The Mission has its nice parts (look south of 16th St., and avoid the area between Market and 16th - closer to 18th is nicer). But as Lynda said, stay away from Bayview and Ingleside but also Visitacion Valley (really, anything out by the old ballpark, just south of the city). Also, Civic Center and Tenderloin and the area around 6th and Mission -- essentially anything south of Geary.I ve heard of some good deals out around Glen Park, which is close to the Mission but you are more likely to get a free-standing house with a yard. It s close to BART and has a great neighborhood park, too.
As some other people have said, there are areas to avoid and those are the only affordable ones. If you aren t a millionaire and you really want a house, look in the suburbs. If you can afford several million for a house, try Pacific Heights and Sea Cliff. There are a few other areas in that price range
Bayview, Excelsior, parts of the Mission and the Ingleside Districts because high crime or gang activity. That s probably where the affordable housing would be located, however.
san francisco is NOT all its cracked up to be. i live here and its honestly hell. unless you like snowless winters, anal sex and dictating cops, dont move here
BayviewHunters PointGenevaTenderloinSouth of MarketBernal HeightsMission
Unless you have a ton of money, all those within 70 miles of the city limits.