Stunning architecture, beautiful bay views and an eclectic population make Nob Hill a quintessential San Francisco neighborhood and a great place to call home. Perched atop one of the city’s original “Seven Hills,” Nob Hill has long been one of the most desirable residential areas of San Francisco. Nearly 20,000 people reside in the Victorian-style buildings that comprise the .313-square-mile district.
Nob Hill home to San Francisco’s most affluent residents since the ) built their mansions on the hilltop. Long-established families of the Nob Hill area now live alongside an influx of young, urban newcomers, who enjoy short commutes to the financial district. Many post-grads from San Francisco State University, San Francisco Art University, and the University of California, San Francisco, have settled into the area, taking advantage of the low crime rates and proximity to nightlife.
With the intersection of California Street and Powell Street as its center, Nob Hill includes patches around Huntington Park that maintain the charm and elegance of the late Gold Rush era. The brownstone Pacific-Union Club, the Scarlet Huntington Hotel and the Fairmont Hotel and Tower are some of the area’s landmarks that embody the opulence of that time.The edges of Nob Hill have taken on the character of surrounding districts. Chinese businesses and temples have developed along the border with Chinatown. Boutiques have emerged where the neighborhood meets Union Square, and the dive bar scene of the Tenderloin has overflowed into a crossover area known as Tender Nob. Despite the steep terrain, the neighborhood has a high walkability score, allowing residents to run errands and commute without the use of a car. The world-class cable car and bus systems managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni for short) also provide transportation options.
Nob Hill is a gateway to the best attractions and entertainment San Francisco has to offer. Grace Cathedral, the largest Episcopal cathedral on the West Coast, has a lively community and holds classes, such as yoga, and events, including concerts. The neighborhood’s legendary hotels offer an abundance of high-end dining options, though the kitschy, Tiki-themed Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar at the Fairmont has become an institution. Closer to the Tenderloin area, local venues, including the Hemlock Tavern, regularly host indie rock bands.
