Living in Rincon Hill

Welcome to Rincon Hill, a vibrant neighborhood that blends history, modernity, culture, and convenience in the heart of San Francisco. Residents enjoy a covetable mix of modern new buildings, a vibrant food scene, fabulous public art and green spaces, and a proactive local community, making it one of the best places to live downtown.

Where is Rincon Hill Located?

Nestled between the Embarcadero and Folsom, this downtown neighborhood is bounded by the following approximate streets and landmarks:

• To the west: The western boundary is often considered to be the intersection of 2nd Street and Bryant Street, although the exact western border can vary depending on the specific definition used.
• To the north: Rincon Hill is bounded by Folsom Street, which separates it from the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood.
• To the east: The neighborhood extends to the Embarcadero, providing residents with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island.
• To the south: The southern boundary of Rincon Hill is typically marked by the approach to the Bay Bridge.

A Hilly History

Named after the the Spanish word for "corner" or "angle" due to its distinctive angle along the waterfront, Rincon Hill played a key role in San Francisco's early history. In the late 1800s, it became one of the city's most fashionable residential districts. Notable residents included William Tecumseh Sherman, a renowned American Civil War General, and William C. Ralston, a business magnate, and financier.

However, the construction of the Second Street Cut in 1869, designed to improve access to the developing South of Market area, led to a decline in the area's desirability as a residential neighborhood. The devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fires also destroyed many of its mansions and buildings, leading to its further decline as a residential area. The construction of the Bay Bridge's western terminus in the 1930s further changed the landscape of Rincon Hill.

It wasn't until the turn of the 21st century, with the neighborhood re-zoned for high-density residential development, that Rincon Hill began its transformation into the upscale destination it is today.

Rincon's Exciting Re-Emergence
Rincon Hill has been completely transformed since it was re-zoned, replacing older industrial buildings with sleek new high-rise towers and commercial spaces. The Rincon Hill Plan,, adopted by the City and County of San Francisco in 2005, outlined a vision for revitalizing the neighborhood. It has encouraged mixed-use development, new parks and public spaces, and improved transit options to create a more livable and sustainable urban environment.

Rincon Hill is also now part of the larger new East Cut designation, with a passionate new Community Benefit District orgnization behind its successful efforts to rebrand and transform the neighborhood into a vibrant, mixed-use district.

Now one of the best places to live in downtown San Francisco, Rincon Hill offers residents a fantastic mix of high-rise luxury buildings, safe and clean streets, abundant green spaces and parks, an involved local community, dynamic public art installations, superb restaurants and eateries, commuting convenience, and active ambiance along one of the most beautiful urban waterfronts in the country.

Why We Love Living in Rincon Hill

• The Culinary Scene
  Rincon Hill boasts some of San Francisco’s top restaurants. Enjoy the Californian-French fusion at Michelin-starred Boulevard or incredible local seafood at Angler on the Embarcadero waterfront. Rincon Hill's central location ensures you're just a short walk from the Ferry Building Marketplace--- a food lover's dream come true. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the market hosts a farmer’s market featuring produce from local farms such as Frog Hollow Farm, known for their legendary peaches, and Cowgirl Creamery, a beloved local cheese producer.

• Lovely Green Spaces & Local Attractions
  The neighborhood is home to Rincon Park, where the iconic Cupid's Span sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen resides. The Embarcadero promenade offers picturesque views of the bay, passing by piers and historic landmarks. You can also catch the Bay Area's iconic streetcars, known as F-Market & Wharves, along this route. The East Cut neighborhood is home to over 40 POPOS (Privately Owned Public Spaces), each uniquely designed with the community's enjoyment in mind. Be sure to also check out the Crossing at East Cut, a popular new destination that offers ongoing entertainment and events, a beer garden, food kiosks, fitness and recreation, and more.

• Safety and Community
  Rincon Hill has an active community with residents who take pride in their neighborhood, with a proactive and passionate local CBD that helps improve quality of life for all residents. With San Francisco Police Department’s Southern Station also nearby, Rincon Hill is considered a relatively safe and secure place to live.

• Accessibility & Public Transportation
  Rincon Hill scores high on accessibility. It's well-served by public transit, with multiple MUNI lines and BART stations nearby. Plus, the neighborhood's Walk Score is 92, making it a "walker's paradise." Its central location reduces commute times for many residents, and it's also within walking distance of several major downtown employment centers.

• Luxe Modern High-Rises
  Recognized for its modern high-rise residences near the bustling Salesforce Transit Center---a testament to the evolution of San Francisco--- living in Rincon Hill puts you right at the heart of this transformation, where the charm of the past coexists with the vibrancy of the future. From your balcony at the Towers at Rincon, enjoy sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, the Embarcadero, and beyond.