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Russian Hill

Russian Hill

3.9
$2,188,056 Average Value
$1,374 Average Price per Sq Ft
17 Homes For Sale

Russian Hill has steep, winding roads and hillside homes

Russian Hill is a San Francisco neighborhood known for its famous Lombard Street, a zigzagging artery affectionately known as the crookedest street in the world. Located just north of the city’s downtown district, the neighborhood blends historic architecture with cozy bars, local cafes, hidden stairways and pocket parks. It’s densely populated, but it’s not nightlife-heavy, favoring low-key social spots and everyday comforts over major cultural attractions.

The Cable Car in Russian Hill stops at the iconic Lombard Street summit.
The Cable Car in Russian Hill stops at the iconic Lombard Street summit.
Russian Hill extends all the way down to the iconic Columbus Street.
Russian Hill extends all the way down to the iconic Columbus Street.
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What it costs to live in Russian Hill

Russian Hill is one of San Francisco’s most expensive neighborhoods, largely due to its competitive housing market. Inventory is limited, demand is strong and bidding wars are common. Single-family home prices typically start at around $2 million and can reach $9 million for larger, luxury homes. Condos offer a slightly more affordable option, ranging from the lower $500,000s to $2 million. “It’s an eclectic neighborhood with all types of buildings, from single-family homes to small multifamily buildings, and there are some luxury high-rises as well,” says Realtor Nina Hatvany of Compass Real Estate, who specializes in the area. “It appeals to a lot of different people and lifestyles.” Many homes offer stunning views of the bay and the city's downtown lights. Architectural styles range from classic Edwardian and Victorian designs to modern luxury condos, creating a mix of historic charm and contemporary appeal.

This intersection of Russian Hill highlights the variety in architectural styles.
This intersection of Russian Hill highlights the variety in architectural styles.
Francisco Park has beautiful views of Alcatraz in Russian Hill, CA.
Francisco Park has beautiful views of Alcatraz in Russian Hill, CA.
The lush landscaping in Russian Hill gives residents incentive to relax in outdoor spaces.
The lush landscaping in Russian Hill gives residents incentive to relax in outdoor spaces.
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Russian Hill has steep, walkable terrain

Russian Hill features some of San Francisco’s steepest terrain and is home to “crooked” Lombard Street. Many streets transform into scenic staircases and pedestrian-only alleys, offering impressive views but also difficulty for vehicles. Walkability is excellent, thanks to the compact, urban layout, although walking and biking may be more strenuous for some residents. “You might have a hill to climb if you want to get to bars, shops or restaurants,” Hatvany says. “It’s definitely hilly.”

Russian Hill homes are beautiful and full of historic significance.
Russian Hill homes are beautiful and full of historic significance.
Russian Hill's signature steep roads are lined with homes in various styles.
Russian Hill's signature steep roads are lined with homes in various styles.
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Amenities, shops, and dining options on Polk and Hyde

Russian Hill is packed with boutiques, cafes and restaurants, especially along Polk and Hyde streets. Locals appreciate the mix of cozy coffee spots, upscale dining options and convenient markets for quick grocery runs. Local favorites include:

  • Gary Danko — upscale fine dining
  • Swan Oyster Depot — classic seafood
  • Leopold’s — Austrian comfort food
  • Elephant Sushi — fresh sushi on Hyde
  • Polk Street Market — neighborhood grocery

Russian Hill's Elephant Sushi's iconic flaming seabass literally cooks at the table.
Russian Hill's Elephant Sushi's iconic flaming seabass literally cooks at the table.
Russian Hill's Fiorella restaurant serves iconic pizzas with unique ingredient combinations.
Russian Hill's Fiorella restaurant serves iconic pizzas with unique ingredient combinations.
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The signage for Lombard Street and Gardens.
The signage for Lombard Street and Gardens.

Russian Hill is a tourism hotspot, especially around Lombard Street

Lombard Street’s beautiful views draw large crowds of tourists, especially around its cable car stop. Despite this, most residential streets are relatively calm and quiet. Tourists are mostly confined to the central attractions and rarely impact daily routines. Residents can easily avoid crowds by choosing peripheral streets and local shortcuts. You can expect some occasional noise or congestion near tourist hubs.

Highly rated San Francisco Unified public schools

Russian Hill is served by highly rated public schools within the San Francisco Unified School District, which offers school choice. Nearby options include Yick Wo Elementary School, Francisco Middle School, and Galileo Academy of Science & Technology, which provides specialized tracks in fields such as computer science and environmental studies.

Russian Hill's Yick Wo Elementary School has great views of the SF Skyline.
Russian Hill's Yick Wo Elementary School has great views of the SF Skyline.
Francisco Middle School is the first choice for Russian Hill residents.
Francisco Middle School is the first choice for Russian Hill residents.
Galileo High School provides education in the neighborhood of 
Russian Hill
Galileo High School provides education in the neighborhood of Russian Hill
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The Hyde-Powell Cable Car and Muni buses serve the neighborhood

Russian Hill offers excellent public transit options, including the famous Hyde-Powell Cable Car and multiple Muni bus routes. While drivers enjoy easy freeway access via U.S. Route 101, parking remains a major challenge due to steep streets and heavy tourist traffic. There are plenty of ways to get around:

  • Hyde-Powell Cable Car connects key city areas
  • Multiple Muni bus routes serve the neighborhood
  • Convenient freeway access via U.S. Route 101

Public transportation is one of the most convenient and accessible methods of transportation.
Public transportation is one of the most convenient and accessible methods of transportation.
Russian Hill's Cable Cars have been operating since the 1800's.
Russian Hill's Cable Cars have been operating since the 1800's.
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Parking can be difficult because of dense, steep terrain

Parking can be very challenging due to the neighborhood’s steep, narrow streets and all the tourists. Many streets have restricted hours or permit-only zones. The Underground Broadway Tunnel helps channel traffic but doesn’t alleviate parking scarcity. Residents often opt for parking permits and micro-garages when available.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Sheldon Steere
Photography Contributed By
Sheldon Steere
Matt Pangman
Video By
Matt Pangman

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Francisco International

26 min drive

Subway

Columbus And Lombard

Subway

Union And Mason

Subway

Union And Hyde

Subway

Mason And Green

Subway

Mason And Greenwich

Subway

Columbus And Lombard Sb

Subway

Hyde And Vallejo

Subway

Hyde And Filbert

Subway

Hyde And Greenwich

Subway

Hyde And Lombard

Subway

Hyde And Chestnut

Subway

Hyde And Bay

Subway

Hyde And North Point

Bus

Polk St & Broadway

Bus

North Point St & Hyde St

Bus

North Point St & Van Ness Ave

Bus

Polk St & Union St

Bus

Van Ness Ave & Chestnut St

Bus

Columbus Ave & Lombard St

Bus

Polk St & Francisco St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.9 13 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
2/28/2026 Niche Review
I've grown up in Russian Hill all my life, it has always been a bustling place, but over the past years it has gotten even bigger. The restaurants are great but I would love to see more lower cost options.
3.0 Niche User
4/24/2015 Niche Review
The housing and apartments here are not the best, but it is bearable.
3.0 Niche User
9/24/2016 Niche Review
There is not much crime in the city except for the paramedics helping the elderly.
3.0 Niche User
4/24/2015 Niche Review
Community is great. Neighbors are friendly and we occasionally say hi when we see each other on the streets.
Are you familiar with the Russian Hill neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Russian Hill US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,178
Number of Homes for Sale
17
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,673
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,211
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,326
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
899
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
512
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,178

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
10
Median Rent
$8,500
Median Single Family Home Rent
$6,000
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$14,000
Median Townhouse Rent
$20,000
Median Condo Rent
$4,500
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$9,995

Demographics

Total Population
14,143
Median Age
40
Population Density
54 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$161,829
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$179,741

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.4%
College Graduates
76.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
75.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
22''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
68°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

70 / 100

Exceptionally walkable

Walkability®

100 / 100

Exceptional public transit

Transit®

100 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Russian Hill
Oggi Kashi
North Point Real Estate
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