San Francisco, located at the heart of Northern California, is a bayfront playground for the young, hip, and active crowd. Known for its LGBT-owned establishments which have been thriving for decades and will cater to your every need and whim, San Francisco has it all -- from piano bars and eateries to pubs for your never-ending nightlife adventures. There are more than 60 bars and clubs that cater to the LGBTQ+ community for a night out on the town!
This area is filled with fun-filled gems and it is a real challenge to find which neighborhood will suit your interests the most! Do you belong to the young, hip, and active or do you rather have a quiet family-friendly environment? You will be spoiled for choice when looking for apartments in San Francisco.
If you’re looking for the best LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in San Francisco, you’ve come to the right place! Here are the top five San Francisco neighborhoods.
What are the Best LGBTQ+ Neighborhoods in San Francisco?
- The Castro
- Bluff Heights
- Park Estates
- Belmont Heights
- Los Altos
Castro
(Average monthly rent: $1,550 for a 1-bedroom apartment)
What Vibe Will You Find?
With its many famous restaurants and pubs, Castro will surely cater to a gay person that is young at heart. Castro is one of the most famous neighborhoods recognized for the LGBTQ+ activism that occurred following the 1978 assassination of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in San Francisco. There are a lot of gay bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks surrounding the neighborhood. The demographic in Casto skews liberal, and you’ll find young professionals and retirees living happily side-by-side.
Great Things to Do
This neighborhood is home to the famous The Castro – a vintage theater iconic for its double feature every Sunday afternoon. It also has many shops and cafes that are welcome to anyone and everyone. The pun-filled names of shops and stalls are also a reflection of the pun-loving LGBTQ+ community. Make sure to pay a visit to the GLBT Historical Society Museum as well, where you can discover the struggles of the neighborhood's fearless queer pioneers.
South of Market
(Average monthly rent: $1,500 for a 1-bedroom apartment)
What Vibe Will You Find?
South of Marker, or SoMa, is filled with artsy lofts, independent bookstores, and several popular LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs. SoMa is known to be chic and trendy, with many up-and-coming artists, fashion designers, writers, and other creatives looking to make their mark.
Great Things To Do
Famous gay bars such as Aunt Charlie's Lounge and SF-Eagle are located in this neighborhood. If you still have a hangover from last night, you can clear your head by joining public yoga classes in Union Square. Famous landmarks such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA), the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Museum of the African Diaspora are also located here. There are also a lot of working companies and tech firms that are very welcoming to the LGBTQ community, so if you are looking for a job that does not discriminate, this neighborhood is for you!
The Mission
(Average monthly rent: $1,650 for a 1-bedroom apartment)
What Vibe Will You Find?
The Mission is an upscale neighborhood where you will find mostly single-family homes as well as large apartments such as 2-bedroom units. It has a distinct flavor of Latin culture and is very welcoming of people from all walks of life. This tranquil neighborhood has a variety of establishments such as cafes, shopping centers, and convenience stores. Most residents are hipsters and artists of the LGBTQ community that want peaceful yet fabulous homes.
Great Things To Do
Craving for any Latin-based cuisine? No worries, mi amigo! The mission is the go-to place if you are craving authentic Latin cuisine -- no Tex-Mex here! This neighborhood is filled with stalls that will fill your stomachs at a decent price. This neighborhood is very rich in San Francisco's history. One of its most famous landmarks is the Golden Fire Hydrant located at Dolores and 20th, which is said to have protected the district when large earthquakes terrorized it a while back.
Bernal Heights
(Average monthly rent: $1,495 for a 1-bedroom apartment)
What Vibe Will You Find?
Known as the “gayborhood” of San Francisco, Bernal Heights has evolved to be one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods for the LGBTQ community. If you are ever planning to start a family with your partner, this neighborhood will surely cater to your needs with its nearby parks, community gardens, and restaurants. Bernal Heights also boasts some of the best public school systems in the Bay area.
Great Things To Do
Grab your training shoes because this neighborhood is home to Bernal Heights Park where you can have a taste of nature and hike your heart away. If you're planning to cook your children's favorite cuisines, head to the nearest Alemany Farmers Market where you can find fresh local produce at affordable prices. Bernal Heights is home to many recreational gardens and parks where anyone is welcome! If you want a break from the busy city life, Bernal Heights will surely give you a breath of fresh air.
The Haight
(Average monthly rent: $1,500 for a 1-bedroom apartment)
What Vibe Will You Find?
Out of the many places where the LGBTQ+ community will feel safe and home, the Haight will surely be at the top of the list. Also known as the hippie neighborhood, the streets are filled with different recreational stalls, vintage shops, public libraries, and buildings with Victorian architecture. Too much? There is no such thing! In the Haight, you can wear the most exquisite fashion and read the most bizarre of books. Creativity and uniqueness is the order of the day at the Haight.
Great Things To Do
The most popular hobby of the residents of the Haight is to shop! There are a lot of vintage clothing shops that line the Haight-Ashbury District. As the epicenter of the “Summer of Love”, the Haight holds the promise of fun and freedom. There are also a lot of gay pubs that are accessible from the residential areas. From vintage shops to cafes, and gorgeous public parks, the Haight has it all!
Great LGBTQ+ Events to Mark in Your Calendar
The city of San Francisco honors 51 long years of Pride Month celebration for the whole month of June annually. The month-long event consists of pink candle lighting events, flag raising, national HIV awareness day, and more exciting events for the LGBTQ+ community.
Is San Francisco a Gay-Friendly City?
There are many gay neighborhoods in San Francisco City, giving the vibes that it is a very friendly area. It is said to be amongst the few places that are a mecca for LGBTQ+ people. The city by the bay embraces diversity and differences like no other in the world.
