North Beach Neighborhood, San Francisco CA

About North Beach Neighborhood

North Beach holds a lot of history along its narrow, cramped streets, including the oldest street in San Francisco: Grant Avenue. This neighborhood was largely saved from damage during the 1906 earthquake and the tech boom has made much less of an impact on its aesthetic than in other parts of the city. It’s located in the northeast corner of city and is sometimes referred to as Little Italy.

The docks historically served as a gateway for immigrants new to the city, and little pockets of different nationalities popped up in the North Beach and Chinatown areas. Most are gone now, but the checkered tabled-clothed restaurants, cafes made lively by old-timers, and shops offering tailoring and shoemaking are a remnant of the large Italian population once present here.

Housing is mostly standardized post-quake walk-ups (up the hill are higher-end rentals and single family homes) from the 1910s and 1920s. It’s a very walkable neighborhood, connected to the rest of the city by a few buses. It’s less foggy and out of the way than the other seaside neighborhoods (although there’s no beach, so it’s a compromise).

History of North Beach Neighborhood

The city's northeast waterfront used to be limited to what is now Taylor and Francisco streets. The area that is presently known as North Beach was formerly a beach that was filled in with land fill in the late 1800s. On the newly created waterfront, warehouses, fishing wharves, and docks were built.

Demographics of North Beach Neighborhood

North Beach has a population of 26,796 people, with a median age of 42.5. Males account for 51.24 percent of the total, while females account for 48.76 percent. In North Beach, US-born citizens make up 52.37 percent of the population, while non-US-born citizens make up 31.26 percent. Non-citizens also account for 16.36% of the population.

Transportation in North Beach Neighborhood

Instead of driving, most residents walk, cycle, ride Muni (the public transit system of buses and streetcars), or ride-share. The city also has three cable car lines that are regular, leisurely, and scenic; for first-time tourists, riding one is a necessity.

Politics in North Beach Neighborhood

North Beach is home to a large number of young professionals and retirees, as well as liberal residents.

Lifestyle in North Beach Neighborhood

North Beach is located in San Francisco County and is considered one of California's nicest locations to live. Residents in North Beach enjoy a dense urban vibe, and the majority of residents rent their homes. There are numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in North Beach. ... North Beach's public schools are above average.

Schools in North Beach Neighborhood

North Beach's public schools are above average.

Real estate in North Beach Neighborhood

San Francisco is regarded as one of the most desirable cities in the United States to rent or buy property. However, both renters and homeowners will find it to be one of the most expensive. Because both owning and renting are expensive, it's difficult to tell which is the best option.