One of San Francisco’s historic downtown districts, Nob Hill combines old-fashioned opulence with contemporary comforts. Its streets are a patchwork of century-old hotels, glass-walled condos and Queen Anne-style buildings with rich, Art Deco finishes. Residents exit their posh living quarters and step out into a bustling, hillside community dotted with extravagant architecture, lively cocktail bars and upscale eateries.
Nob Hill offers a mix of prestige and convenience, making it one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods. Its charm comes from historic architecture, cultural landmarks and sweeping views, but it’s also expensive and highly urbanized.
Nob Hill is one of San Francisco’s most prestigious neighborhoods, celebrated for its elevated perch above the Bay and cultural landmarks. Originally an enclave of luxury mansions, it was devastated by the 1906 earthquake but quickly rebuilt. Housing options range from pre-war apartments and rent-controlled units to condos, co-ops, and penthouses with sweeping skyline or bay views. Single-family homes are relatively rare, and prices typically range from $1.5 million to $4.5 million. Condos range from the low $800,000s to $5 million for large, luxury units. “A lot of the apartments and condos have really spectacular views of the city,” says Realtor Magdalena Visser of Compass Realty, who has lived and worked in San Francisco for more than two decades.
Life in Nob Hill feels distinctly “San Francisco,” thanks to its steep streets, cable cars and historic architecture. Residents enjoy the blend of charm and convenience, living close to major job centers without compromising the neighborhood's character, though tourist activity is common near landmarks and hotels. “When people think about Nob Hill, they usually think about the tourism and the hotels, but we have quite the community here,” says Realtor Stephen Gomez of Compass’ Nob Hill office, who has lived in the neighborhood since the 1970s and is a member of the Nob Hill Association. “There are lots of little restaurants, convenient neighborhood markets and local events throughout the year. We’ve also got that San Francisco charm of the cable cars rumbling up and down the streets. You don’t get that everywhere.”
Nob Hill’s central location makes getting around extremely convenient, with abundant transit options and most daily needs reachable on foot. Though steep terrain can make biking and walking difficult, residents rarely need a car thanks to strong connectivity and nearby essential services. Key points:
Nob Hill offers a lively dining, shopping and entertainment scene, with everything from upscale restaurants like House of Prime Rib to local favorites such as Bob’s Donuts. “There are a lot of younger people moving to Nob Hill because there’s so much going on. That’s what keeps the neighborhood vibrant,” says Realtor Maureen Kenney of Kenney & Everest Real Estate, who’s lived in Nob Hill for more than 30 years. Bustling commercial corridors along Polk and Hyde Streets offer a diverse selection of cafes, bars and neighborhood markets. Residents enjoy easy access to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and the culinary offerings of nearby Chinatown. The neighborhood also features several notable hotels with destination dining and nightlife, including the Fairmont’s iconic Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar.
Nob Hill isn’t primarily known as a family-friendly area, but some families appreciate its charm, walkability and central location. Nearby public schools include Galileo High School and Spring Valley Elementary, with private and Montessori options also available. Huntington Park provides valuable green space and a playground for children. “It’s where you see everyone out and walking their dogs. It’s one of the focal points of the neighborhood,” Gomez says. Steep streets and limited space in older buildings can pose challenges for families with young kids.
John Woodruff
Aethos Real Estate
(628) 200-7963
51 Total Sales
1 in Nob Hill
$803,000 Price
Betty Taisch
Compass
(415) 842-2964
101 Total Sales
3 in Nob Hill
$700K - $3.5M Price Range
Cheryl Bower
Compass
(650) 540-3901
61 Total Sales
1 in Nob Hill
$1,642,000 Price
Stephanie Velasquez
Rise Group Real Estate
(888) 314-5406
11 Total Sales
1 in Nob Hill
$1,312,000 Price
Li Hong Liang
Bay Home Investments&loans
(510) 544-6957
31 Total Sales
1 in Nob Hill
$1,725,000 Price
Brian Merrion
Brian A. Merrion, Broker
(650) 466-7746
20 Total Sales
1 in Nob Hill
$958,500 Price
Airport
San Francisco International
25 min drive
Subway
Van Ness And California
Subway
Mason And Jackson
Subway
Jackson And Hyde
Subway
Leavenworth And Jackson
Subway
Leavenworth And Washington
Subway
Powell And Washington
Subway
Powell And California
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Nob Hill | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 4 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 5 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Nob Hill, San Francisco sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Nob Hill, San Francisco over the last 12 months is $1,280,516, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
|
Median List Price
$1,315,000
|
Median Sale Price
$1,280,516
|
|
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,408,888
|
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,270,000
|
|
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
|
Last 12 months Home Sales
108
|
|
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
|
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,116
|
|
Number of Homes
1,535
|
Number of Homes for Sale
23
|
|
Median Year Built
1970
|
Months of Supply
2.60
|
|
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,837
Below the national average
1,933
|
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,434
|
|
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,241
|
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
824
|
|
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
613
|
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742
|
$5,322 - $9,507 per month
$24,896 per month
$7,683 per month
|
Number of Homes for Rent
8
|
Median Rent
$8,344
|
|
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,500
|
Median Condo Rent
$6,550
|
|
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$7,925
|
|
|
Total Population
17,784
|
Median Age
42
|
|
Population Density
89 ppl/acre
|
Population under 18
13.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
|
|
Population over 65
23.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
|
|
|
Median Household Income
$107,181
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
|
Average Household Income
$137,645
|
|
High School Graduates
80.7%
|
College Graduates
57.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
|
|
Advanced Degrees
23.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
|
% Population in Labor Force
71.1%
|
|
Annual Precipitation
22''
|
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
|
|
Average Summer High Temperature
68°F
|
Annual Snowfall
0''
|
Bikeability
Walkability
Transit
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
A historic San Francisco neighborhood with hidden stories and bold flavors
Soaring skyscrapers and other iconic buildings outline the Bay Area skyline
San Francisco's famous Fisherman's Wharf and other iconic sites along the bay
A vibrant but cozy neighborhood in northeast San Francisco
Great views and eclectic homes fill this San Francisco enclave
Welcoming neighborhood centered around one of San Francisco's iconic landmarks