Neighborhoods Over Time
While different races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic classes may segregate into various neighborhoods in the city, San Francisco’s land-locked nature puts them right up against one another. In many cases, very different groups live segregated—but in close proximity—within a single neighborhood. These nearby divisions have arguably given San Francisco both its unique character, and its history of social conflict. Moreover, they have shaped the urban fabric of the city—making it a spatial agglomeration of very economically and culturally differentiated neighborhoods.
San Francisco's neighborhoods are not static—they change as often as does industry, business, jobs, income levels, and the housing market. While the names of the different areas have often remained the same, rarely has a neighborhood kept the same demographic and character throughout its history.
San Francisco's neighborhoods are not static—they change as often as does industry, business, jobs, income levels, and the housing market. While the names of the different areas have often remained the same, rarely has a neighborhood kept the same demographic and character throughout its history.
Click through the pictures below to see how neighborhoods have evolved in San Francisco; scroll over images for more information.