San Francisco

This jewel of a city, surrounded by water on three sides.

Welcome to San Francisco

At the heart of Northern California’s Bay Area sits the city (and county) of San Francisco. This jewel of a city, surrounded by water on three sides, is home to California’s Golden Gate. At just 7×7 miles, this town packs a lot of variety into its 89 neighborhoods, which include: 
 
  • Alamo Square
  • Anza Vista
  • Buena Vista/Ashbury Heights
  • Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights
  • Duboce Triangle
  • Hayes Valley
  • Inner Richmond
  • Lone Mountain
  • Lower Pacific Heights
  • North Panhandle
  • Western Addition

Victorian San Francisco: A Journey Through Time

Explore the city's most picturesque historic neighborhoods

Discover San Francisco's Victorian Charm

San Francisco's Victorian architecture is world-famous, with its ornate detailing, vibrant colors, and romantic silhouettes. This guide will take you through the best neighborhoods to experience these historic gems, from the iconic Painted Ladies to hidden residential treasures.

Top Victorian Neighborhoods to Explore

Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies

Alamo Square

The most famous Victorian neighborhood in San Francisco, home to the iconic "Painted Ladies" that face the downtown skyline. This area features some of the best-preserved examples of Queen Anne Victorian architecture.

Postcard Views Queen Anne Style Tourist Favorite

Best Photo Spots:

Painted Ladies from Alamo Square Park
Painted Ladies from Alamo Square Park - The classic view of the Seven Sisters with downtown in the background. Best light in the late afternoon.
Haight-Ashbury colorful Victorian homes

Haight-Ashbury

Famous for its hippie history, this neighborhood also boasts some of the most colorful Victorian homes in the city. Many feature psychedelic paint schemes that reflect the area's counterculture roots.

Colorful Facades Historic District Bohemian Vibe

Best Photo Spots:

Colorful Victorians on Waller Street
Waller Street Victorians - A row of vibrantly painted homes that perfectly capture Haight-Ashbury's spirit. Morning light works best here.
Pacific Heights grand Victorian mansions

Pacific Heights

This affluent neighborhood features grand Victorian mansions with spectacular bay views. Many of these homes were built for San Francisco's elite during the late 19th century.

Luxury Homes Bay Views Architectural Details

Best Photo Spots:

Victorian mansion on Broadway Street
Broadway Street Mansions - Stunning examples of Victorian excess with intricate woodwork and towering facades. Golden hour lighting is magical here.

Victorian Architecture Styles in San Francisco

San Francisco's Victorian homes come in several distinct architectural styles:

  • Italianate (1850-1880): Tall, narrow homes with slanted bay windows and decorative brackets under the eaves.
  • Stick (1860-1890): Angular homes with decorative "stick work" exposing the structural framework.
  • Queen Anne (1880-1910): The most ornate style with turrets, stained glass, and elaborate trim work.
  • Eastlake (1870-1890): A subset of Queen Anne with geometric patterns and machine-made decorative elements.

Tips for Visiting Victorian Neighborhoods

  1. Respect residents' privacy - these are private homes, not museums.
  2. Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds at popular spots.
  3. Take a guided walking tour to learn architectural details.
  4. Look for the small details - stained glass, decorative brackets, and unique color schemes.
  5. Check out the San Francisco Heritage website for special events and tours.

Overview for San Francisco, CA

865,933 people live in San Francisco, where the median age is 38.7 and the average individual income is $77,267. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

865,933

Total Population

38.7 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$77,267

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for San Francisco, CA

San Francisco has 361,222 households, with an average household size of 2.34. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in San Francisco do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 865,933 people call San Francisco home. The population density is 18,457.83 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

865,933

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

38.7

Median Age

51.23 / 48.77%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
361,222

Total Households

2.34

Average Household Size

$77,267

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in San Francisco, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby San Francisco. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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