Welcome to
Nob Hill
One of San Francisco’s signature neighborhoods, renowned for its city landmarks where historic architecture meets burgeoning shops and eateries, encapsulating the iconic elements of San Francisco. Victorian influences lend charm, while a dynamic populace infuses the neighborhood with urban sophistication. The area's reputation of privilege dates back to Gold Rush times, when cable car lines made the hilltop accessible and the railroad barons built their mansions there, far above the rowdiness of the bawdy waterfront. In the early 19th century, it was known as California Hill because California Street climbed its steep Eastern side. The hill’s first residents became known as the Big Four, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins and Collis Huntington. They were tycoons that had made their fortunes as railroad barons. Each built mansions just east of the hill’s peak and it was sometimes called “The hill of palaces.”
Historic, active lifestyle, diverse & eclectic, cultural hub, shopping, fast-paced, hip
At A Glance
THE NEIGHBORS
Densely populated urban, upscale neighborhood.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The elegance of “old” San Francisco mixed with the bustle of tourists, fine dining, high-end hotels and upscale shopping.
THE LIFESTYLE
Luxury, convenience, and sophistication.
UNEXPECTED APPEAL
A walkable, vibrant neighborhood with historical gems.
NEIGHBORHOOD AESTHETIC
Nob Hill is characterized by its steep hills, views, cable cars and grand, ornate landmark buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
A neighborhood that mixes a modern vibe with old world grandeur.
Located In Nob Hill
Nearby Neighborhoods
Van Ness/Civic Center, Pac Heights, Chinatown, North Beach, Russian Hill, Union Square/Financial District
East to West Boundaries
Bordered by Montgomery St. to the east, Van Ness Blvd. to the west
North to South Boundaries
Broadway to the north, Bush St. to the south
Commute Times
- Financial District by bus: 15 minutes
- Financial District on foot: 20 minutes
- Financial District via cable car: 10 minutes
- South San Francisco via auto: 35 minutes
- Silicon Valley via auto: 55 minutes
AROUND THE BLOCK
Nob Hill provides a clear portal to the past, to a time when a few families ruled the west’s newest and most exciting city. It’s changed plenty over the years, yet it still symbolizes San Francisco as a shining city full of promise, and as a sepia-toned one proud of its glorious past.
WHAT TO EXPECT
For some, this is the only neighborhood in town. From its high-rise, high-end towers to the urban serenity of Huntington Park, Nob Hill is the epitome of old-world elegance. It’s a lively, diverse neighborhood with all manner of residents, dozens of restaurants of all types, a growing retail scene and proximity to almost everything in San Francisco’s core.
THE LIFESTYLE
The lifestyle is one of convenience and sophistication. The neighborhood offers easy access to some of the best that San Francisco has to offer, and is a popular destination for those who value a high-end lifestyle.
UNEXPECTED APPEAL
Fans of San Francisco history will appreciate a multitude of historic sites, while the neighborhood’s condensed geography offers residents the opportunity to go out without ever taking an Uber.
NEIGHBORHOOD AESTHETIC
Nob Hill is characterized by its grand, ornate buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th Century. One of the defining features of the neighborhood is its steep hills, which provide sweeping views of the city and the San Francisco Bay. The streets are lined with elegant mansions, luxury hotels, and upscale shops and restaurants. The architecture of Nob Hill is a mix of styles, including Beaux-Arts, Victorian, and Art Deco, giving the neighborhood a distinctive character and charm.
YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Those who live atop Nob Hill enjoy a much quieter lifestyle than those who choose to be near busy Polk Street, where dinner and drinks are just a short stroll away. Further west and south, the neighborhood changes: the high-rises are replaced with mid-rise apartment and condo buildings and the restaurant, shop, bar, and club choices seem to multiply by the thousands. However, it still has its share of neighborhood mom-and-pop establishments, but the growing nightlife scene has made it a must-see for the young and active.
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