Spread out beneath the western end of the Bay Bridge is a scenic stretch of Bayfront properties known as South Beach. One of San Francisco’s newer residential neighborhoods, South Beach is comprised of glimmering towers of condos and lofts. Many of these buildings didn’t exist before 1989, when an earthquake damaged the overhead Embarcadero Freeway which was subsequently torn down. Today, South Beach is reaching its dramatic potential, offering incredible light and views with great restaurants and a spectacular waterfront promenade along the Embarcadero.

You’ll find brick-and-timber lofts in converted warehouses and brand-new luxury units with stunning views at One Embarcadero South and The Brannan Towers, or equally stylish units at the more seasoned Portside and Baycrest complexes. There are plenty of options for first-time buyers, with many buildings offering smaller spaces with well-run homeowner associations.