The 15 Safest Neighborhoods in San Francisco [With Stats] | Improved Home (2023)

San Francisco is one of the most unique, albeit priciest, cities in California, but choosing the right neighborhood can be tricky. The city is known for being dangerous, but 10 neighborhoods stand out as the safest, including Ocean View and Outer Richmond. Whether it's Seacliff, North Beach or Crocker Amazon, let's take a look at the 10 safest places to live in San Francisco.

The San Francisco area has long been a desirable place to live, often ranking high on "Best Places to Live in California" and "Best Places to Live" lists. The city was also named America's Happiest City and offers a very carefree, laid-back lifestyle. Although San Francisco is only the 11th^thMost populous city in the country and second only to New York in terms of population density. The city covers 46 square miles, and with a population of over 883,000, approximately 19,000 people live per square mile.

According to statistics, Outer Sunset, Crocker Amazon, Inner Sunset, Ocean View, and Noe Valley are the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco, California. When it comes to safety and livability, these neighborhoods rank highest, with 80-86% higher safety ratings than all of San Francisco. Other safe neighborhoods in this city include Outer Richmond, Seacliff and Presidio Heights.

Regardless of who you are or where you are moving to, the safety of the area you settle in should be high on your priority list, especially if you have young children. Although San Francisco's crime rates are well above the national average, that doesn't mean there aren't safe neighborhoods throughout the city.

Related guide:What are the pros and cons of living in San Francisco?

What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in San Francisco?

With the influx of Silicon Valley companies settling near San Francisco, the city's cost of living has skyrocketed, leading to gentrification that adds to an already sizable homeless population. Other problems such as drug and theft crimes have also become more common in the city. As in any other big city, the most violent crimes happen in pockets and these areas are best avoided.

Although crime rates appear to be falling, crime remains a problem for residents and visitors to the city. As of 2020, violent crime is in the city82% above the national average, and property crime is 152% higher.

1. Outer Sunset

• House price: $833,912 median asking price
• Rent: $1,619 monthly average rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 70% of areas

Outer Sunset is located at the extreme west end of San Francisco and is the neighborhood furthest from downtown. Although the area has an exceptionally low crime rate, it has a bad reputation due to the long transport journeys to and from the area and the heavy fog. However, Outer Sunset might come closest to true suburban living while still being within the city limits, as it's a far cry from the fast pace of San Francisco.

Outer Sunset is 70% more livable than other areas in San Francisco. This neighborhood is also 86% safer than other neighborhoods in San Francisco. According to statistics, the average purchase price of houses in the area is $5833,912, the average rent is $1,619.

Living in Outer Sunset offers the best of both worlds - being a resident of a busy metropolitan area and enjoying the peace and quiet of nearby suburban life.

2. Crocker Amazon

• House price: $625,375 median asking price
• Rent: $1,322 median monthly rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 85% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 61% of areas

Crocker Amazon is on the southernmost edge of San Francisco and borders the Excelsior District. It encompasses the area south of Geneva Avenue and Mission Street and extends toward the suburb of Daly City. Pizzerias, bars, a hairdresser, opticians, major retailers and other takeaway restaurants are located around the intersection and hub of this neighborhood. This is where most of the commercial activities take place.

Crocker Amazon is 61 percent more livable than nearby San Francisco neighborhoods. Plus, this neighborhood is 85% safer than the rest of San Francisco. According to figures, the average purchase price for a property in the area is $625,375, with an average rent of $1,322.

With an overall crime rate that is 49% below the national average and 79% below the San Francisco average, Crocker Amazon is considered the safest neighborhood in the city. Violent crimes per 100,000 come to 280 while property crime is 1,025 for 2020.

3. Inner sunset

• House price: $1,007,320 median asking price
• Rent: $1,767 monthly average rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 63% of areas

The Inner Sunset neighborhood is south of Golden Gate Park. It is the twin of Inner Richmond, the community that bounds the park on the north side. While both neighborhoods are hotspots for independent small businesses, Inner Sunset's dining scene is considered excellent, especially among sushi lovers.

Inner Sunset is also known for its foggy weather, with some even considering it the foggiest community in San Francisco. This neighborhood is very walkable and offers easy access to the light rail and buses, making it a relatively easy route into the city. It is mainly a residential area with small townhouses and terraced houses, Victorian and Edwardian style houses and small to medium sized newer apartment complexes.

In terms of quality of life, Inner Sunset outperforms other San Francisco neighborhoods by 63 percent. This neighborhood is 81% safer than other neighborhoods in San Francisco. According to statistics, the average purchase price for a house in the neighborhood is $1,007,320 and the average rent is $1,767.

4. Meerblick

• House price: $678,568 median asking price
• Rent: $1,462 monthly average rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of California cities
• Habitability Ranking: Rank better than 40% of the areas

Located in southern San Francisco, Oceanview is more economically and ethnically diverse than the city as a whole. This is likely due in part to the area's recent gentrification over the past decade. What was once a predominantly African American community now contains a majority Asian population.

Crime has since declined steadily since the city's technology boom and revitalization efforts. Ocean Avenue is Oceanview's commercial center and features many casual restaurants, cafes, and large retailers. Though the area doesn't have much parkland, young families flock to Oceanview for the relatively cheaper real estate.

Oceanview surpasses other San Francisco neighborhoods in quality of life by 40 percent. Compared to other San Francisco neighborhoods, this one is 80 percent safer. According to figures, the average purchase price for a property in the area is $678,568 and the average rent is $1,462.

5. Noe-Tal

• House price: $1,219,717 median asking price
• Rent: $2,076 monthly average rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 85% of areas

Despite being located in central San Francisco, Noe Valley offers a small-town vibe. It is surrounded by hills, giving it an intimate atmosphere. As a result, this community is considered avVery desirable and expensive neighborhood.

24^thThe street, Noe Valley's main thoroughfare, is awash with yoga studios, craft shops, and Whole Foods, the area's largest grocery store.

Noe Valley has an 85% quality of life advantage over other San Fran neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 80 percent safer than comparable areas in the city. According to statistics, the median price for a home in the community is $1,219,717, with an average rent of $2,076.

6. Outer Richmond

• House price: $1,024,713 median asking price
• Rent: $1,700 monthly average rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 36% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 79% of areas

The Richmond District stretches across the western edge of San Francisco. It lies between Golden Gate Park to the south and the Presidio to the north. The entire district is divided into two sections - Inner Richmond and Outer Richmond, with the latter being beachfront and more secluded.

Outer Richmond residents enjoy exploring the many nearby attractions including China Beach, the Sutro Baths, Sea Cliff, the Legion of Honor and Baker Beach. Housing in Outer Richmond is a mix of large apartment complexes, bungalows, single family homes and Victorian and Edwardian homes. In general, homes and commercial properties feel cozier and are more affordable than other parts of San Francisco.

Outer Richmond has a 79 percent advantage over other San Fran neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 79 percent safer than other areas in the city. According to statistics, the median price of a house in the neighborhood is $1,024,713, with an average rent of $1,700.

7. Sea cliff

• House price: $609,200 median asking price
• Rent: $1,621 monthly average rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 69% of areas

Sometimes referred to as "Sea Cliff," this affluent neighborhood is located in the northwestern part of San Francisco. Known for its ocean views and grand homes, Sea Cliff is one of eight master-designed residential parks in the city. The homes are exceptionally large, and many offer views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean.

As a result, this community is/was home to many famous people including Sharon Stone, Robin Williams, Jack Dorsey (Founder of Twitter), Donald Fisher (Founder of Gap) and the Consuls General of South Korea, Switzerland and The Netherlands. Many describe this neighborhood as a hidden gem with easy access to restaurants and local attractions.

Seacliff is 69 percent more livable than nearby San Fran neighborhoods. Additionally, this neighborhood is 72% safer than the rest of California's cities. According to figures, the average purchase price for a property in the area is $609,200 with an average rent of $1,621.

8. Presidio Heights

• House price: $1,506,982 median asking price
• Rent: $2,112 monthly average rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 70% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 74% of areas

Presidio Heights — an area where Silicon Valley millionaires live among ordinary people — is worth looking out for if you're looking for secluded SF neighborhoods in the heart of the city.

It borders the city's enticing hiking trails and parks, yet the area is a haven for people who prefer to dine out and establish a peaceful family life. The sea view is beautiful but you have to work hard to pay to live there.

Presidio Heights outperforms other San Francisco neighborhoods in quality of life by 74 percent. Compared to other nearby neighborhoods, this one is 70 percent safer. According to figures, the average purchase price for a property in the area is $1,506,982 and the average rent is $2,112.

9. Excellence

• House price: $646,360 median asking price
• Rent: $1,511 median monthly rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of California cities
• Habitability Ranking: Rank better than 19% of areas

At the bottom of our list is Excelsior, which shares its name with the area's name: The Excelsior District. This district also includes the neighborhoods of Crocker Amazon, Portola, and Mission Terrance. Excelsior is home to mostly low-income and middle-class residents who are among the few remaining in the city.

While not known for impressive mansions, fine dining, or high-end shopping, this area offers plenty for families. The neighborhood winds around San Francisco's second-largest park, McClaren Park, and the weather is some of the city's best.Residents enjoy McClaren Park for its tennis courts, hiking trails, small lake, golf course, playgrounds and more.

Excelsior outperforms other San Fran neighborhoods in residential quality by 19 percent. Compared to other California cities, it is 63 percent safer. According to figures, the average purchase price for a property in the area is $646,360 and the average rent is $1,511.

10. Pacific Heights

• House price: $1,550,042 median asking price
• Rent: $2,234 median monthly rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 89% of areas

Pacific Heights is one of the best communities in terms of quality of life. It sits at an elevation of 380 feet in the heart of the city. With stunning views of the ocean, bridge, island and Presidio, it's no surprise this neighborhood is known as the "Gold Coast" - one of the most expensive places in the United States, favored primarily by millionaires.

At the same time, there are cheaper neighborhoods like the Western Addition. On the other hand, this neighborhood is always said to be stylish, elite and the most expensive. There are fine restaurants and shops that not everyone can afford, as well as several boys-only schools, including a Waldorf school.

Pacific Heights has an 89% better quality of life than other areas in San Fran. This neighborhood is also 59% safer than other neighborhoods in San Francisco. According to statistics, the average purchase price for homes in the area is $1,550,042, and the average rent is $2,234.

11. Lower Nob Hill

• House price: $792,008 median asking price
• Rent: $2,090 monthly average rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 44% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 36% of areas

Do you dream of living in the upper class and not owning a car? This is a reality in Nob Hill, which boasts the city's third best ranking for walking, transit and cycling. It's the country's most affluent neighborhood with an abundance of world-class shopping and dining.

Lower Nob Hill has a 36 percent advantage over other San Francisco neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 44 percent safer than comparable areas in San Fran. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the neighborhood is $792,008, with an average rent of $2,090.

12. Marina

• House price: $1,454,491 median asking price
• Rent: $2,140 median monthly rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 77% of areas

Marina is a desirable place to live due to its central location and large population of non-criminal individuals. Located on the coastal coast, this area takes its name from the municipal boat harbor located there.

The Palace of Fine Arts is the area's most famous attraction, while Chestnut Street is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Marina has a 77 percent advantage over other San Francisco neighborhoods. This neighborhood is 42 percent safer than the surrounding areas. According to statistics, the median price of a home in the neighborhood is $1,454,491, with an average rent of $2,140.

13. Financial District

• House price: $654,150 median asking price
• Rent: $1,643 monthly average rate
• Crime Rate: Safer than 40% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 33% of areas

The Financial District serves as the central business district in San Francisco. This neighborhood is home to approximately 6,974 residents and the city's largest concentration of law firms, insurance companies, corporate headquarters, savings banks, real estate companies and other financial institutions. Additionally, all six Fortune 500 companies are located in San Fran in the Financial District.

This district has a 33% better quality of life than other areas in San Francisco. This neighborhood is also 40% safer than other neighborhoods. According to statistics, the average purchase price for homes in the area is $654,150 and the average rent is $1,643.

14. Nordstrand

• House price: $930,373 median asking price
• Rent: Average monthly rent of $1,755
• Crime Rate: Safer than 36% of California cities
• Quality of life ranking: Rank better than 37% of areas

Known as San Francisco's "Little Italy," the North Beach neighborhood is steeped in history. It also contains one of the oldest streets in the city: Grant Avenue. Located in the northeast corner of San Francisco, North Beach has historically been home to a large Italian American population, mostly from northern Italy.

This area has evolved into one of San Francisco's premier nightlife hubs, in addition to being residential with a mix of young professionals, Chinese immigrants and families. North Beach was also named one of the ten Great Neighborhoods in America by the American Planning Association (APA).

North Beach outperforms other San Francisco neighborhoods by 37 percent in quality of life. This neighborhood is 35 percent safer than others in this city. According to data, the median purchase price for a home in the area is $930,373 and the median rent is $1,755.

By our calculations, North Beach is the seventh safest neighborhood in San Francisco. However, it should be noted that while the overall crime rate is only 3% below the national average, it is 60% below the city average.

15. Chinatown

More guides on safe neighborhoods in other major cities

• The safest neighborhoods in Seattle
• The safest neighborhoods in Baltimore
• The safest neighborhoods in Dallas

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