My son is sharing an apartment in Hayes Valley right now. It’s a terrific neighborhood – lots of coffee houses and restaurants and a great location. Walkability to many parts of the city. I think sharing with others is what makes it affordable.

Anywhere other than the Tenderloin (or “Lower Nob Hill”).

There have been a couple discussions of SF neighborhoods here in the past:
http://www.fluther.com/disc/46416/san-francisco-advice/
http://www.fluther.com/disc/43292/can-i-afford-to-live-in-san-francisco/
http://www.fluther.com/disc/58408/where-is-the-best-place-to-live-in-san-francisco-for/

I think there are more if you search around a bit too.

@nikipedia What? I thought you were a big fan of Tender Nob?

@shilolo: I like eating Indian food and going to speakeasies there.

I just moved to SF, about 2 weeks ago. Look at my past questions because I have pretty much asked everything. I currently live in Lower Nob Hill – I love my neighborhood. But I am a grad student, so it is good for me because I am near a lot of people my age. There are so many different neighborhoods that are so different… I found inexpensive (for the area, still expensive) rent here, and I know that there are studio apartments in Russian Hill going for about 1250 a month. Anything cheaper than that, unless it is an efficiency, should make you weary of the location. Lots of places in the Tenderloin & SOMA are less expensive, but there are a TON of homeless people in the area, and lots of crazies. I don’t feel safe there… Feel free to send me any questions you may have, I am no expert but I just moved from across the country & can offer some advice :)

It’s all about the neighborhoods ,where you live. where your friends are and where you work. I live in the Outer Richmond, work on the edge of the Marina. 90% of my life is spent in the 2 X 6 mile northern third of the city. If you are going to have a car you better forget the center of town. As much as the Mission has a “with-it” vibe you don’t stroll through it alone after dark.

The reasons I love the Richmond are that it is safe, clean, walkable and lots of places to go. I have to admit there aren’t many hard core clubs full of 22 yos whose sole purpose is to get stupid-drunk. Those places are a $15 cab ride away. Some people are put off by the fog but that is the just in the summer and 5 miles away the sun will be shining at Baker Beach or on Market Street. And a cool summer afternoon is perfect for hiking in the Presidio or cycling in GG Park.

There are all kinds of restaurants, friendly bars and non-chain coffee houses where you can sit with your friends or your dog and a good book. There are a few movie houses but no megaplexes. You’ll pay the same $1250 for a studio as you will downtown but without the working girls and homeless people hanging out downstairs.