For relocating talent, the overall moving process is stressful, but what if an employee is moving on a tight timeline and you can’t offer them corporate housing? Having local expertise can save transferees from ending up in a bad lease or a gritty neighborhood. At Relocity, we optimize the employee relocation experience by connecting your top talent with a local expert we call a “Relocation Consultant” or host. Relocity Hosts know the ins and outs of neighborhoods. They also get to know transferees well so that they can make highly targeted recommendations that will optimize their happiness in their new city.

No blogpost can offer the customized information provided by one of our consultants, but here’s an overview of some San Francisco neighborhoods your employees might want to consider.

Brace yourself, however. According to RentCafe, the average rent is currently $3,287/mo for a rental and around $1.3M (from what I’m finding) in 2024 to buy. In San Francisco finding housing is a challenge in itself, but this neighborhood overview will give an idea of the basic characteristics and help guide your transferees’ housing search—with or without destination services.

Marina District

This waterfront district is one of the most scenic neighborhoods in SF and is home to many long-term residents, young professionals, and recent grads. The Marina is popular for its social scene, charming restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife. Active types and pet owners considering moving to this area will love being adjacent to the Presidio National Park, a huge natural area offering hiking, cycling, a climbing gym, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Marina is also a great choice for families because of the many child-friendly attractions it has to offer. These include the Walt Disney Museum and the Outpost Playground at the recently opened and wildly popular Tunnel Tops Park. The Marina is accessible by car or bus (no train lines go to this area).

Mission Bay

Southeast of the Marina facing Oakland is another popular waterfront district. Mission Bay has undergone extensive development over the past 10 years, providing lots of much-needed new housing options. This modern area is popular with the young professionals and tech crowd. It is also the home of the Golden State Warriors and is located across the way from the Giants Stadium. Sports fans flock to this area in great numbers bringing a fun, lively energy all year round. Spark Social is a loved hangout in Mission Bay to enjoy many sports, food trucks, and even an SF mini golf course. Opened in 2024, Mission Park combines open spaces, and several trails that expand from Bayview-Hunters Point all the way to the Embarcadero.

Mission/Valencia

Mission/Valencia is an artistic and fun area buzzing with art, nightlife, festivals, and food. With a strong Latin influence, this is the home to San Francisco’s top-rated taquerias. This hip and lively neighborhood is popular among the younger crowds who don’t mind the sound of music in the streets late into the night! If you’re looking for a hip new restaurant, to dance the night away, or are simply lured by the smell of bacon-wrapped hot dogs, you’ll find yourself right at home in Mission/Valencia. Though undergoing gentrification during the last few years, there are still plenty of nightclubs, ethnic restaurants, music venues, recording studios, and art galleries to justify the artsy reputation. Both neighborhoods are close to BART and train stations for an easy commute.

South of Market (SoMa)

SoMa especially deserves its artist’s cred as home to the Museum of Modern Art and Museum of the African Diaspora, as well as numerous artist’s lofts, boutique hotels, and tech startups. This tends to be the home of many modern mid and high-rise buildings. Perhaps also that this is a more corporate and less residential area of the city. Both neighborhoods are close to BART and train stations for an easy commute.

‍Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond

If a family is looking for a bit more suburban environment, Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond on the opposite side of the peninsula offer more single family residences, open spaces and family-friendly resources, including easy access to Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park. Ocean Beach is a popular surf spot for advanced surfers.

Pacific Heights

If one can afford it, Pacific Heights is one of the most beautiful and iconic neighborhoods in the city. Many of the homes are Victorian, dating from before the 1906 earthquake (and fires that destroyed much of the city), as well as mansions that were built soon after. Built on a ridge, there are views in several directions of Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, Alcatraz Island, Twin Peaks, and the Sutro Tower. There are two gracious parks, Lafayette and Alta Plaza, and Filmore Street is lined with quaint shops and restaurants. However, in 2013, Pacific Heights was named the most expensive neighborhood in America. So be prepared. This being a quieter and less easy-to-access area by public transit, younger folks might find this area a bit too quiet for their liking.

Hayes Valley

Hayes Valley is one of the most central and popular neighborhoods in San Francisco. With a blend of residential and outdoor areas, modern mid-rises, and unbeatable access to the Financial District, public transit, and the freeway, it’s no wonder why so many people call Hayes Valley home. Loved by residents and tourists alike, Hayes Valley offers a community vibe, sunshine, and an abundance of charming bars, eateries, outdoor classes, and events. Though these features make this area pricier, it’s worth considering for its many perks.

Lower Haight/Duboce Triangle

Another centrally located and popular area is Lower Haight and Duboce Triangle. Located right on the direct train line to downtown, this area is both convenient and full of activity. With a mix of the SoMa vibe and a more charming older-style apartment atmosphere, dog owners love relaxing with their pets in Duboce Park, and popular eateries and cafes are spread all along Haight Street.

North of Panhandle (NoPA)/Divisadero

Popular with the 20s and 30s crowd is Divisadero Street and Alamo Square Park neighborhood. This central area is enjoyed for its walkability and access to Golden Gate Park’s Panhandle, as well as its nightlife and shopping. Being able to eat lunch overlooking the iconic “Painted Ladies” or playing tennis with a view of the city are a few other reasons that make this area hard to beat. Housing prices in this area reflect its popularity, but roam Divisadero and you might just fall in love with the darling wine bars and the European outdoor dining vibes.

Inner Sunset/Cole Valley

An area that seemingly turned into a sensation overnight, the Inner Sunset has gone from being a foggy, off-the-map spot to a bustling and greatly adored neighborhood. This is home to some of San Francisco’s most highly-rated Asian food, authentic dumpling shops, and boba tea galore. Another huge factor that makes this area so popular is the walkability to Golden Gate Park. Runners, bicycle riders, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for a calmer atmosphere will enjoy this casual area of the city. Bear in mind, however, that the Inner Sunset and Cole Valley are a further trek to downtown and freeways!

General Facts for San Francisco

Apartment Budgeting:

Apartment prices in San Francisco can vary greatly based on many factors. Establishing your priorities versus your “nice to haves” can help determine your housing budget. The three following factors can make hundreds of thousands of dollars difference in San Francisco rent:

• Amenities: W/D, dishwasher, modern renovations
• Location: Different neighborhoods are pricier than others
• Parking: Garage spot, assigned spot, or street-only parking

Public Transit

San Francisco has five main modes of public transit for commuters: Muni train & bus, BART, the ferry, and Caltrain. Different areas of the city use different modes. 

Driving and Parking in SF

Parking can be challenging, but many locals do tend to own cars. Be sure to curb your wheels and always check street signs wherever you park. San Francisco parking tickets are pricey!

Microclimates

San Francisco is known for its moderate climate and coastal fog. But due to our microclimates, some areas enjoy a much higher average of sun. The sunniest neighborhoods include:

• East and Southeast: North Beach, Russian Hill, Nob Hill, Downtown, Rincon Hill/South Beach/FiDi/SoMa, Mission District, Noe Valley, Potrero Hill, Mission Bay, Dogpatch, Bayview.

Resident Benefits for Free Events

With a San Francisco ID, you can enjoy free admission to many attractions, including:

• Japanese Tea Gardens
• Golden Gate Botanical Gardens
• Conservatory of Flowers
• San Francisco Legion of Honor
• And many more!

Book a free consultation today if you want to see how Relocity can help your talent thrive in San Francisco, or your other key locations.

Be sure to check out Relocity's latest San Francisco spotlight blogs:

• San Francisco (part 1)
• The Peninsula (part two)
‍• The South Bay (part three)
‍• The East Bay (part four)
• The North Bay (part five)