What's your favourite neighborhood in SF and why?

I actually like the Financial district, around the Embacedero and Ferry Building. I really like walking along the pier, checking out all the unique shops. Easy access to Columbus.

Hi guys, Thought I would bump this post! Anyone else have anything to say about their favourite neighborhood in SF? AJ

Sunset. Hands down, close to the beach and away from all the action yet so close to all the action.

Hi NViejep, Is Sunset down near Fisherman's Wharf? I love the area down there, especially all the seals :)

No, the Sunset district is on the western end of the city. It's a district that claims home to Ocean Beach. And its pretty historic. The blocks are very neatly organized. If you look at a San Francisco map, and look on the western end, you'll notice the Sunset district. The district mainly consists of homes, but there are a lot of restaurants and shops on a few of the streets. But Fisherman's Wharf never really gets old to me. Especially since seafood may be the greatest thing ever invented haha

Hi NViejeP, I've never been to the West side of SF. Sounds fantastic. Is it safe to stroll the streets? Not knowing the neighborhood I wouldn't want to walk through someone I'm not welcome (like walking through the Terderloin at 3:00am...I learnt that one the hard way!) AJ

Very safe. It's literally one of the top 3 safest neighborhoods in SF. Trust me, it's far far far from the Tenderloin. It's mainly residential though, not much tourist attraction.

That's some of the best parts to visit though! Last time i was in NY, I made a point of going to the non-tourist areas, and just walking some of the suburban streets. It was fantastic to get a good sense of the areas that everyday people live in rather than the tourist areas. I'm back in SF in July, hopefully ill make it over to the West side\Sunset district then and taking a bunch of photos. Thanks for the advice NViejeP! AJ

If you want more detailed data & not just the superficial check out this link: http://www.bestplaces.net/ Hope all find this site helpful-- enjoy!!!

Recenty went to a restaurant on the Embarcadero called Boulevard, it is an amazing place. Definitely recommend it. The website is located at www.boulevardrestaurant.com

North beach is a personal fav of mine, has some cool funky bars and is a bit arty. Good eating as well :)

I absolutely adore Pacific Heights. Some of the most amazing real estate anywhere in the world along with incredible views over the bay. If I win the lottery that's my new home.

THE MISSION DISTRICT BABY.. come by and get some carnitas and carne asade...

I like going to Crissy Field on a sunny day and seeing all the happy people playing outside, grilling, throwing frisbees around, enjoying the beach (heh) and the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and basking in the glory of living in the greatest city in the U.S. Major bump, by the way.

North Beach on a sunny Sunday morning (or heck, even a foggy one) is heaven to me. If I got stuck in a single day, like on Groundhog day, I would like it to be on Columbus on a Sunday. There are days that I had there that I wouldn't mind reliving over and over again.

It depends on what I want from the neigbhorhood, I guess. For living with kids, maybe Richmond. For visiting with kids, GoldenGate Park. For living as a single, Mission. For living as a couple, Noe Valley. For living a gay couple, Castro. For working, the Financial District. For eating and listening to live music, North Beach. Hard to choose just one.

I think that is pretty good list. I certainly agree with you when it comes to Columbus in North Beach. But overall, in terms of a really cool neigbhorhood, I'm thinking Mission might have something on North Beach these days with all they having going on their. Unfortunately this has become a bit of a problem when it comes to gentrification. Those low rents that attracted everybody in the 90s could be a thing of the past soon.

Great list, NightOwl! I agree, Mission is better than North Beach on nightlife. It really does feel like the East Village of San Francisco with its diversity and Bohemian/Hipster/young people looking for cheap beer and good food scene. But I do think that the charm of San Francisco is not in its individual neighborhoods so much as the composition of all of the different great spots in one place. Where else can you get high-end nightclubs, dive bars, diverse ethnic food, shopping, semi-suburban parks, beaches, kid-friendly tourist spots, financial centers, live music, and 360 degree stunning views, all in one place??

@StephSF and its all so compact as well. You can litterly walk across the city in a couple of hours, it seems like. And it seems like every street has something to offer.

@StephSF: I think you are right there. You can start you morning taking in the Yoga people at Washington Park, go get a a coffee on Columbus, spend the afternoon in Golden Gate Park--check out the DeYoung or go to the exploratorium and then at night go see a foreign film at the Roxy in Mission or the Castro. I definately see your point.