The 5 safest neighborhoods to live in San Francisco

If you’re thinking about moving to San Francisco, you are likely wondering which parts or neighborhoods of the city are safe and welcoming. The good news is that the crime rate in San Francisco is lower now than it was before the pandemic, according to the San Francisco Gate newspaper.

But even with a drop in the overall crime rate over the past several years, you may want to start your housing search in the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Whether you’re moving to the city alone, with family, or with friends, finding an apartment in one of the safest areas in San Francisco can be a challenge. Thousands of people relocate to this glittering Silicon Valley city each year, and the competition for quality housing can be stiff! Renting a flexible-term furnished apartment in San Francisco instead of a traditional year-long rental is a convenient way to relocate.

Short-term housing providers like Blueground often have furnished apartments available in the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco, taking some of the guesswork out of your search for housing. Of course, any search for housing should begin with a look at the latest crime rate. San Francisco archives their police data online so that it is easy to see areas with higher rates of incidents. We crunched the numbers to present you with the five safest neighborhoods in San Francisco.

1. Ocean View

Based on data collected by HomeSnacks, beautiful Ocean View is one of the safest areas in San Francisco based on the number of reported crimes. This pocket-sized neighborhood is a great choice for someone looking to move to the Bay Area. Ocean View is located on the south side of the city and is mainly residential. There are wonderful schools and parks for residents to enjoy, including the spacious Ocean View Park. Another big advantage is the proximity of Whole Foods Market, an easy place to stock the fridge with healthy food.

2. Noe Valley

Family-friendly Noe Valley is another one of the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco. According to Bekins, this lovely area experiences 61% less crime than the average rate of the city. Noe Valley is ideal for anyone who wants to live a lifestyle. There are many walking paths and a weekly farmer’s market. Also, there are some wonderful green spaces that are ideal for exercising or entertaining children, including Glen Park and Upper Noe Recreation Center.

3. Sea Cliff

Sea Cliff is a planned community in the northwest part of the city. Neighborhood Scout reports that it is the safest neighborhood in San Francisco based on the low number of violent crimes. In addition to being a safe neighborhood, Sea Cliff is ideally located. Residents are near the famous Presidio and a number of beautiful hiking trails, including the Lands End Trail. The neighborhood also has its own small beach, China Beach.

4. Marina District

Another one of the safest areas in San Francisco is the popular Marina District. According to the website Upgraded Home, this neighborhood is safer than 42% of California cities. The Marina District sits right on San Francisco Bay, and there are a number of cafes, bars, and restaurants with waterfront views. There are also incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the area, making it a popular place to rent an apartment. The Palace of Fine Arts is a neighborhood landmark that is perfect as a meeting spot or the background for your first “I moved to SF” selfie.

5. North Beach

Scenic North Beach is another one of the 10 safest neighborhoods in San Francisco according to statistics collected by the website Upgraded Home. Also, this neighborhood is often referred to as the city’s Little Italy, thanks to the large number of Italian-Americans who live and work here. North Beach is located in the northeastern part of San Francisco, near Chinatown and the Financial District. It’s an ideal place to find an apartment in San Francisco, since there is so much to see and do. Also, there is a hopping bar and restaurant scene right in the neighborhood, plus world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf is only a 10 minute walk away.

But how to choose the best neighborhood for you?

Even if you have decided to only look in the safest areas of San Francisco, there are still other factors to consider in your housing search. First of all, you need to figure out your budget for housing. Keep in mind that San Francisco is one of the more expensive cities in the U.S. If you cannot afford to rent a studio or a one-bedroom apartment on your own, you may want to consider living with roommates. In addition, be sure to consider the cost of living in San Francisco. For example, you can consider utilities like electricity, gas, Internet, and water as part of your monthly housing budget.

Once you have a budget in mind, search for apartments in San Francisco’s top neighborhoods and see what you can afford. If you commute to an office daily, you will want to find a home with parking or good access to public transportation. On the other hand, if you will be working from home you may be able to save on rent by finding an apartment that isn’t located near public transportation and thus costs less.

Putting it all together

Finally, the choice of where to live comes down to your preferences. Do you want to be near the tourist hotspots? Do you want to live near the best public schools? Maybe you love the club scene and want to live near the best bars and restaurants. Think about what is most important to you, and make sure that you are looking in neighborhoods with the amenities you cherish most.

Thankfully, many of the safest areas in San Francisco are also near the heart of all the action! We hope this guide to the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco helps you with your upcoming move!