Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods to live in San Francisco with the Best quality of life – 2024

As is typical in San Francisco, the higher the hill, the lower the crime rate tends to be. As everyone is aware, San Francisco does face challenges these days when it comes to homelessness, cleanliness issues, rising crime rates, and a few business closures. 

In fact, California’s violent crime rate increased by 6.1% in 2022, while San Francisco experienced a higher surge, with a 7.45% crime rate increase.

When moving to San Francisco, it is essential to find a neighborhood where you can feel comfortable and safer. Despite it all, the city does have neighborhoods with fewer safety concerns, making it a feasible option for those looking to move with their families or seek out LGBTQ-friendly communities.

In this article, MovingWaldo simplifies your search by presenting the Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods in San Francisco with the Best Quality of Life in 2024!

Methodology

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis on the total number of crimes, which consist of homicide, rape, robbery, assault, human trafficking (sex act), burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, and larceny theft, in exception to homicide since its data reflect the number of victims and are not based on the incidents. 

To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people. The data was gathered from the Crime Dashboard of the San Francisco Police Department for each district to which the neighborhood belongs, covering the period from January 2022 to December 2022.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Safest Neighborhoods to live in San Francisco

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1. Inner Sunset

Inner Sunset, San Francisco
  • Population: 38,853 (2020)
  • Crime rate: 111.09 crimes per 1,000 people (Taraval District)

Inner Sunset has a diverse community because it consists of a multitude of people from different backgrounds and cultures, which makes it a welcoming place for everyone.

Locals like its proximity to Golden Gate Park, has abundant food choices, and reasonable distance to Ocean Beach which encourages an active lifestyle. The presence of recreational facilities like the Garden for the Environment further supports this. 

In Inner Sunset, locals frequently see families wandering down the street and children playing at treat stores after school. They mention that it is a kind of neighborhood one feels comfortable walking at night. As reported, it has a crime rate of 111.09 crimes per 1,000 people, making it our top pick for the safest neighborhoods to live in San Francisco among our lists. 

City data (2020) & SF Dashboard (2022)

Inner Sunset, San Francisco, CA

2. Parkside

Parkside, San Francisco
  • Population: 21,281 (2020)
  • Crime rate: 129.57 crimes per 1,000 people (Sunset District)

Locals mention that Parkside is peaceful compared to downtown, attracting residents who seek a calm and welcoming atmosphere. They also added that it is close to Ocean Beach and within walking distance of several stores if locals want to shop, visit the playgrounds, and park.

Parkside has access to parks like Stern Grove, Carl Larsen Park, Ocean Park, and Pine Lake Park which offers ample outdoor activities. It offers a convenient location with easy access to public transportation, diverse food and shopping options along Taraval Street.

For safety, there are about 129.57 crimes for every 1,000 people, making it a smart choice for those people seeking a safer neighborhood.

City data (2020) & SF Dashboard (2022)

Parkside, San Francisco, CA

3. Outer Richmond (Richmond District)

Safest Neighborhoods to live in San Francisco: Outer Richmond
  • Population: 29,087 (2020)
  • Crime rate: 151.8 crimes per 1000 people

With a walk score of 89, the Outer Richmond neighborhood is highly walkable, making it convenient for errands and activities. Locals, hikers, and beach goers often visit the Sutro Baths, situated on the beachfront. These ruins were once part of a prominent saltwater swimming pool complex in the Outer Richmond District.

Outer Richmond proudly hosts two of San Francisco’s original movie theaters. The Balboa Theater, constructed in 1926 at Balboa and 38th Avenue, and the 4-Star Theater, built around 1913 on Clement and 23rd Avenue. 

In terms of safety, the Outer Richmond has a crime rate of 151.8 crimes per 1,000 people. While violent crime is uncommon here, some occasional incidents occur nearby, so it’s wise to have an equally alert companion when wandering around, especially at night. It’s worth noting that break-ins have been reported at spots like the Lands End Lookout parking lot and the Queen’s Windmill, so avoiding these areas is wise. 

City data (2020) & SF Dashboard (2022)

Outer Richmond, San Francisco, CA

4. The Mission (Mission District)

1. San Francisco, CA - Top 10 Most LGBT Friendly Cities in the US - 2022
  • Population: 37,621 (2020)
  • Crime rate: 158.8 crimes per 1000 people

The Mission District in San Francisco, or The Mission, is named after San Francisco’s oldest building and is known today as a foodie destination. It has old-fashioned places to get tasty Mexican food and unique clubs where you can listen to live music. There are also fancy restaurants run by skilled chefs and cozy lounges where they make special cocktails.

Although there are only small parks in the Mission District itself, the well-known Dolores Park is just nearby. It’s a perfect place for families to gather and enjoy on a sunny day, plus it offers outstanding views of downtown San Francisco.

As for safety, the Mission records a crime rate of 158.8 crimes per 1000 people. Locals mention that the area is generally safe, but there are parts of Mission Street downtown that they strongly advise against, such as 6th Street and 8th Street. Having a roommate or someone with you in your apartment or condo can provide you with added comfort, especially when you need to go out at night.

City data (2020) & SF Dashboard (2022)

The Mission, San Francisco, CA

5. Bayview

bayview park couple sf
  • Population: 23,979 (2020)
  • Crime rate: 166.08 crimes per 1,000 people (Bayview District)

Bayview has a total of 166.08 crimes per 1,000 people. Locals praise Bayview for having the best weather in the city because it is sunny but not uncomfortably hot.

Locals enjoy access to numerous playgrounds and parks, such as Hilltop Park and Adam Rogers Park, where they can do activities that promote an outdoor lifestyle. If you want to be close to the downtown, waterfront districts, and pier of San Francisco, the Bayview District is convenient.

If you’re thinking about moving to Bayview, locals suggest avoiding streets like Quesada and 3rd Street. It’s a good idea to take some security precautions and avoid drawing attention to valuable items at all times. Additionally, car owners should be aware that some streets have cars parked on both sides overnight, making it difficult for other vehicles to pass through.

City data (2020) & SF Dashboard (2022)

Bayview, San Francisco, CA

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Conclusion

Choosing if you want to live in a diverse community, near the beach, near the pier, or downtown depends on how you want to enjoy San Francisco. Considering the current situation in San Francisco, it’s a good idea to keep up with the latest news and trends. This can help you when you’re deciding on a safer neighborhood.

In 2022, San Francisco’s Central District alone had 10,395 total crimes, the highest of all districts. It’s a reminder to prioritize safety when picking a neighborhood in any major city. Our selection of the top 5 safest neighborhoods in San Francisco with the best quality of life in 2024 could assist you in reaching your final decision regarding your move.

Selecting a suitable neighborhood takes careful consideration, so review this list carefully before making any harsh decisions. Are you planning to move soon? Learn about the best San Francisco movers!

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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