If you were to ask locals about the best place for families to stay in
San Francisco, many would say it's Potrero Hill. And it's no surprise to see why! This neighborhood stands out for its pristine balance of a lively urban district and a largely peaceful residential area. Often the sunniest part of town, this hilly area boasts amazing city views, beautiful homes, and homegrown hotspots. The place is as local as can be, perfect for getting to know the city beyond its iconic landmarks and popular areas. There's truly no other place quite like Potrero Hill in San Francisco!
Where is Potrero Hill in San Francisco?
Tucked between the Mission District and the Central Waterfront, most people know of Potrero Hill as the sunniest
central neighborhood in San Francisco. Its location is pretty strategic in that it stays close to all the hustle and bustle of Central San Francisco while benefiting from the coastal views and attractions of the waterfront area. And those aren't even the only prominent areas near Potrero Hill. The Design District borders the neighborhood to its north, the Civic Center is to its northeast, the Mission District is to its east, Bernal Heights is to its southeast, and Produce Market is to its south.
Is it Safe in Potrero Hill, San Francisco?
The short answer to this is yes, Potrero Hill is a safe neighborhood in the Bay Area. Most of the district remains safe throughout the day, and while some parts tend to get sketchy at night, they're not that big of a concern. Overall, Potrero Hill has mid to low
crime rates in San Francisco and is peaceful enough that it's suitable for families. You do, however, still have to take the necessary precautions, especially around the more nightlife-centric corners after dark. So, as long as you're aware of your surroundings, you're good to go!
What's The Vibe in Potrero Hill, San Francisco?
Apart from it's usually the sunniest part of town, Potrero Hill has long stood out for its different vibes. The neighborhood is a fabulous mix of a residential area and a lively city district, making it the perfect place for anyone
moving to San Francisco to settle down. Some parts are as peaceful as the suburbs, while others feature popular hotspots that even draw locals from other areas. And yet, it's never too crowded and rowdy in Potrero Hill, too. The district maintains a level of liveliness that's just right for this part of the Bay Area.
Is it Expensive in Potrero Hill, San Francisco?
It's not necessarily accurate to describe Potrero Hill as expensive, but it is pricey.
San Francisco's living costs are usually high, and this sunny neighborhood is no different. The average rent here, for instance, is around $3,814.00 per month, which is already slightly higher than the city-wide average. The latter is already notably expensive for an American city, so the fact that the former is higher means that it truly costs a lot to stay comfortable in San Francisco. Even eating out in Potrero Hill typically costs around $15.00 to $40.00 per meal in affordable to mid-range restaurants.
What to See in Potrero Hill, San Francisco
Admittedly, Potrero Hill doesn't have that many famous sights to see. You'll find San Francisco's iconic landmarks in other parts of the city, but in Potrero Hill? Well, there are notable sights, but they're not exactly top tourist attractions. The much-beloved Bottom of the Hill music venue on 17th Street, for instance, is a local favorite for indie music fans, but it's nowhere near as famous as, say, the Castro Theater. Oracle Park, which is the city's premier baseball stadium, is not too far from here, but it's still not in Potrero Hill itself.
What to Do in Potrero Hill, San Francisco
Don't mistake Potrero Hill's lack of famous landmarks as something negative about the neighborhood. On the contrary, many locals and tourists like that about the district. With very little international fanfare to expect, the local spirit is alive and well in Potrero Hill. You can have fun like a local here, dining in homegrown hotspots, hanging out in their usual haunts, and even listening to indie bands at the famous Bottom of the Hill music hall. Enjoy a stroll or try to drive through Vermont Street, one of the city's famously crooked streets, and enjoy the scenery along the way.
The Best Restaurants in Potrero Hill, San Francisco
Potrero Hill's culinary scene is undoubtedly the main reason why tourists could ever stumble upon this slightly underrated neighborhood in San Francisco. What the district may lack in famous landmarks, it more than makes up for with its amazing eateries. There's the much-beloved Chez Maman East on 18th Street, for example, which serves fine French food in a novel Parisian bistro-style setting. Goat Hill Pizza on Connecticut Street, on the other hand, is a classic Bay Area pizzeria whose claim to fame is its scrumptious sourdough crusts. What more could you ask for?
Potrero Hill has some of the finest eateries in all of San Francisco, including:
- Chez Maman East on 18th Street
- Cracked & Battered on 18th Street
- Parker Potrero on 18th Street
- Papito on 18th Street
- Umi on 18th Street
- JB's Place on 17th Street
- PoBoys Kitchen on Connecticut Street
- Goat Hill Pizza on Connecticut Street
- La Conessa on Mariposa Street
- Waterfall Cevicheria on Potrero Avenue
What to Know About Renting in Potrero Hill, San Francisco
As already mentioned, rent in Potrero Hill is fairly high, even though it's far from the most expensive part of town. The average rent here is about $3,814.00 per month, only slightly higher than the city-wide average, which is $3,400.00 per month. Nevertheless, though such a price is typical in the Bay Area, this is still considered extremely expensive in the US as a whole. In fact, $3,814.00 per month will already get you a three-bedroom apartment in any other city. But if you're
renting a luxury apartment in San Francisco, such a price mostly applies to smaller properties, from studio flats to one-bedroom rentals.
Potrero Hill offers the best of both worlds! The district maintains a nice balance between an urban city district and a fairly peaceful residential area where families can still live in peace in the Bay Area.
