At Stanford, on-campus housing is provided for most of its students. This works out well, considering the neighboring areas are affluent. Unfortunately, pricing is more often the determining factor than the neighborhood itself. Since the number of people moving to San Francisco is greater than the number leaving, a housing shortage has been created. Nob Hill is a perfect place to begin your search.
Many apartments here offers great views of the city.
The further down the hill you go, the less expensive rent will be. Russian Hill, Laurel Heights and Pacific Heights are also good areas to check out. Apartments will be slightly more affordable, and just a few blocks further from the city's main attractions. North Beach is the Little Italy of San Francisco, with streets lined with delis, Italian restaurants and coffeehouses. When the sun sets, these restaurants come alive with music and crowds.