One visit to San Francisco will show you why people leave their hearts there, with its natural beauty on a peninsula surrounded by water. The stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay along with a diverse culture make this an iconic part of California.
In San Francisco, you can experience cuisine, music, art, and festivals. As one of the healthiest cities in the Golden State, there is abundant recreation including outdoor yoga classes, biking, golfing and fishing. Of course, California has some of the best state parks that offer an array of outdoor adventures. The opportunities for employment are vast in this technology hub, too. Find companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, and Uber adding to the thriving economy.
| FUN FACTS ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO |
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| San Francisco is home to the largest Chinatown in North America. There are actually two Chinatowns. |
| San Francisco is the birthplace of the cable car, electric tv, and the fortune cookie. |
| The most crooked street in the world, Lombardo Street, with eight hairpin turns is found in San Francisco. |
| It takes two years to paint the Golden Gate Bridge from end to end. |
There are many reasons this is a unique Cali locale. Not ready to live in the city proper? Live in one of the desirable San Francisco suburbs. We’ve given you the top 10 suburbs below to ponder for your next new home purchase:
10. San Anselmo
Population: 12,498
Median Home Value: $1,524,300
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 34 minutes
A great place to call home about 20 miles to the north of San Francisco is San Anselmo. This Marin County town is home to one of the oldest public libraries in California. Superior schools, including the College of Marin with a focus on sustainability and the beautiful views of Mount Tamalpais provide some of the allure of this inviting suburb.
Outdoor recreation is plentiful with everything from hiking to biking and picnics. Beautiful parks will have you relaxed and healthy. This family-friendly suburb is found in the foothills of Mount Tamalpais not far from the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you are a first time California homebuyer, utilize the link to help you navigate your new homebuying experience. Your next new home in San Anselmo might just be waiting for you.
9. Burlingame
Population: 31,142
Median Home Value: $2,000,000+
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 806
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 64
Just 15 miles south of San Francisco, Burlingame is a beautiful city with its share of major employers including Google and Yahoo. Bayfront Park and the Municipal Golf Course will have you out taking advantage of the great weather and fresh air.
With a charming downtown, you can stroll through the shops and enjoy a bite to eat at the delicious restaurants. This safe, family-friendly city also has outstanding schools. Enjoy a high quality of life with a walkable downtown, waterfront hotels, and bayside trails.
Peruse some of the innovative new homes in the Burlingame area.
8. Los Altos Hills
Population: 8,520
Median Home Value: $2,000,000+
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 77
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 7
Imagine living in an affluent area of California, Los Altos Hills is one of the wealthiest towns in the nation. This safe area offers highly rated schools and proximity to San Francisco with 35 miles between the two communities. Live in the heart of Silicon Valley amongst beautiful scenery.
Technology companies including Symantec and Intuit boost the economy. The Stevens Creek County Park is a popular spot to stay active. With low crime rates and top-notch healthcare facilities, there is peace of mind for families of all types.
The new home market here is priced accordingly for the location, opportunity, and amenities. Learn more about closing costs in California.
7. Moraga
Population: 16,750
Median Home Value: $1,597,600
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 139
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 20
Live in the charming town of Moraga, just 20 miles east of San Francisco. Contra Costa County is a great commuter locale and Moraga brings convenience, parks, recreation, and services. The slower pace of life sets Moraga apart.
Moraga is also home to Saint Mary’s College of California. Stay active on the many hiking trails including the Carr Ranch Loop Trail and the Upper San Leandro Reservoir Loop. The safe, welcoming vibe of Moraga feels inviting to potential new homebuyers.
6. San Carlos
Population: 30,490
Median Home Value: $2,000,000+
School Ranking: A
Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
Looking for safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and ease to Silicon Valley? San Carlos, CA might just be the perfect fit. This city has major employers including Intuit and Electronic Arts. With only 20 miles separating you from San Francisco, you can make your way to big city employers, delicious cuisine, and attractions.
The ideal Mediterranean climate will have you taking full advantage of the green spaces like Shoreline Lake and San Carlos City Park. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or peruse the shops in the quaint downtown. Meet up with friends to sample some delicious wines at local wineries.
Take a look at the San Carlos new home communities.
5. Foster City
Population: 33,511
Median Home Value: $1,774,500
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 31 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 334
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 15
Foster City has many accolades including being one of the top 25 towns to live well and one of the safest cities in the United States. One of the amazing perks of living in Foster City is the Foster City Lagoon with its many birds and fish. Live in Foster City where you are conveniently near Silicon Valley employers, excellent schools, and plenty of parks, restaurants, and shops.
Looking for entertainment? If you’re looking for a night out, the Shoreline Amphitheatre is a great option. This outdoor concert venue hosts a variety of performances, from music festivals to comedy shows.
It's easy to enjoy the California sunshine with opportunities to swim, canoe, windsurf, paddle boat, walk, and cycle. With 13 miles of shoreline, recreational opportunities are plentiful.
Discover your next new home in Foster City.
4. Palo Alto
Population: 68,624
Median Home Value: $2,000,000+
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,830
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 135
Palo Alto, the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” is a dynamic city named after a towering redwood tree, and is home to Stanford University, one of the world’s leading universities. From art galleries to gardens, this excellent California locale is a prime spot for relocation,
Palo Alto also has a number of excellent public schools, making it a great place to raise a family. The city’s economy is driven by the tech industry, with major employers like Google, Facebook, and Tesla. The city is also home to a number of startups and venture capital firms.
Discover a safe and walkable downtown area with a variety of restaurants, shops, and parks. There are also plenty of new home designs in Palo Alto to choose from, sure to check off your wants and needs list.
3. Berkeley
Population: 119,607
Median Home Value: $1,351,100
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 7,079
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 791
Berkeley, an eastern suburb of San Francisco, is a vibrant and walkable city with a strong sense of community. The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a major economic driver of the area, and the city is home to a diverse population of students, professors, and professionals.
Beautiful California weather gives way to great opportunities to explore outdoor recreation. Berkeley is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Indian Rock Park and Tilden Regional Park offer opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking.
Cultural experiences abound with excellent galleries, museums, and theaters. The University of California Botanical Garden is home to over 10,000 types of plants. The city is home to a variety of theaters, music venues, and restaurants.
Give some serious thought to buying in the Berkeley area.
2. Mountain View
Population: 81,785
Median Home Value: $1,927,400
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,293
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 204
Mountain View is a dynamic city in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is a great place for tech workers, with easy access to major employers like Google, Apple, and Facebook. The city is also close to San Francisco and other Bay Area cities, making it a convenient place to live and work.
Mountain View is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The city has over 30 parks and recreation facilities, offering residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. With stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, there are endless possibilities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Shoreline Lake is where it's at for paddleboarding and kayaking.
In addition to its natural beauty, Mountain View also has a thriving cultural scene. Museums, farmers markets, and theaters await. If you are looking for a vibrant and sustainable city with a lot to offer, Mountain View is the perfect place for you. Check out the new home communities in and around Mountain View.
1. Albany
Population: 19,958
Median Home Value: $1,188,600
School Ranking: A+
Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 548
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 37
Located just across the bay from San Francisco, Albany is a vibrant and diverse community with several highly rated schools. Its convenient location gives residents the best of both worlds: the suburban feel with easy access to big city employers and attractions.
This welcoming and inclusive community offers a variety of fun recreational opportunities, easy commutes, and stunning scenery. No wonder it was ranked #1 on Best Suburbs for the San Francisco Bay Area! Residents love the beautiful parks, community events, and excellent amenities.
If you’re looking for a safe place to live, Albany should be at the top of your list. Become the next happy resident in one of the beautiful San Francisco-area new home communities.
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.