Nob Hill & Russian Hill, CA Real Estate

Nob Hill is one of San Francisco's signature neighborhoods, renowned for its city landmarks, jewel-box homes and famous luxury hotels. In addition to its swanky character, the area is influenced by the diverse personalities of this downtown neighborhood. Dotting the hill are vintage barber shops, old corner coffee shops and cocktail lounges from bygone decades. Nob Hill is also home to some of the city's most expensive and renowned restaurants. Russian Hill, a residential neighborhood with pockets of restaurants and shops, feels a bit more visitor-friendly than its more formal neighbor, Nob Hill, and the views are just as dazzling. Charming restaurants and small businesses cluster on leafy Hyde Street between Jackson and Union Streets, and Polk Street is crowded with unusual boutiques, antique shops, trendy restaurants and night spots. A mini French quarter has sprung up around Polk and Green, including a great bistro, a traditional cafe-boulangerie, a French antiques store, and several French-influenced gift and home decor shops. Russian Hill is also home to Lombard Street, known as "the world's crookedest street," which winds past ornate houses and lush, flowering bushes.