SUMMARY: From bohemian District5 to outdoorsy District 1, San Francisco luxury homes come in all shapes, sizes and districts. Here’s a quick guide to San Francisco’s 10 districts, so you’ll know where to begin your housing search.

o you’ve decided to buy one of the San Francisco luxury homes up for grabs. You’ve made a wise decision, as San Francisco, California is one of the most exciting cities in the world, offering cosmopolitan sophistication, liberal social leanings and rows of epic mansions overlooking the sea. Despite the market fluctuations, investments made here generally sell quickly, often over asking price. Since San Francisco is such an eclectic city with neighborhoods separated by ethnic lineage or lifestyle, you’ll need to consider the layout and neighborhood distinctions before finding your own little plot of land in this 7 x 7 mile stretch of coveted real estate.

San Francisco luxury homes in districts 1, 2 and 3 are situated on the westernmost edge of the city and are some of the most recent areas to see development. Close to the Pacific Ocean, these districts are at the mercy of the fog, the wind and the rain some times of the year, but are far sunnier than most places in the U.S. District 1 (The Richmond District, North) is a culturally diverse region characterized by Lincoln Park, the Golden Gate Park, the Presidio and the Pacific Ocean. Here you’ll find seaside mansions or Edwardian style single family homes in Laurel Heights. District 2 (The Sunset District, Central-West) is home to the UCSF Medical School and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, so the area is packed with college students, top notch restaurants and mid-century properties designed by Henry Doelger and Oliver Rousseau. District 3 (Southwest) houses San Francisco State University, the Stonestown Galleria and residential nooks in Merced Manor, Pine Lake Park and Lakeshore.

In Districts 4 – 6, you’ll find some of the most vibrant parts of the city, which many people think of when they imagine San Francisco. District 4 (Twin Peaks West) is a quiet neighborhood with one-of-a-kind shops and bistros, winding boulevards and diverse architecture (from French Country to Tudor and Georgian). District 5 is home to the famous Haight-Ashbury, which was a Mecca for hippies back in the sixties and seventies. District 6 offers the largest concentration of Victorian architecture in the city. Here you’ll see Alamo Square and the most famous of the San Francisco luxury homes – the “Painted Ladies” – as well as a number of well-kept historic homes. Hayes Valley is a trendy part of town offering a number of lofts, condos and unique spaces with terrific views.

San Francisco luxury homes in Districts 7 and 8 encompass the tourist sections of Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and Pier 34. Residents can choose from luxury condos and elegant mansions in District 7, which is known for its young affluent singles scene, or quiet single family residences in District 8’s Nob Hill, Russian Hill or North Beach.

Finally, districts 9 and 10 offer fewer San Francisco luxury homes, as this part of town tends to be more industrial – featuring AT&T Park and Monster Park, a UCSF research facility, warehouses and factories. However, there are still affluent neighborhoods in Mission Bay and SoMa of District 9. District 10 is more known for apartments, shared townhouses and affordable housing.