5 Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco for Young Professionals in 2024 (2024)

Written by Mike Beutler

Thinking about living in San Francisco? The Golden Gate City has a lot to offer for singles and young professionals, thanks to its incredible arts and culture, great job market, and wide range of outdoor recreation. Check out these five best neighborhoods in San Francisco for singles and young professionals!

Marina District

San Francisco’s Marina District is home to an upscale population of singles and young professionals in their 20s and 30s. The neighborhood is bookended by green spaces—Presidio in the west and Fort Mason in the east—that offer beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. Locals can enjoy international eateries in nearby Ghirardelli Square, chic clothing boutiques, and a variety of bars and clubs along Union, Chestnut, Lombard, and Steiner Streets. Plus, most of the area’s best attractions are within walking or biking distance. If price is no concern for you, the Marina District is the place to be!

Things to Do in Marina District

Take in the spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge or walk your dog along the waterfront at the 74-acre Marina Green. Check out the Wave Organ, a popular bayside sculpture made up of 25 organ pipes that are activated by waves. See collections depicting local maritime history at the Maritime Museum. Get tickets to a musical performance or live show at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Pick up fresh, local produce on Sundays at the Fort Mason Center Farmers’ Market. Head out to brunch at Cultivar San Francisco and feast on Strawberry Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, or Huevos Rancheros. Dine on Italian dishes like Risotto Del Giorno, Ravioli Con Fonduta, or Tagliatelle Bolognese at the Ristobar. Or enjoy a night out, order food, and sip on co*cktails like Bee’s Knees, Sunshine Wars, or Grandfather’s Tea on the Tipsy Pig‘s patio.

Mission District

Named for the oldest standing building in San Francisco, Mission District (or The Mission) is known for its vibrant Latin culture and annual Carnaval San Francisco celebration. The Mission District is also well-known for its LGBTQ scene, and is home to many gay bars and murals representing the community. Since the 1990s, Mission District has also been a major player in San Francisco’s independent arts scene, thanks to the Mission School art movement. Pair all of that with clubs, shops, and parks—including the popular Dolores Park, where residents can catch concerts, cultural events, and more—and it’s no wonder why Mission District is such a desirable affordable SF neighborhood!

Things to Do in Mission District

Check out a full block of colorful wall murals created by community artists in the Clarion Alley Mural Project. Attend a film screening at one of Mission District’s popular landmarks, Roxie Theater. Play a round of indoor miniature golf on the 14-hole course at Urban Putt. Shop for vintage t-shirts, jackets, jewelry, and bags at the Afterlife Collective. Spend an evening bowling with friends and enjoying co*cktails at retro Mission Bowling Club. Chow down on a “Pierna Enchilada,” Carnitas, or China Poblana at Latino-owned La Torta Gorda. Satisfy your sweet tooth with organic ice cream flavors like Fresh Mint Chip, Thai Tea Vegan Sorbet, or a Crunch Daddy Sandwich at Garden Creamery. Or grab late-night snacks and inventive co*cktails like a Flor de Santo, Devil’s in the Details, or Garden of Eden at neighborhood lounge, Evil Eye.

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is one of the best places to live in San Francisco, thanks to its green spaces, diverse mixture of shops and eateries, and close proximity to Downtown SF! Named after one of San Francisco’s officially-named seven hills, Nob Hill is full of historical gems and known for its plethora of Victorian-style architecture. Carefully preserved Victorian homes, as well as Craftsman-style condos and sleek high-rise apartments, are available housing options in Nob Hill. Singles and young professionals moving to the Bay Area will especially appreciate Nob Hill’s accessibility. This San Francisco neighborhood is a prime location for commuting to work in nearby Silicon Valley or the Financial District, and offers easy access to shops, cafes, and bars on Polk Street and ethnic food spots in nearby Chinatown.

Things to Do in Nob Hill

Jog, walk your dog, or enjoy the views of nearby historic architecture and fountains at Huntington Park. Visit the San Francisco Cable Car Museum to see antique cable cars from the 1870s and unique cable car memorabilia. Laugh the night away at a comedy show in the SF Masonic Auditorium. Tour a historic Queen Anne home that focuses on Victorian life in San Francisco, the Haas-Lilienthal House. Begin your morning at Bob’s Donuts and order sweet treats like a Raised Maple Donut, an Apple Fritter, or a Butter Croissant. Stop by Nourish Cafe to grab vegan dishes like a Warrior Bowl, Veggie Wrap, or a Frittata Sandwich. Feast on a Philly Cheesesteak, Wild Salmon, or a Nugget Burger while dining on the patio at Grubstake Diner. Or sip on drinks like a Tonga Kong, 1944 Mai Tai, or Jungle Bird at the tiki-themed Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar located inside the Fairmont Hotel.

Noe Valley

Noe Valley is an upscale, artsy neighborhood perfect for singles and young professionals who want to experience the eclectic social scene that embodies San Francisco. With most of the buildings built in or before the early 20th century, Noe Valley boasts gorgeous Victorian-style homes in an urban setting, including some of the highest concentrations of rowhouses in the country. Locals are passionate patrons of the area’s art galleries, concert halls, and theaters, so this neighborhood is great for anyone who loves theatre, music, dance, and art. And for those looking to plant roots in SF, this safe, supportive community is also home to a number of young families, making Noe Valley an excellent, family-friendly neighborhood in SF.

Things to Do in Noe Valley

Embark on a scenic hike or check out the beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline at Billy Goat Hill. Play indoor sports like pickleball or basketball or take an exercise class at Upper Noe Recreation Center. Stroll through the year-round Noe Valley Farmers Market to find locally-grown fruits and vegetables or listen to live bluegrass music from up-and-coming musicians. Experience world-class musical performances from artists like the Friction Quartet or the St. Lawrence String Quartet at the Noe Music concert hall. Start off your day with a Brewed Coffee or Latte and a Scone at Noe Cafe. Devour a Smoked Salmon Pizza, a Caprese Sandwich, or Chicken Cordon Bleu at Noeteca Wine Bar. Find Mediterranean-inspired dishes like a Lamb “Gyro,” Avgolemono Soup, or Lamb Bolognese at NOVY Restaurant. Head to the Dubliner pub for Thursday Trivia Night and enjoy co*cktails like a Classic Cosmo or Manhattan.

SoMa

South of Market is an affordable San Francisco neighborhood that offers young professionals an active tech job market—including startups like Zendesk and Sisense. Often called SoMa, this large, urban neighborhood boasts a mixture of warehouses, art galleries, startups, unique restaurants, and trendy nightlife spots. As if that wasn’t enough—SoMa is also conveniently close to Downtown San Francisco, South Beach, Mission Bay, and Japantown, giving residents access to an infinite amount of things to do in SF. Residents living in South of Market can choose from several SF housing options like high-rise apartments, modern condos, Victorian-style homes, and new-builds.

Things to Do in South of Market

Explore the Yerba Buena Gardens, a serene urban park filled with beautiful gardens, public art, and seasonal festivals. See Broadway shows like Cats or Oklahoma! at the Orpheum Theatre. See over 18,000 Asian artifacts and temporary exhibitions at the Asian Art Museum. Order tickets to an indie, jazz, hip-hop, or rock show at Brick & Mortar Music Hall. Dig into handcrafted sandwiches for lunch like the Rubenish or Zeke at Deli Board. Indulge in comfort food like Buffalo Wings, a Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, or The Western Burger at The Willows. Grab a dancing partner and hit up the Raven Bar on Wednesday nights to listen to a live DJ. Or enjoy a variety of co*cktails like a GL Sangria Blanco, a Mezcal Margarita, or an Oaxacan Spritz alongside Mexican snacks at Azucar Lounge.

***

Ready to move to San Francisco? With self storage facilities throughout the Bay Area, Extra Space Storage has the ideal storage solution for your move. Find cheap San Francisco storage near you!

Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes