Nob Hill / Lower Nob Hill
Classic San Francisco elegance meets modern city living.
Perched above downtown, Nob Hill is one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods—synonymous with historic hotels, cable cars, and sweeping city views. Just below it, Lower Nob Hill offers a more accessible, vibrant atmosphere with charming mid-rise buildings, trendy eateries, and a central location that’s ideal for professionals and urban explorers.
Neighborhood Highlights
🚋 Cable Cars & Classic Views – Ride past Grace Cathedral or Huntington Park with panoramic sights in every direction.
🛎️ Landmark Hotels – Fairmont, Mark Hopkins, and InterContinental make up the historic hotel district.
☕ Local Favorites – Swan Oyster Depot, Nob Hill Cafe, Le Beau Market, and neighborhood gems throughout Lower Nob Hill.
🚶 Super Walkable – Steps from Union Square, Chinatown, Polk Street, and the Financial District.
🏙️ Mixed Residential – From old-world mansions and co-ops to modern condos and rental flats.
A Brief History
Nob Hill earned its name from the “nabobs” of the late 1800s—railroad barons who built opulent mansions atop the hill. Though many were lost in the 1906 earthquake, the area was rebuilt with elegance. Today, Nob Hill retains its prestigious feel, while Lower Nob Hill has grown into a dynamic and diverse community known for its energy, accessibility, and architecture.
Real Estate & Architecture
🏛️ Pre-war apartment buildings and co-ops
🏢 Modern and renovated condos with boutique charm
🌁 Penthouse views of downtown, bridges, and the bay
📈 Strong demand for well-located units near transit and downtown hubs
👉 Explore Nob Hill Listings →
Who Lives Here
The area attracts a broad mix of San Franciscans:
Professionals working downtown or in tech
Empty nesters and retirees seeking charm and walkability
Young buyers and renters looking for city access
Co-op owners and long-term residents who value architectural history
Expect high walk scores, strong transit access, and a balance between prestige and practicality.
Schools & Services
While not a family-oriented area, residents benefit from:
Nearby schools like Spring Valley Elementary and Redding Elementary
Private academies and Montessori programs nearby
Close proximity to hospitals (St. Francis Memorial, CPMC Van Ness) and professional services
Q2 2025 Market Overview
📉 Nob Hill’s condo market remains relatively stable with high interest in well-maintained vintage buildings. Most sales are close to list price—great for buyers looking for negotiation room in a high-demand location.
Nob Hill / Lower Nob Hill Real Estate Snapshot
Single-Family Homes
| Median Sale Price | — |
|---|---|
| Median $/Sq Ft | — |
| Avg. % of List Received | — |
| Homes Sold (Q2) | — |
Few or no SFR sales were recorded for Nob Hill / Lower Nob Hill in Q2 2025; no reliable median reported.
Condos / TICs / Co-ops
| Median Sale Price | $1,262,500 |
|---|---|
| Median $/Sq Ft | $978 |
| Avg. % of List Received | 99.0% |
| Homes Sold (Q2) | 34 |
Figures reflect the Vanguard “Nob Hill” condo grouping (small sample size note applies for n<50).
Need hyper-local comps for a specific building or block? Request a customized report.
Thinking About Buying in Nob Hill?
Mark D McHale understands the nuances of co-op boards, architectural charm, and what makes a great Nob Hill property stand out. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, Mark’s local knowledge and strategic approach can help you find the right fit.
For Sale – $375,000
Studio Condominium
Frequently Asked Questions about Nob Hill / Lower Nob Hill
What’s the current median price for Nob Hill condos?
As of Q2 2025, the median sale price for Nob Hill condos is $1,262,500, with a median $978/sq ft, average 99.0% of list price received, and 34 sales. Source: Vanguard Properties – San Francisco Market Update (Aug 2025).
Is the neighborhood mostly condos or single-family homes?
Nob Hill and Lower Nob Hill are predominantly condo/co-op markets. In Q2 2025, sample sizes for single-family homes were too small to report reliable medians, while condos had sufficient activity for benchmarking.
How competitive are offers right now?
Condos in Nob Hill averaged 99.0% of list price in Q2 2025. Citywide in July 2025, condo sellers received about 100% of asking on average—indicating near-asking deals with selective overbids on standout properties. Source.
What should I know about HOA dues in Nob Hill?
HOA dues vary widely by building, amenities, and staffing (e.g., doorman/elevator). Examples: Crescent Nob Hill shows dues around ~$2,000/mo, while some classic full-service buildings report higher fees. Always review current budgets, reserves, and any planned assessments during due diligence.
Are short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) allowed?
San Francisco requires STR hosts to register and limits unhosted rentals to 90 nights/year; you must use your primary residence (generally 275+ nights/year). HOAs or co-ops may further restrict or prohibit STRs. See the City’s guidance here and here.
Do most buildings include parking?
Many historic Nob Hill and Lower Nob Hill buildings were built without garages. Some condos include leased or deeded parking, but availability varies by address—your best bet is to evaluate each building and nearby garages.
What property types and finishes are common?
Pre-war co-ops and Edwardian/Mid-century condos are common, often with period details, elevators, and attended lobbies. Renovated units with updated systems and seismic retrofits tend to command premiums.
When is the best time to list or buy?
Activity often builds after Labor Day into the fall selling season. With condos trending near list and improving buyer activity, late summer/early fall can be strategic for both buyers and sellers.
