Bayview is
San Francisco's best-kept secret, and many locals prefer to let it stay that way. True to its name, this sunny neighborhood offers some of the best views of the San Francisco Bay, offering a lovely coastal escape that feels a world away from the rest of the city. But make no mistake! This doesn't mean the district is boring! Bayview has countless local charms too, from the local artists showing off their latest works to interesting eateries that serve all sorts of delights you won't find anywhere else. What's not to love?
Where is Bayview in San Francisco?
Bayview lies in the southeastern corner of San Francisco. It's right at the heart of the larger Bayview-Hunters Point area, placing it next to the San Francisco Bay. True to its name, this coastal
neighborhood in San Francisco offers awesome views of the bay, so much so that it's easy to forget you're still in one of the biggest cities in the US. Then again, the areas surrounding Bayview aren't exactly the busiest, either. Silver Terrace, Hunters Point, and Portola border the neighborhood, and they're mostly suburban. This should already give you a clear idea of what Bayview is all about.
Is it Safe in Bayview, San Francisco?
Yes, but it's a little more complicated than that. Bayview itself is a safe neighborhood that only has mid-to-low
crime rates in San Francisco. Things are relatively quiet here, so much so that its safety rate is fairly high during the day. Come nightfall, however, you'd do well to take the necessary safety precautions when you go out. Moreover, the complications surround the bigger Bayview-Hunters Point area, which has relatively dangerous areas. Hunters Point and Visitacion Valley, in particular, have some of the highest crime rates in San Francisco. You're better off avoiding them as much as you can.
What's The Vibe in Bayview, San Francisco?
Despite being surrounded by more suburban neighborhoods, Bayview is anything but boring! Many would even go so far as to say it's a dynamic part of San Francisco, and it's easy enough to agree. The area's burgeoning art scene, diverse culinary scene, and equally vibrant community are second to none! It's up to the point that Bayview can easily rival the likes of The Castro and Haight-Ashbury as one of the most exciting neighborhoods in San Francisco. This is thanks in large part to the district's African-American community, which has stayed dominant in Bayview and continues to add soul to this part of the city.
Is it Expensive in Bayview, San Francisco?
Bayview stays relatively expensive since the
living costs in San Francisco are high. It's not especially pricey compared to other parts of the city, but it's undoubtedly more expensive than the rest of the city. Take the average rent here, for instance, which is $3,000.00 per month. This figure is par for the course in San Francisco, especially since the city-wide average here is about $3,400.00 per month. But $3,000.00 per month is already very high in other cities, even in smaller and less popular neighborhoods in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
What to See in Bayview, San Francisco
Apart from the views of the bay, Bayview admittedly doesn't have that many notable sights to see. Most of San Francisco's historic and cultural landmarks are in other neighborhoods. But in Bayview, there's only Heron's Head Park, the only coastal green space in the city. Here, you can enjoy the bay views while having a nice day out in the sun. It's also a great place to enjoy a hike when you're feeling active and the weather is great. And though Bayview still has many hotspots, they're not exactly standouts compared to what you'll find in other parts of San Francisco.
What to Do in Bayview, San Francisco
Anyone looking to live a quiet life when they
relocate to San Francisco will want to stay in Bayview. Though the district itself is pretty dynamic, it's not so hectic that you'd feel stressed every time you step out. The energy here is just right, lively enough to keep things exciting, but far from overwhelming. In Bayview, you can eat out, browse through the local art galleries and studios, play at Heron's Head Park, and meet new people along the way. What's great about the neighborhood is that it stays as local as can be, even when it's in such a big and global city like San Francisco.
The Best Restaurants in Bayview, San Francisco
What separates Bayview's culinary scene from that of the rest of the city is its distinct identity. Though it's just as diverse as any other part of town, certain flavors and delicacies refine Bayview's foodie hotspots. For one thing, perhaps thanks to its coastal location, seafood plays a huge part here. You'll get your fill of amazing seafood in beloved spots like Fog Harbor Fish House in Pier 39 and The Old Clam House on Bayshore Boulevard. The area's predominantly African-American community has also shared its fabulous cuisine here, especially in Gumbo Social on 3rd Street or Smoke Soul Kitchen on 3rd Street.
You need to try any or all of Bayview’s best eateries in San Francisco:
- Delancey Street Restaurant on The Embarcadero
- Flour + Water on Harrison Street
- Fog Harbor Fish House in Pier 39
- Frank Grizzly's on 3rd Street
- Gumbo Social on 3rd Street
- McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood & Steaks on North Point Street
- Mission Rock Resort on Terry A Francois Boulevard
- Old Skool Cafe on Mendell Street
- Smoke Soul Kitchen on 3rd Street
- The Old Clam House on Bayshore Boulevard
What to Know About Renting in Bayview, San Francisco
As mentioned previously, the average rent in Bayview is fairly high. You'll commonly find places to rent here for about $3,000.00 per month, which is already expensive in the grand scheme of things. The fact that this is slightly lower than the city-wide average, which is $3,400.00 per month, proves that
renting a luxury apartment in San Francisco is truly expensive. When people talk about San Francisco as an expensive city, real estate almost always comes up in the conversation. Especially since that $3,000.00 per month in Bayview will only get you either a one or two-bedroom rental.
From its coastal scenery to its peaceful atmosphere, it’s no wonder Bayview is slowly becoming one of the best places to stay in San Francisco. The neighborhood itself is a wonderful escape from the rest of the city!
