Affluence reigns supreme at Nob Hill, one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in
San Francisco. Railroad barons once lived in their massive mansions in this swanky district, and although this ornate history is long gone, the area has retained a refined sense of luxury. It's even up to the point that Nob Hill easily rivals Pacific Heights as the most upscale neighborhood in the Bay Area. Whether you prefer one over the other, there's still no denying that this district upholds a high-class caliber that you'd rarely find anywhere else, both in San Francisco and beyond.
Where is Nob Hill in San Francisco?
You can't get any more central than Nob Hill in San Francisco. The affluent area lies in the middle of the city, quite literally right next to the city center. Union Square, the city center, is directly southeast of the district, while
San Francisco's other central neighborhoods also surround Nob Hill. The Financial District and Chinatown are to its east, North Beach is to its northeast, Russian Hill is to its north, Pacific Heights is to its west, Japantown is to its southwest, and Tenderloin is to its south. Such proximity is another reason why Nob Hill remains one of the Bay Area's most coveted neighborhoods.
Is it Safe in Nob Hill, San Francisco?
The answer to this is a little bit complicated. Generally speaking, yes, Nob Hill is a safe neighborhood in San Francisco. It's famously affluent, after all, so the area maintains a level of exclusivity and security you won't find in other parts of the city. At the same time, however, Nob Hill's proximity to places like Chinatown and Tenderloin, both infamous as some of the Bay Area's most dangerous districts, makes some parts sketchier than most. These darker corners have relatively high
crime rates in San Francisco, and are worth avoiding as much as you can.
What's The Vibe in Nob Hill, San Francisco?
Historic affluence and upscale elegance define Nob Hill, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in San Francisco. The area boasts the city's signature old-world architecture on a grander scale, featuring massive mansions and lavish townhouses. The restaurants here are swankier than in other parts of the city, too, offering world-class cuisine that helps keep San Francisco a popular foodie destination. And even Lower Nob Hill, which is the more urban part of the district, has chic hotspots and beloved eateries. You can live in the lap of luxury and enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle when you
move to San Francisco and settle down here!
Is it Expensive in Nob Hill, San Francisco?
Without a doubt! Nob Hill ranks among the most expensive parts of San Francisco, right up there with Pacific Heights. This is the kind of place where it's more common to purchase property than to get a rental, and said real estate are also some of the biggest in the city. And even if you rent here, the average in Nob Hill is around $3,160.00 per month for a one-bedroom home. As for dining out, prepare to pay as much as $20.00 to $40.00 per meal in an affordable to mid-range restaurant. Can you afford such
living costs in San Francisco?
What to See in Nob Hill, San Francisco
While they may not exactly be iconic, Nob Hill still boasts a couple of notable and highly beloved landmarks. The famously gothic Nob Hill on California Street stands as the most famous of them. Walk through its famous replica of Michelangelo's Gates of Paradise church doors and bask in the serenity of its stained glass windows. Afterward, you can head to Mason Street and check out the Cable Car Museum, an entire gallery devoted to the city's world-famous public transport system. You'll find that it's more fascinating than you initially thought! And to end the day on a bright note, spend the rest of the afternoon hanging out at the famous Huntington Park.
What to Do in Nob Hill, San Francisco
You'd be surprised at how much there is to do even on just a single
day in San Francisco, especially in Nob Hill. Famously upscale, you can start with a staycation at any of the area's luxury hotels, which include the Holiday Inn, Casa Loma, and Fairmont Hotel. Then you can do a bit of sightseeing, especially the previously mentioned Grace Cathedral and the Cable Car Museum. Once you get hungry, enjoy a meal in any of Nob Hill's awesome hotspots, not the least of which is the iconic Tonga Room. Doesn't that sound like a great day in the Bay Area?
The Best Restaurants in Nob Hill, San Francisco
Speaking of the
best restaurants in San Francisco, you can't go wrong with Nob Hill's homegrown hotspots. What's great about this neighborhood's culinary scene is that it's more diverse than people give it credit for. It's not just upscale restaurants and swanky bistros here; there are also many mid-range to affordable diners, fast-food joints, and even a few food trucks. Let's not forget about the different cuisines here, too. Nob Hill boasts sumptuous Japanese in Wabi Sabi at Nob Hill on Pine Street as well as classic American grub in Osso Steakhouse on California Street, among many others.
Nob Hill has some of the best places to eat in all of San Francisco, especially:
- Nob Hill Cafe on Taylor Street
- Back to Back on Taylor Street
- Collina on Hyde Street
- Seven Hills on Hyde Street
- AltoVino on Mason Street
- Top of the Mark on California Street
- Osso Steakhouse on California Street
- Heist Restaurant on Post Street
- Lapisara Eatery on Post Street
- Wabi Sabi at Nob Hill on Pine Street
What to Know About Renting in Nob Hill, San Francisco
Since it's one of the Bay Area's most affluent areas, rent in Nob Hill is unsurprisingly expensive. As already mentioned, the average rent here is about $3,160.00 per month, specifically for either a studio or a one-bedroom
luxury apartment in San Francisco. Though it's slightly lower than the city-wide average, which is $3,400.00 per month, this is still extremely pricey for such real estate in the grand scheme of things. Imagine how much a bigger place will cost in Nob Hill! It's not impossible to have to pay as much as $10,000.00 per month for a bigger luxury home in the area.
Nob Hill stands out as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in San Francisco. This upscale district boasts refined residences, high-class hotspots, and a level of wealth you’d rarely see in other parts of the city.
