Many would argue that Golden Gate Heights is the best neighborhood in
San Francisco, and it's no surprise to see why. Peaceful, scenic, and slightly suburban, this is one of the best places for just about anyone and everyone to settle down in the Bay Area. It's a fair distance away from the most central parts of San Francisco, allowing it to enjoy a level of tranquility you won't find anywhere else. But this doesn't mean it's disconnected from the rest of the metropolis. With its breathtaking city views and easily navigable public transport, you can still feel the spirit of San Francisco here!
Where is Golden Gate Heights in San Francisco?
Golden Gate Heights lies west of the Sunset District, one of
San Francisco's central neighborhoods. Though it looks and feels like a suburb, the area itself is in the middle of the city. It's even surrounded by many of the Bay Area's biggest districts. Sunset District is to its east, the famous Golden Gate Park is to its north, Forest Hill is to its east, and Parkside and West Portal are to its south. Quite as the neighborhood is for the most part, these neighboring areas keep it as lively as can be.
Is it Safe in Golden Gate Heights, San Francisco?
Fortunately, yes, Golden Gate Heights is a safe neighborhood in San Francisco. It even ranks among the safest parts of the Bay Area, right up there with the likes of Pacific Heights, Bernal Heights, Richmond, and Noe Valley, among many others. Naturally, it helps that it's a largely residential district, almost suburban-like despite its central location. With its tight-knit community and family-friendly vibes, it's no surprise that Golden Gate Heights has some of the lowest
crime rates in San Francisco. Though you still have to be on your guard at night, the area stays safe overall.
What's The Vibe in Golden Gate Heights, San Francisco?
Lavish homes and family estates atop one of San Francisco's highest hills make up Golden Gate Heights, one of the Bay Area's most coveted neighborhoods. It's not exactly the most affluent part of town, but it's right up there, not too far from the likes of Pacific Heights and Noe Valley. Its location and community give it a slightly exclusive appeal, making it more family-friendly and safer than the rest of the city. Tranquility and nature also define Golden Gate Heights, famous for its lush greenery and ocean views. Anyone with family
moving to San Francisco will want to settle down here!
Is it Expensive in Golden Gate Heights, San Francisco?
Generally speaking, yes, Golden Gate Heights is an expensive neighborhood in the Bay Area. But this is more so because the
living costs in San Francisco are already high; hence, this district tends to be pricey too. Though it's an undeniably affluent area, Golden Gate Heights is far from the most expensive part of town. Even the average median rent here is only $3,247.00 per month, slightly lower than the city-wide average, which is about $3,400.00 per month. And if you eat out here, expect to pay as much as $15.00 to $40.00 per meal.
What to See in Golden Gate Heights, San Francisco
Though Golden Gate Heights doesn't have any of San Francisco's iconic landmarks, it's unfair to say that there are no notable sights to see here. What the neighborhood may lack in famous attractions, it more than makes up for with its breathtaking city views. If you go up to the beloved Golden Gate Heights Grandview Park, you'd get to see the Bay Area in all its glory. You can even see the Pacific Ocean nearby, not to mention the infamous Alcatraz Island. The tiled steps leading to 16th Avenue are a must-see, too, as they make you feel like you're descending from the clouds when you climb down the stairs.
What to Do in Golden Gate Heights, San Francisco
Enjoy peace, nature, and the local life in Golden Gate Heights in San Francisco! This world-famous metropolis tends to overwhelm with all its hustle and bustle and big city energy, prompting many to need a break now and then. Fortunately, places like Golden Gate Heights provide that very escape without you having to leave the Bay Area. Here, you can enjoy the nature of Golden Gate Heights Park and see the breathtaking views atop Grandview Park. You can also enjoy the local culinary scene along 9th Avenue, home to many homegrown hotspots you won't find anywhere else!
The Best Restaurants in Golden Gate Heights, San Francisco
Speaking of eating out in Golden Gate Heights, you'll be happy to know that the neighborhood boasts many amazing eateries. 16th Avenue alone boasts a diverse culinary scene, from the authentically Japanese Ebisu Restaurant to the signature San Franciscan Kothai Republic. These may not be
San Francisco's best Michelin-starred restaurants, but they nevertheless serve high-quality cuisine. And the fact that they're in Golden Gate Heights, one of the more residential neighborhoods in San Francisco, further proves that practically every corner of the city upholds its claim as the American food capital.
These are some of the best places to eat in the Golden Gate Heights:
- Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant on Great Highway
- Dalida Restaurant on Montgomery Street
- Ebisu Restaurant on 9th Avenue
- Fiorella Sunset on 9th Avenue
- Kothai Republic on 9th Avenue
- Outerlands on Judah Street
- Pacific Catch on 9th Avenue
- San Tung on Irving Street
- Spruce on Sacramento Street
- The Gold Mirror on Taraval Street
What to Know About Renting in Golden Gate Heights, San Francisco
As already mentioned, the rent in Golden Gate Heights tends to be on the pricier side. The average rent here may be about $3,257.00 per month, which is slightly lower than the city-wide average, but that price range mostly applies to smaller properties. Anything less than $4,000.00 per month in Golden Gate Heights will likely be a studio flat or a one-bedroom
luxury apartment in San Francisco. If you want a bigger place, expect to pay a lot more in your monthly rent. It's not even far-fetched to see a rental that'll cost as much as $10,000.00 per month!
Is Golden Gate Heights the best neighborhood in San Francisco? Some say it is, especially since it’s a fabulous mix of a residential area and bustling city district with lots to offer. Who wouldn’t want to stay here?
