The San Francisco area is a diverse region with big cities and smaller communities, all with distinct looks and cultures. While the waterfront scenery is part of what draws in residents, the San Francisco area has much more to offer. From one of the most important job markets in the country to high-end dining, shopping, and education, this area has a little bit of everything.
It isn’t just San Francisco that has a significant appeal to residents. Numerous towns, neighborhoods, and cities in the area offer an incredible lifestyle to those that who live there. Let’s explore some of the best neighborhoods and suburbs surrounding San Francisco.
Oakland
Oakland is one of the Bay Area’s biggest cities, located just east across the water from San Francisco. With a population of more than 422,000, it is a major urban city with much for residents to do. The food scene in Oakland is one of the best in the state, there are numerous art galleries and museums that make Oakland a cultural hotspot, and the uptown area is excellent for shopping.
Mill Valley
Mill Valley is a quiet suburb about 25 minutes north of San Francisco. This community is home to around 15,000 residents and has a peaceful feel that is part of what makes it so attractive. The safety and privacy of Mill Valley have made it a haven for many wealthy residents. But, the most substantial aspect of its appeal may be the nearby Muir Woods National Monument, one of the area’s famed redwood forests.
San Jose
San Jose is one of the biggest cities in the state, home to more than a million people. It is roughly an hour’s drive from San Francisco and is one of the most important economic centers in the world. San Jose is in the heart of Silicon Valley, where many of the most impactful tech companies on the planet are headquartered. This puts San Jose at the forefront of science and industry, and the city has top-notch food and shopping options to cater to its powerful residents.
Menlo Park
Menlo Park is another city well-known for its important role in the tech industry as the location of Facebook’s headquarters. It is a mid-sized city of more than 35,000 that is around a 40-minute drive to San Francisco. While real estate options in this city are expensive, it is a scenic and safe community with tons of exciting employment opportunities. With a small but charming downtown, it’s a city with a lot to offer.
San Rafael
San Rafael is a city in the North Bay area home to nearly 60,000. Located a 30-minute drive north of San Francisco, San Rafael is a scenic city with gorgeous architecture and top-notch parks. The downtown includes the intact 19th-century mission San Rafael arcangel. San Rafael also has a vibrant artistic community, delicious local restaurants and a distinct historic feel.
Sausalito
Sausalito is a small city just across the water from San Francisco, a short 20-minute drive. With a population of just over 7,000, Sausalito is an excellent place to live for those that want to be away from the crowds of the big city. Sausalito is famed for its views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline and has some of the region’s best museums and natural areas.
Hayward
Hayward is a big city of nearly 150,000 in the East Bay area. It is located a half-hour drive from San Francisco, and while a big city, it still has many scenic natural areas to explore. The nearby Coyote Hills Regional Park and Anthony Chabot Regional Park are two of the most picturesque natural areas in the Bay. Hayward also has excellent shopping with busy commercial districts.
Alameda
Alameda is a picturesque city along the water just south of Oakland. It is a busy community home to 80,000, just a 20-minute drive from San Francisco without traffic. Alameda is a historic city with a large park system, great museums, and a thriving culinary scene. It has a top-notch school district and a vibrant local culture.
