San Francisco is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States and the world. The city-county is known to be Northern California’s commercial and cultural center. No wonder the rich and famous live here. Of course, there are numerous affluent and opulent neighborhoods in San Francisco. So, you might wonder, which one of them is the richest?
Thankfully, you don’t have to wonder anymore. In this post, we will look at the top 10 richest neighborhoods in San Francisco that will truly blow your mind!
9. St. Francis Wood
Median home value: $1.9 million
Population: 1,229
Land area: 0.273 sq miles (0.70 sq km)
Image source: Wikimedia
Located in the southwestern part of San Francisco, St. Francis Wood is one of the few neighborhoods in the county that was built with a specific architectural style: the Tudor Revival style.
You’ll enjoy strolling through its lushly landscaped and tree-lined streets as your eyes feast on the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, and hills.
Did you know?
St. Francis Wood derives its name from the patron saint of animals and forests, St. Francis of Assisi. Curiously enough, San Francisco also means St. Francis.
8. Cow Hollow
Median home value: $2 million
Population: 26,002
Land area: 0.523 sq miles (1.354 sq km)
Image Editorial credit: Jessica Kirsh / Shutterstock.com
Cow Hollow is an upscale, affluent neighborhood surrounded by beautiful and famous communities. In the west, you have the Presidio; in the north, the Pacific Heights; in the east, the Russian Hill; and in the south, the Marina District.
Because of Cow Hollow’s strategic location, many wealthy residents from surrounding areas gather around here. Thus, many businesspeople put up trendy shops, bustling restaurants, and vibrant nightclubs in Cow Hollow.
Did you know?
The original name of Cow Hollow is Spring Valley because of the many springs in the area. However, it was later known as Cow Hollow because of the several dairy farms built here. A prominent dairy farm owner in Cow Hollow is the Swiss immigrant John Meiggs who would later build the Meiggs Wharf and the Palace Hotel.
7. Marina
Median home value: $2.1 million
Population: 12,071
Land area: 0.778 sq mi) (2.02 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock.com
Marina is a top choice for young professionals and retirees because of its charming beauty and affluent neighborhood. The place gives you a majestic bird’s eye view of Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco Bay.
Perhaps, the most famous landmark of Marina is the Palace of Fine Arts. It was built in 1915 as part of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The structure was meant to be just a temporary exhibit, but the management decided to put it up permanently due to its popularity.
Did you know?
Marina rose from the ashes caused by the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires. The area known as Marina today was a landfill where people threw away the debris of damaged buildings.
6. Nob Hill
Median home value: $2.4 million
Population: 20,388
Land area: 0.313 sq mi (0.81 sq km)
Image Editorial credit: Rosangela Perry / Shutterstock.com
Nob Hill is home to some of the most luxurious houses in San Francisco. Because of its elevated location, it gives residents a view of the upbeat city landscape. Some of the most popular places in Nob Hill include the Cable Car Museum, Grace Cathedral, and Fairmont San Francisco Hotel.
An earthquake and fire in 1906 destroyed Nob Hill. However, the rich residents immediately rebuilt their homes, making Nob Hill an enduring testament to what the wealthy can do.
Did you know?
Nob Hill seems to be a strange name for an affluent neighborhood. However, it all makes sense when you dig into its history. Nob Hill got its name from the term “nabobs,” which the locals used to refer to its wealthy residents during the 19th century.
5. Telegraph Hill
Median home value: $2.5 million
Population: 8,177
Land area: 0.215 sq mi (0.56 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock
The Telegraph Hill gives a clear view of the bay area and Golden Gate Bridge. The neighborhood features San Francisco’s iconic Coit Tower, a 210-foot tower that gives its residents a place to enjoy the scenic view of the city.
Because of the unique steepness of Telegraph Hill, many people would rather walk its streets and enjoy colorful gardens and remarkable homes. Some parks and playgrounds make the place an ideal area for raising a family.
Did you know?
The Telegraph Hill got its name when in 1853, the first telegraph line in California was installed in the area. The former name of the hill was Loma Alta, which is Spanish for “high hill.”
4. Russian Hill
Median home value: $2.8 million
Population: 13,146
Land area: 0.397 sq mi (1.03 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock
Russian Hill is one of the highest points in San Francisco, and it is located at the heart of the city. Because of its elevated area, residents in Russian Hill enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, and the city’s skyline.
The houses and structures in Russian Hill are a mixture of modern and historic architecture. Some prominent landmarks in Russian Hill include Alice Marble Park and Lombard Street.
Did you know?
Russian Hill got its name after a small Russian cemetery was discovered in the area during the mid-19th century. The Russian cemetery was built by Russian sailors who settled in the area during the Gold Rush.
3. Sea Cliff
Median home value: $3.3 million
Population: 928
Land area: 0.143 sq mi (0.37 sq km)
Image Editorial credit: photosounds /Shutterstock.com
The Sea Cliff neighborhood was originally designed to be a place where people can spend quiet time away from chaotic city life. However, it became so popular as a tourist destination in the 20th century that more and more rich people came to live here.
The most remarkable feature of Sea Cliff is its unique view of the Pacific Ocean. So, it is not rare for you to find beautiful and elegant homes built on the cliffs, which enjoy the serene sound of the waves and cool ocean breeze.
Did you know?
San Francisco has only a few neighborhoods with underground utilities, which buried its communication and electrical lines under the ground. Sea Cliff is one of them, and this preserves the neighborhood’s natural and aesthetic appeal.
2. Presidio Heights
Median home value: $3.6 million
Population: 4,483
Land area: 0.246 square miles(0.63 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock
Presidio features prestigious and luxurious homes where San Francisco’s elites dwell.
The neighborhood is dotted with houses inspired by architectural designs, which include Spanish Colonial Revival, Beaux-Arts, and Tudor Revival. Its streets are lined with luscious trees and greenery. The best thing about Presidio Heights is its location. It is far from the bustling Bay Area but close to hiking trails, parks, and beautiful gardens.
There are a lot of historic landmarks in the area. One of the most notable would be Julius Castle, an old but elegant restaurant. However, today, it is now converted into a private house.
Did you know?
Presidio Heights is near the Presidio, which was a military base. This is where it got its name as well. Presidio Heights wasn’t a known location until the early 20th century when some of the wealthy residents of San Francisco started to build houses in the neighborhood.
1. Pacific Heights
Median home value: $4.3 million
Population: 21,925
Land area: 0.967 sq mi (2.50 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock
Pacific Heights is the richest neighborhood in San Francisco. If you’re looking for some of the most exclusive, expensive, and impressive pieces of real estate, then you’ll find them here in Pacific Heights.
The place is considered by many as the most affluent and picturesque neighborhood in the city. You’ll find houses and mansions inspired by Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Most of these mansions are centuries old and have been restored and preserved for everyone to enjoy.
Aside from the spectacular buildings, you’ll find some cultural landmarks and centers within the neighborhood. For example, you can visit nearby museums and cultural establishments such as the Haas-Lilienthal House and San Francisco Art Museum.
Did you know?
Pacific Heights is located at a higher altitude. It rises above the city landscape, and thus, it gives you a breathtaking view of San Francisco’s famous landmarks, which include the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Alcatraz Island.
