Everyone knows the Castro District of San Francisco is one of the top LGBT neighborhoods in the world, but few people know that it’s not the only gay neighborhood in the city. If you’re looking to move to the city and simply can’t afford a house in the Castro (and they are pricy!), you can ask a gay or lesbian real estate agent about one of these two hot areas that are becoming just as popular.
The Inner Sunset
This area is directly next to the Castro, but it’s much more laid back and relaxing. There aren’t anywhere near as many clubs or bars here, so you won’t find a huge nightlife scene. That’s great for those who don’t go out much or who are raising a family. While you’d think older people would mostly live in the Inner Sunset area, it actually began attracting younger couples who are ready to start having children or are serious about beginning their careers.
While it may not have much in the way of clubs, Inner Sunset does have a lot of cute boutique shops and cafes, including shops that feature handmade goods and many great places for foodies to eat. Over in the Outer Sunset area, you’ll find the San Francisco Zoo, a great beach, and more.
Richmond
Then there’s the Richmond District, which sits on the other side of the Golden Gate Park from the Castro. This area features museums, including the California Academy of Sciences. While you’d think that would make it a fairly reserved area, the Academy actually hosts a mixer once a week that brings in a good number of people looking to party. While it’s not a club, they do serve drinks and have live entertainment. The Academy is also the host of a major pride parade every year.
But it’s not all parties in the Richmond area. There are a number of bookstores and art galleries here, plus you can head over to the Outer Richmond area for food, surfing, and an amazing view of the ocean. There are a couple of very nice restaurants here, plus some more casual dining experiences for those who aren’t looking to spend a lot of money on food.
While both Inner Sunset and Richmond are still going to be expensive from the point of view of those moving from other areas, housing in these two neighborhoods is much more affordable than the Castro. If you’re new to the city, check them out.