San Francisco, a city renowned for its steep hills and iconic landmarks, is also a paradise for renters who prefer to navigate their neighborhoods on foot. In fact, San Francisco is the outright most walkable city in the U.S., beating out even New York. From the cultural hub of Chinatown to the lively streets of the Tenderloin, the city is teeming with walkable neighborhoods.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the most walkable neighborhoods in San Francisco. So, get ready to discover the charm and convenience of pedestrian-friendly living in the City by the Bay.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. Chinatown
Walk Score: 100
Chinatown is the most walkable neighborhood in San Francisco, with a perfect Walk Score of 100. Known for its rich cultural heritage, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and Portsmouth Square.
Chinatown apartments for rent| Chinatown Neighborhood Guide
2. Tenderloin
Walk Score: 100
Tenderloin has a Walk Score of 100, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in San Francisco. There's a lot to love about the quirky area, from its historic architecture to its vibrant underground street art. While you're walking around the neighborhood, check out the historic Glide Memorial Church.
Tenderloin apartments for rent
3. Polk Gulch
Walk Score: 100
Polk Gulch is the third most walkable neighborhood in the city. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout Polk Gulch, like the Russian Hill Bookstore and the Alice Marble Tennis Courts. And if you're in the mood for an adventure, you're not far from the iconic Lombard Street.
Polk Gulch apartments for rent
4. North Beach
Walk Score: 99
North Beach has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From City Lights Bookstore to Washington Square Park, you're sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is the Beat Museum, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
North Beach apartments for rent | North Beach Neighborhood Guide
5. Japantown
Walk Score: 99
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in the city, Japantown is known for its unique blend of Japanese and American cultures. Consider exploring the Peace Plaza or getting a bite to eat at the popular Maruf*cku Ramen. There are plenty of other amenities in this bustling community as well, like the Nihonmachi Mall and the Sundance Kabuki Cinema.
Japantown apartments for rent
6. Castro
Walk Score: 99
Castro has a Walk Score of 99, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in San Francisco. Known for its inclusive community, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as the Castro Theatre and the GLBT Historical Society Museum. While you're out, check out the iconic Rainbow Crosswalks.
Castro apartments for rent
7. Civic Center
Walk Score: 99
Civic Center is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in San Francisco. This bustling community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the San Francisco City Hall and the Asian Art Museum. While you're walking, take a moment to appreciate the architecture at the San Francisco Opera House.
Civic Center apartments for rent
8. Nob Hill
Walk Score: 99
Nob Hill has a Walk Score of 99, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in the city. There's a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at the nearby Swan Oyster Depot, to taking a walk at Huntington Park. If you're up for a longer outing, nearby Grace Cathedral is popular among locals.
Nob Hill apartments for rent| Nob Hill Neighborhood Guide
9. Lower Nob Hill
Walk Score: 99
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in San Francisco is Lower Nob Hill. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like the Bourbon & Branch speakeasy, the Liholiho Yacht Club, and the Mr. Holmes Bakehouse. It's also easy to walk over to Union Square for a great day out.
Lower Nob Hill apartments for rent
10. Mission Dolores
Walk Score: 99
Mission Dolores is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in the city. Local attractions here include the historic Mission Dolores Park and the vibrant Valencia Street, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their community.
Mission Dolores apartments for rent
Check out more walkable cities in California.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
