San Francisco is a city known for its stunning views, vibrant culture, and high cost of living. Among its many neighborhoods, some stand out as the most affluent, where the city’s wealthiest residents live. But which one is the richest? The answer depends on whether you’re looking at median household income or average home prices. Based on recent data, Seacliff likely has the highest median household income, while Presidio Heights often boasts the highest property values. Pacific Heights, with its famous Billionaire’s Row, is also a strong contender due to its prestige and histor
Defining “Richest”
First, let’s clarify what “richest” means. There are two main ways to measure wealth in a neighborhood:
- Median Household Income: This is the income level where half the households earn more and half earn less. It’s a good indicator of the overall wealth of the residents.
- Average Home Prices: This shows how much it costs to buy a home in the area, reflecting the neighborhood’s exclusivity and desirability.
Both metrics are important, but they don’t always tell the same story. A neighborhood might have very high home prices but a lower median income if there are many large homes owned by very wealthy individuals alongside some less wealthy residents. Conversely, a neighborhood with high median income might have more modestly priced homes if residents are wealthy but choose to live more simply.
The Contenders
Based on various sources, including the San Francisco Chronicle, PropertyClub, and California.com, here are the neighborhoods that consistently rank among the richest in San Francisco:
- Seacliff
- Presidio Heights
- Pacific Heights
- Russian Hill
- Noe Valley
Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
Seacliff
- Median Household Income: According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, Seacliff has the highest median household income in the city, exceeding $250,000.
- Average Home Price: PropertyClub reports an average home price of $3,441,000, while California.com lists a median home price of $4,203,253.
- Population: Around 1,300 residents.
- Notable Features: Seacliff is known for its oceanfront properties and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a quiet, exclusive neighborhood that’s home to many celebrities and tech executives.
- Famous Residents: Past and present residents include Sharon Stone, Jack Dorsey (co-founder of Twitter), and the late Robin Williams.
Presidio Heights
- Median Household Income: The Chronicle estimates it at around $210,000 to $236,000, while PropertyClub lists it at $209,750.
- Average Home Price: PropertyClub reports $3,650,000, and California.com says $4,948,331.
- Population: Approximately 4,000 residents.
- Notable Features: Presidio Heights is characterized by its grand mansions, tree-lined streets, and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s close to the Presidio National Park and offers a mix of luxury and nature.
- Famous Residents: While specific names aren’t always publicized, it’s known to be home to many wealthy families and professionals.
Pacific Heights
- Median Household Income: HomeSnacks lists it at $172,749, while PropertyClub says $194,000.
- Average Home Price: PropertyClub reports $1,645,000, and California.com says $2,014,414.
- Population: Around 30,000 residents.
- Notable Features: Pacific Heights is perhaps the most famous of San Francisco’s wealthy neighborhoods. It’s home to Billionaire’s Row, where some of the city’s most expensive homes are located. The area is known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, panoramic views of the Bay, and proximity to high-end shopping and dining.
- Famous Residents: Residents have included author Danielle Steele, musician Lars Ulrich of Metallica, and tech billionaire Larry Ellison.
Russian Hill
- Median Household Income: HomeSnacks says $164,460, while PropertyClub lists $170,600.
- Average Home Price: PropertyClub reports $1,401,000, and Fly.homes says $2,025,000.
- Population: Between 13,500 and 16,000 residents.
- Notable Features: Russian Hill is famous for its steep streets, including the crooked Lombard Street, and its mix of luxury homes and historic buildings. It’s a desirable location due to its central position and stunning views.
- Famous Residents: Past residents include writers like Mark Twain and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Noe Valley
- Median Household Income: HomeSnacks lists it at $185,103.
- Average Home Price: PropertyClub says $1,763,400.
- Population: Around 22,500 residents.
- Notable Features: Noe Valley is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, boutique shops, and excellent schools. It’s less about ostentatious wealth and more about a comfortable, affluent lifestyle.
- Famous Residents: While not as celebrity-heavy as other neighborhoods, it’s popular among professionals and families.
Comparison of Top Neighborhoods
Here’s a table summarizing the key data for these neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | Median Household Income | Average Home Price | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seacliff | >$250,000 | $3,441,000 – $4,203,253 | ~1,300 |
| Presidio Heights | $209,750 – $236,000 | $3,650,000 – $4,948,331 | ~4,000 |
| Pacific Heights | $172,749 – $194,000 | $1,645,000 – $2,014,414 | ~30,000 |
| Russian Hill | $164,460 – $170,600 | $1,401,000 – $2,025,000 | ~13,500 – 16,000 |
| Noe Valley | $185,103 | $1,763,400 | ~22,500 |
Note: Data varies slightly depending on the source and methodology, with the Chronicle using Census data for income and real estate sites like PropertyClub and California.com providing home price estimates.
Which One is the Richest?
So, which of these neighborhoods can claim the title of San Francisco’s richest? It depends on how you define “richest.”
- If we’re talking about median household income, Seacliff takes the crown with its income exceeding $250,000, according to the San Francisco Chronicle’s analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Presidio Heights is a close second.
- However, when it comes to property values, Presidio Heights often has the highest average home prices, sometimes reaching nearly $5 million, as reported by California.com.
- Pacific Heights, while not having the highest income or home prices among these, is arguably the most prestigious and well-known wealthy neighborhood in the city, thanks to its history and famous residents like Danielle Steele and Larry Ellison.
The slight discrepancies in rankings come from different data sources and definitions. For example, the Chronicle’s analysis is based on Census data, which is reliable for income but doesn’t directly map to neighborhood boundaries. Real estate websites like PropertyClub and California.com focus more on home prices, which reflect market trends and buyer demand.
Recent Real Estate Trends
To give you a sense of the current market as of August 2025, here are some notable developments:
- In February 2025, Laurene Powell Jobs purchased a home in Pacific Heights for $70 million, setting a record for the area, according to VIP Realty.
- The overall San Francisco housing market in 2025 has a citywide median home price of around $1.29 million, but in the most expensive neighborhoods, prices are significantly higher, as noted by Nona Ehyaei Real Estate.
These figures highlight the exclusivity and high demand for homes in these neighborhoods. The limited land availability, proximity to downtown, and prestige associated with these areas drive their high costs.
Lifestyle in San Francisco’s Richest Neighborhoods
Living in one of these affluent areas offers more than just a prestigious address. Residents enjoy:
- Exclusive Amenities: From private clubs to high-end restaurants and boutique shops, these neighborhoods cater to a luxurious lifestyle.
- Stunning Views: Many homes offer panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, or the Pacific Ocean.
- Top Schools: These areas are often zoned for some of the best public schools in the city or have access to excellent private schools.
- Community: Residents often form tight-knit communities of like-minded, successful individuals, fostering a sense of belonging.
For example, in Seacliff, residents can take peaceful walks in Lincoln Park while enjoying ocean views. In Pacific Heights, the historic Painted Ladies and upscale shopping on Fillmore Street add to the neighborhood’s charm. Presidio Heights offers a quieter, family-friendly vibe with easy access to the Presidio National Park.
However, this lifestyle comes at a steep price. Home prices are often in the millions, and the ongoing costs of living in such desirable areas can be significant. For those who can afford it, these neighborhoods offer a unique blend of luxury, history, and natural beauty.
Why Are These Neighborhoods So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the high cost of living in these neighborhoods:
- Limited Land: San Francisco’s geography restricts available land, driving up property values in desirable areas.
- Proximity to Attractions: These neighborhoods are close to downtown, the Financial District, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.
- High Demand: Wealthy buyers, including tech executives and celebrities, compete for homes in these prestigious areas.
- Prestige: Living in neighborhoods like Pacific Heights or Presidio Heights carries a certain social status.
- Quality of Life: Excellent schools, safe streets, and access to parks and cultural amenities make these areas highly sought-after.
Interesting Facts
- Billionaire’s Row: Located in Pacific Heights, this stretch of Broadway is home to some of the city’s most expensive properties, with one mansion selling for over $35 million.
- Seacliff’s Exclusivity: Often called San Francisco’s “Little Beverly Hills,” Seacliff is so exclusive that it’s made up of just one census tract, making its high median income even more impressive.
- Historic Architecture: Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights are home to architectural gems like the Spreckels Mansion and the Tudor-inspired Roos House, built in 1909.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Seacliff likely has the highest median household income, exceeding $250,000, Presidio Heights boasts the highest property values, with homes averaging up to $4.9 million. Pacific Heights, with its Billionaire’s Row and iconic status, remains a symbol of wealth in San Francisco. Russian Hill and Noe Valley also rank among the city’s richest, offering their own unique appeal.
Whether you’re a potential buyer, a curious resident, or just interested in the city’s wealth dynamics, understanding these neighborhoods provides insight into what makes San Francisco one of the most expensive and desirable cities in the world. Each of these areas offers a blend of luxury, history, and exclusivity that sets them apart in the city’s diverse tapestry.