No one can deny that San Francisco is beautiful. Rolling hills lined with beautiful Victorian townhouses, lush, green parks surrounded by modern office buildings and a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay—it is amazing that all these can be found in one city. To top it off, the area’s climate is exceptional, offering residents mild winters and moderate summer temperatures.

Nearly 800,000 people currently live in San Francisco. This diverse city’s neighborhoods are eclectic. Alamo Square presents rows of gorgeous, colorful homes, which have been featured in numerous movies and television shows. Union Square houses the city’s financial district. Real estate offerings in this area are comprised of hotels, retail spaces and executive offices. Nearby Nob Hill is populated by luxury hotels and some of the city’s most affluent residents. Affordable rental apartments may be found in this neighborhood. However, parking may be an issue since most apartments do not provide reserved spaces. The Tenderloin and Chinatown areas are also within close proximity. Crime is a much higher in these areas, but some of the city’s favorite sights and tourist attractions are just a hike away.

Some sections of San Francisco have been revamped, allowing for real estate expansion and redevelopment. South of Market and Mission Bay are two neighborhoods that have experienced some recent redevelopments. These areas now offer attractive office spaces and condominiums. Haight-Ashbury is also a gentrified area. This bohemian community presents residents with relatively affordable housing and a convenient access to an array of ethnic restaurants and innovative boutiques.

Affordable housing in San Francisco, of course, has a different definition than in most areas of the country. Home values here remain strong. In fact, as of April 2006, the median cost of homes in this city exceeded $800,000, and the average monthly rent for an apartment was approximately $1600. Because San Francisco is a large city with such a varied collection of neighborhoods, numerous real estate services are available for interested sellers, buyers and renters, whether commercial or residential. These services provide current property listings, as well as valuable information on office leasing, house rentals and rental apartments.