Nob Hill Neighborhood, San Francisco CA

About Nob Hill Neighborhood

Occasionally referred to as “Snob Hill,” this neighborhood’s affluent reputation dates back to the Gold Rush when railroad barons (known as “nobs”) and other benefactors of the rush built their mansions on the hill, which was newly accessible by cable car lines. Their place on the hill kept them out of the fray of the rowdy waterfront and less well-off Tenderloin neighborhood.

But the 1906 earthquake and ensuing fire destroyed almost all of these opulent homes. Today the rebuilt and majestic Grace Cathedral, the beautiful Huntington Park, and luxury hotels stand in their place, bringing in daily swarms of tourists. This area now has much more diverse housing that belies its nickname, with a mix of new and old architecture, practical and swanky apartment buildings of all sizes, high-end condos, and impressive Victorians.

Polk Street features both fancy and divey restaurants, shops, and cafes side by side, as well as an assortment of popular bars with signature cocktails.

History of Nob Hill Neighborhood

Prior to 1850s, Nob Hill was known as California Hill (after California Street, which climbs the hill's steep eastern face), but it was renamed after the Central Pacific Railroad's Big Four, known as the Nobs, who constructed homes on the hill.

Demographics of Nob Hill Neighborhood

Nob Hill has a population of 13,575 people, with a median age of 42.1. Males make up 50.23 percent of the population, while females make up 49.77 percent. Non-US-born citizens account for 23.79 percent of the Nob Hill resident pool, while US-born citizens account for 59.57 percent.

Transportation in Nob Hill Neighborhood

Muni is San Francisco's bus and metro system that operates buses, trains, cable cars, and the F-line historical streetcar around the city. Muni buses operate above ground and on streets, but Muni Metro operates on tracks and occasionally goes underground.

Politics in Nob Hill Neighborhood

Nob Hill is a trademark area in San Francisco, known for its major landmarks and the notable hotels that flank Huntington Park.

Lifestyle in Nob Hill Neighborhood

Active residents, organic and local markets, and spectacular vistas of downtown and the San Francisco Bay Others who live on Nob Hill have a considerably quieter lifestyle than those who prefer to live near popular Polk Street, where dinner and drinks are only a short walk away.

Schools in Nob Hill Neighborhood

Prairie-Hills Public School District 144's objective is to guarantee that all students, teachers, parents, and community members have an enriching, demanding, and holistic learning environment that promotes 21st Century lifelong learners.

Real estate in Nob Hill Neighborhood

Nob Hill has always been a hotspot for San Francisco's upper crust. Nob Hill is one of the highest-income areas in the country, as well as one of the most desirable and costly real estate markets.