Skip to Content
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Log In
San Francisco

Which SF Neighborhoods Have the Strongest Walkable Magnetism?

Walkability, transit access, good local schools -- San Franciscans clamor to live in neighborhoods with features like these.

Potrero Hill artist Wendy MacNaughton's "mental map" of the city lists the strongest qualities of seven areas that stand out for her, among them SoMa's "best transit access in town" and the "convenient, walkable, easy everything" nature of Lower Pacific Heights and the Fillmore area.

It's no wonder, considering such characteristics correlate strongly with happiness. Unfortunately, walkable neighborhoods are a scarce resource in this country, which means living in one can come at a high price.

I spotted a copy of the poster hanging in the cafe at City Hall, where an employee pointed out that it was featured on the July 2010 cover of 7x7 Magazine, which commissioned MacNaughton to create the map.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog San Francisco

Caltrain Pauses Large-Bike Ban

After blow-back from advocates and some bad press coverage, the Peninsula's railroad is giving its policy another look

March 17, 2026

Eyes on the Street Update: Alameda’s Central Avenue Project Nears Completion

The city of Alameda is close to finishing yet another major bike project. But this one has some issues

March 16, 2026
See all posts