Outer Richmond is a mellow beach town that can feel worlds away from the bustling neighborhoods to the east.
Outer Richmond has a low violent crime rate and a low property crime rate for San Francisco.
The Richmond district spans the western edge of the city and is sandwiched between the Presidio (national park land) to the north and Golden Gate Park to the south. Previously an empty tract full of sand that ran into the ocean, the Richmond has been growing steadily for the last 100 years. Many waves of immigrants have settled here and made it a diverse cultural environment where you can find cuisines from Russia, Mexico, France, Italy and many areas of Asia. The Richmond is divided between the more accessible and commercial Inner Richmond, and the beachier, more remote Outer Richmond, with 19th Avenue acting as the arbitrary cutoff point.
While many people visit the numerous grand attractions near its edges, including China Beach, Baker Beach, the Sutro Baths, Lands’ End, Sea Cliff, and the Legion of Honor, Outer Richmond is an area that many San Francisco residents and tourists don’t take the time to really explore (mostly because there is so much more going on in the eastern parts of the city). But those who have visited often express their wish to hang out there more.
Unassuming ethnic restaurants can be found all over and nightlife tends to be low-key neighborhood watering holes. The casual atmosphere and unpretentious digs can come as a relief for those coming from fast-paced, more image-conscious neighborhoods. The Safeway in this neighborhood provides easy access to basics that may be missing at the numerous corner shops.
Housing here includes large (though not high-rise) apartment buildings, single-family homes (some with incredible views of the ocean), bungalows, and a handful of Edwardian and Victorian homes. It it not a built up area and the homes and businesses tend to have a cozier feel and are often a little more affordable than other parts of the city.
It has a bit of a beach town and overall village vibe and is somewhat popular for surfers, but be warned that most won’t enjoy the cold Pacific water and wetsuits are nearly mandatory for surfers. Further, a major drawback of the Outer Richmond is the constant fog which often rolls in in the afternoon and the rapidly changing weather that can bring in nasty winds on a moment’s notice. If you’re sure you can handle the often unpleasant weather though, the Richmond makes up for it by being quiet, immensely family-friendly (and friendly in general), and incredibly beautiful.
Outer Richmond is bordered on the west and north by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by Inner Richmond, and on the south by Golden Gate Park.
Outer Richmond LOCAL schools
Outer Richmond Local Flavor 
A charming, historic independent theater showing a mix of Blockbuster and indie movies.
A long-time neighborhood favorite serving house-roasted coffee, pastries, beer, and featuring the occasional live band.
A popular bar serving blended tropical drinks with tiki kitsch decor and an array of comfy furniture and private booths.
Egyptian food in a colorful environment and featuring live nightly belly dancing.
Overlooking the Pacific, this charming greasy spoon has been in business for over 75 years.
Once a large, public swimming pool complex on the edge of the ocean, all that remains today are the ruins reminiscent of some ancient, lost city.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @robbybroad, @sanfranbrando, @philjcha, @sethinsf, @laurajmasterson, @aaron_reyk, @sky_watcher__, @b4rtok, @ferris415, @courtney_taylor13, @katieclark, @boutiquefawn for your great photos of this neighborhood!
