If your heart has left San Francisco and you’re looking for somewhere new to call home without leaving the Bay, there are a multitude of options nearby. We’ve scoured the East, North, and South Bay to compile a list of the 10 best cities near San Francisco that offer suburban charm, urban amenities, colorful character, natural surroundings, or all of the above.
The 10 best cities near San Francisco to live in 2024
1. Oakland
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 7.8 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 29 minutes
- Median rent: $2,295, according to July rent research
- Best for: Foodies, art enthusiasts, and those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle
- Attractions: Lake Merritt, Jack London Square, Oakland Museum of California
Why Oakland is a great place to live
Oakland celebrates diversity, creativity, and community. With its thriving food scene, vibrant arts and culture, and proximity to San Francisco, Oakland offers the perfect balance of urban living and easy access to nature. The city’s unique neighborhoods, such as Temescal and Rockridge, offer a variety of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
2. Pacifica
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 14.2 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 25 minutes
- Median rent: $3,250, according to July rent research
- Best for: Beach lovers, surfers, and those seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle
- Attractions: Pacifica State Beach, Mori Point, Rockaway Beach
Why Pacifica is a great place to live
Pacifica is a hidden gem along the California coast, offering stunning ocean views and miles of hiking trails, all while being within a short drive to San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Pacifica is an ideal location for those who want to escape the city hustle while still being close to work and entertainment. The city’s relaxed atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings make it a perfect place to unwind and recharge.
3. Alameda
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 14.3 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 32 minutes
- Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,595, according to July rent research
- Best for: Families, history buffs, and those seeking a small-town feel with easy access to the city
- Attractions: Alameda Beach, USS Hornet Museum, Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Why Alameda is a great place to live
Alameda is a charming island city with a unique blend of historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and modern amenities. With its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and friendly community, Alameda is ideal for families and professionals. The city’s waterfront location provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as biking, kayaking, and picnicking. Alameda is also one of the best cities for foodies in the Bay Area.
4. Walnut Creek
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 22.8 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 42 minutes
- Median household income: $172,606
- Median rent: $3,200, according to July rent research
- Best for: Shopping enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and renters who prefer a suburban lifestyle
- Attractions: Broadway Plaza, Mount Diablo State Park, Lesher Center for the Arts
Why Walnut Creek is a great place to live
Walnut Creek is a vibrant suburban city with the best of both worlds: a bustling downtown area with high-end shopping and dining and easy access to outdoor recreation. As with much of the Bay Area, Walnut Creek has easy access to the outdoors. The city has parks, trails, and open spaces, and it’s only a short drive to some of the area’s popular recreational areas where residents can hike, bike, or take in the scenery. With its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community, Walnut Creek is an attractive option for families and professionals. The city consistently ranks among the most expensive rental markets in the country.
5. San Leandro
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 15.8 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 39 minutes
- Population: 86,762
- Median household income: $94,693
- Median rent: $2,395, according to July rent research
- Best for: Commuters, families, and those seeking affordable living options in the Bay Area
- Attractions: San Leandro Marina Park, Casa Peralta, San Leandro History Museum
Why San Leandro is a great place to live
San Leandro is a diverse city within a short distance of Oakland and San Francisco. It’s conveniently located along the BART line and is connected oto multiple major highways, making it a great spot for commuters who want an urban lifestyle without living in the heart of its neighboring cities. The city’s revitalized downtown area features a variety of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. San Leandro has seen steady rent growth in recent years but remains more affordable than many other Bay Area cities.
6. Berkeley
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 13.6 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 35 minutes
- Median rent: $2,550, according to July rent research
- Best for: Students, intellectuals, and those seeking a vibrant and eclectic community
- Attractions: University of California Berkeley, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Tilden Regional Park
Why Berkeley is a great place to live
Berkeley is a city that celebrates diversity, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. Home to the world-renowned University of California Berkeley, the city attracts students, scholars, and innovators from around the globe. Berkeley is home to residents with a unique mix of interests, seen in its shops and cultural attractions. The city is committed to sustainability, social justice, and community engagement, so those who value progressive values will likely enjoy its atmosphere most. Berkeley is also one of the best cities for foodies in the country.
7. San Mateo
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 19.5 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 35 minutes
- Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $3,438, according to July rent research
- Best for: Families, professionals
- Attractions: CuriOdyssey, Central Park, San Mateo Japanese Garden
Why San Mateo is a great place to live
San Mateo is a surburb in the South Bay with convenient access to the Caltrain line highways, making it a great home base for commuters to either San Francisco or some of major tech company campuses further south. San Mateo has shopping options both in its own downtown, and in nearby Burlingame. Along with other cities in the area, San Mateo is close to the open preserves and parks in the hills that run down the peninsula. It consistently ranks among the most expensive rental markets in the country.
8. Fremont
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 37.9 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 55 minutes
- Median rent: $3,138, according to July rent research
- Best for: Families, tech professionals, and those seeking a diverse and welcoming community
- Attractions: Mission San Jose, Fremont Central Park, Niles Canyon Railway
Why Fremont is a great place to live
Fremont is about an hour to an hour and a half away from San Francisco, and residents here experience a thriving city with diversity, great schools, a ton of conveniences not as easily encountered in SF. The city’s well-maintained parks, trails, and open spaces provide ample opportunities staying active outdoors, and you’ll generally find whatever you need in its shopping centers. Fremont has seen significant rent decreases in recent years, making it a more affordable option for renters.
9. Mill Valley
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 14.2 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 35 minutes
- Median rent: $6,122, according to July rent research
- Best for: Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful and picturesque community
- Attractions: Muir Woods National Monument, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley Film Festival
Why Mill Valley is a great place to live
Mill Valley is a charming city in Marin County that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and small-town charm. It’s a short drive from popular towns nearby—like Sausalito—and residents can drive or take a nearby ferry across the bay to San Francisco. It’s a great spot for families and people who enjoy living near local shops, restaurants, and galleries, and those who prioritize nature—the nearby area has endless trails for hiking, biking, and exploring. Mill Valley is known for its high-end real estate and exclusive neighborhoods.
10. Tiburon
- Driving distance from San Francisco: 16.9 miles
- Commute time to San Francisco via car: 39 minutes
- Population: 8,938
- Median household income: $200,886
- Median rent: $5,000, according to July rent research
- Best for: Boating enthusiasts, luxury seekers, and those seeking a serene and sophisticated lifestyle
- Attractions: Angel Island State Park, Tiburon Uplands Nature Preserve, Tiburon Ferry Terminal
Why Tiburon is a great place to live
Tiburon is an exclusive and sophisticated town that offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, luxurious homes, and a serene atmosphere. It has convenient ferry service to San Francisco, and offers beautiful views whereever you turn. The town’s upscale shops, restaurants, and yacht clubs cater to a discerning clientele, while its surrounding parks cater to hikers and bikers. Tiburon is consistently ranked among the most expensive places to live in the Bay Area.
Each of these nearby cities offers a distinctive lifestyle, but a common thread is a suburban feel with easy access to nature and the vibrant energy of San Francisco.
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