San Francisco 75 Excellent
San Francisco Livability #125 ranked city in California#3,679 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in San Francisco

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

New Real Estate Listings in San Francisco Area
Search Homes for Sale in San Francisco, CA

What's it like Living in San Francisco?

San Francisco, California is a large city with a population of 874,784 residents. San Francisco has a population density of 18,647 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Individuals of White (45%) and Asian (34%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of San Francisco. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in San Francisco, only 45% of the population is married. Something to be aware of when living in San Francisco are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 33 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in San Francisco, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in San Francisco and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare San Francisco to California and the national average.

With a livability score of 79/100, San Francisco is ranked #1,521 in the United States and #52 in California. Clearly, San Francisco is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. San Francisco also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. San Francisco ranks well for education (A+) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in San Francisco. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: crime (F) and cost of living (F).

San Francisco has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that San Francisco has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in San Francisco: Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and Ferry Building Marketplace.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in San Francisco is actually affordable. The median home price for San Francisco homes is $1,152,300, which is 181.5% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in San Francisco, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9.7, which is 51.6% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around San Francisco

See all the best places to live around San Francisco

How Do You Rate The Livability In San Francisco?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare San Francisco, CA Livability

      vs

      San Francisco transportation information

      Statistic San Francisco California National
      Average one way commute33min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work30.5%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.8%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit31.6%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle3.7%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk11.7%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home11.8%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The San Francisco, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).