views in the city and houses murals by a variety of artists. Telegraph Hill prides itself on having diverse and casual eating options, including Golden Boy Pizza, Park Tavern, and Columbus Café.

Finding the right neighborhood in San Francisco for your career

If you want to immerse yourself in the arts, eclectic architecture, and diverse cuisine, then living in San Francisco as a young professional could be your next move. There is no shortage of things to do and see, and every neighborhood has its own unique vibe.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in San Francisco. When searching for your next home, or a new neighborhood, you can look for specific characteristics on each individual listing to find the perfect place for you and your professional life.