Why Live in Downtown
Downtown San Francisco is a vibrant neighborhood known for its diverse dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. Union Square offers name-brand stores and art galleries, while Nob Hill is renowned for its luxurious ambiance and historical significance. The area is rich in history, with landmarks like Grace Cathedral showcasing French Gothic architecture. Dining options are plentiful, from Swedish-American breakfasts at Sears Fine Food to deli sandwiches at Tommy’s Joynt, a community staple for over 75 years. For drinks, Top of the Mark provides panoramic views of the city. Grocery shopping is convenient with Trader Joe’s and Pine & Jones Market nearby. Residents have no shortage of things to do, with Union Square, Chinatown, and Japantown offering a variety of restaurants, retail, and nightlife. Cultural venues like August Hall, American Conservatory Theater, and the San Francisco Playhouse host numerous shows and concerts. Parks such as Huntington Square Park, Betty Ann Ong Recreation Center, and Father Alfred E. Boeddeker Park provide recreational spaces and community programs. Housing in downtown San Francisco includes a mix of old condo buildings with sweeping views, luxury condos, Victorian buildings, and brick complexes. The housing market is slow, with homes typically on the market for about 80 days. Schools in the area are highly rated, with Redding Elementary School, Marina Middle School, and Galileo High School receiving commendable grades. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly with many sidewalks, bike lanes, and access to public transportation, including the iconic cable cars. Major roadways like Interstate-80 and US-101, along with San Francisco International Airport 14 miles away, facilitate travel beyond the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown a good place to live?
Downtown is a good place to live. Downtown is considered very walkable and very bikeable with excellent transit options. Downtown is an urban core neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Downtown has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 94.4 people per acre and a median age of 40. The average household income is $102,539 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 56.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown are renters, with 93.3% of residents renting and 6.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown neighborhood guide.
Is Downtown, CA a safe neighborhood?
Downtown, CA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown?
The median home price in Downtown is $635,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $127,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.16%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,100 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $133K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Downtown is $103K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown?
The best public schools that serve Downtown are:
What are the best private schools in Downtown?
The best private schools that serve Downtown are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown, San Francisco, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown, San Francisco, CA?
Home Trends in Downtown, CA
On average, homes in Downtown, San Francisco sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown, San Francisco over the last 12 months is $625,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$625,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$3,065,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,840,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$970,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$599,000
Median Studio Sale Price
$440,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$893
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Last 12 months Home Sales
59
Median List Price
$635,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-12%