About Housing:
The city of San Francisco is apartment-oriented, with two out of every three housing structures being multi-units. About 65 percent of all San Francisco housing is renter occupied. Monthly rents are very high by national standards, and generally range from $1500-3000 per month for one- and two-bedroom apartments and duplexes, and from $2000-4000 for two- and three-bedroom apartments and houses. The average studio rents for approximately $1000.

Home values reflect resale prices of actual residences in six Bay Area regions. Home prices are based on the median price range for the specific city or neighborhood. The size of the dwelling may vary depending on the particular community.

About Cost of Living:
Considering the City's many amentities and limited space, it should come as no surprise that, in some respects, the cost of living in San Francisco is higher than that in other locales. Home prices and apartment rents tend to be well above the national average. Prices for food and certain other consumer items are also relatively high.

While costs are above average, so are the income levels of most Bay Area residents. In fact, wages and salaries in the San Francisco area are among the highest in the country. Studies show that Bay Area residents have the third-highest discretionary income in the country. Higher salaries are partially a result of the Bay Area's highly educated workforce and concentration of jobs in high-paying growth industries such as technology and professional services.

1. Richmond/Sea Cliff
The Richmond District is where 10,000 White Russians settled after the revolution in 1917. Today, it is a solid middle-class area with a diverse ethnic population and inexpensive shops and restaurants, especially along Geary Boulevard and California Street. Clement Street reflects the influence of the growing Asian population and is sometimes referred to as the "New Chinatown." The weather is usually foggy.
In the Sea Cliff area, winding landscaped streets border mansions perched just above sea level along the coast. To get a feel for the neighborhood, pick up the area newspaper, The Richmond Review.Total Population: 83,902
White: 42,330
African-American: 3,247
Asian: 34,165
Hispanic: 4,160
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2. Pacific Heights/Marina/Cow Hollow/Presidio Heights
This is one of the most expensive housing areas in the City. Elegant mansions with stunning views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges, boarding schools, foreign consulates and unique shops and restaurants on Union and Sacramento streets are included among its many amenities. Three newspapers serve this area of the city, the respected Nob Hill Gazette, The Marina Times and The New Fillmore News.Total Population: 37,176
White: 31,941
African-American: 558
Asian: 3,158
Hispanic: 1,519
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3. Nob Hill/Russian Hill/Telegraph Hill
Wonderful views, steep streets, grand hotels, taller apartment buildings (because of the hillside configurations) and the frequent clanging of cable cars characterize the area, which also includes interesting shops, corner grocery stores and expensive real estate. Lombard Street, "the crookedest street in the world," runs down Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth. The area encompasses Chinatown and North Beach. North Beach Now is the chronicle for this popular area of the City. The Nob Hill Gazette is the newspaper of choice.Total Population: 66,759
White: 28,162
African-American: 1,118
Asian: 35,327
Hispanic: 2,152
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4. Downtown
Includes the high rises of the financial district, the shops in Union Square and Civic Center. Home to many national and multinational corporations, this area is a melting pot for many newcomers to the U.S. Read San Francisco Downtown for a look at what's happening in the center of the City.Total Population: 37,611
White: 17,181
African-American: 3,653
Asian: 12,710
Hispanic: 4,067
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5. Western Addition
This area has seen considerable redevelopment, including subsidized housing and urban renewal projects, and restoration of pre-earthquake Victorians along Pine and Bush streets. A compact area with family-owned bakeries, markets and restaurants, it is also the location of the Japan Cultural and Trade Center and St. Mary's Cathedral.

Total Population: 47,760
White: 21,724
African-American: 14,562
Asian: 8,085
Hispanic: 3,389
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6. Buena Vista/Haight Ashbury
Revitalized since the 1960's, these neighborhoods boast unique shopping experiences and multicultural dining, renovated Victorians, flats and apartments situated near wooded areas like Golden Gate and Buena Vista Parks and the Panhandle-historic site of Tent City for survivors of the 1906 earthquake. Visit The Haight Ashbury Free Press website to discover why this neighborhood is famous around the world.

Total Population: 29,774
White: 21,201
African-American: 4,150
Asian: 2,291
Hispanic: 2,132
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7. Central
Includes Twin Peaks, Noe Valley, Eureka Valley, Glen Park and the Castro. With its sweeping vistas and rainbow of shops along its main streets, the Castro is a gathering place for the city's gay and lesbian population. Check out the Noe Valley Voice or the Twin Peaks Observer for an update on this growing area.

Total Population: 47,974
White: 34,656
African-American: 1,942
Asian: 4,653
Hispanic: 6,723
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8. Mission
A working-class neighborhood, the Mission District is the "Sunbelt" of the city and has the City's largest Hispanic population. It is the site of Mission Dolores, where San Francisco got its start. Busy commercial districts line 24th and Mission streets. Pick up The New Mission News for a look at this eclectic neighborhood.

Total Population: 57,016
White: 16,914
African-American: 2,547
Asian: 7,981
Hispanic: 29,574
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9. South of Market
One of the first areas developed in San Francisco, South of Market is now dominated by new office towers, warehouses, commercial and industrial businesses. It has been dubbed "Multimedia Gulch" due to the proliferation of new technology firms taking hold here. Housing is designed to fall largely in the moderate income level. The new South Beach and Rincon Hill neighborhoods, Moscone Convention Center, Southern Pacific train station, Flower Mart and Hall of Justice are located in "SOMA." The South of Market Networker chronicles the rebirth of this part of the City.Total Population: 22,089
White: 11,975
African-American: 3,817
Asian: 3,803
Hispanic: 2,494
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10. South Bayshore
Once the site of a large ship-building industry and a bustling Naval shipyard, Bayshore is made up of family neighborhoods interrupted here and there by warehouses, manufacturing plants, auto wrecking yards and the city's produce markets. Candlestick Park is located in the neighborhood.

Total Population: 28,444
White: 2,486
African-American: 17,184
Asian: 6,074
Hispanic: 2,700
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11. Bernal Heights
This is a neighborhood of modest income levels, diversity of architecture and ethnic backgrounds. Young professionals, attracted by spectacular views and affordable real estate, have restored many of the old Queen Anne cottages and Victorian bungalows. An eclectic mix of small shops and arts and crafts galleries has followed. On every corner you can find The New Bernal Journal to read all about these lesser known heights in San Francisco.

Total Population: 23,445
White: 8,583
African-American: 1,858
Asian: 4,896
Hispanic: 8,108
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12. South Central
This working class neighborhood has mostly single-family stucco and wood homes, some apartments and many in-law units. A short bus ride from downtown, the area includes McLaren Park, one of the largest parks in San Francisco. The Grapevine, produced in Visitacion Valley, reports on happenings in this southern neighborhood.

Total Population: 79,346
White: 18,393
African-American: 8,546
Asian: 31,139
Hispanic: 21,268
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13. Ingleside
Ingleside is a neighborhood of detached single-family houses in the middle- to upper-middle income range. San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University are nearby.

Total Population: 55,496
White: 24,540
African-American: 10,698
Asian: 14,159
Hispanic: 6,099
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14. Inner Sunset
The Sunset district is divided in two by the City Planning Commission, but those who live there regard it as one. The Sunset is a largely single-family, residential area of houses built in the 1920's and 30's. It boasts excellent schools, neighborhood shopping districts and a family environment. The San Francisco Zoo, Lake Merced, Stern Grove and golf courses are located here. Pick up The Sunset Beacon at one of its many shops and restaurants.Total Population: 41,624
White: 26,249
African-American: 1,297
Asian: 11,517
Hispanic: 2,561
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15. Outer Sunset (See description above)
Total Population: 65,543

White: 30,783
African-American: 1,166
Asian: 29,823
Hispanic: 3,771
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