San Francisco Neighborhood
Is Portola a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in San Francisco, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe4221
Medium3318
Low3480
Other16591
366 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape94
Child involved244
Assault58
Other38
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responding to a possible fainting incident near Folsom and Mabini Street. | Folsom St & Mabini St, San Francisco, CA 94103 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units were dispatched to a reported commercial building alarm near Mission Street between Julia Street and Eighth Street in San Francisco. | Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a report of possible smoke on the BART platform at Powell Street in San Francisco, with fire units and medics responding with lights and sirens. | Powell St, 899 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews are dispatched for a possible trauma medical emergency near Powell Street and Market Street, with a fire truck and an ambulance responding code 3. | Market St & Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical crews, including a fire truck and an ambulance, were dispatched to the area of Powell Street and Market Street in San Francisco for a reported code 3 trauma. | Market St & Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units are responding to a reported building alarm box activation near Mission Street across from Julian Avenue in San Francisco. | Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers report a possible at risk missing juvenile in San Francisco. The youth is described as a 17-year-old male last seen wearing a black New York hoodie and black Adidas pants, with no associated vehicle and a phone that is turned off. | San Francisco, CA | Missing Person |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic 530 was assigned a code 2 response to Bernal Heights for a medical issue. Patient complaint details are not provided. | Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call was reported near the intersection of Thomas and Thornton Avenue for abdominal pain. Emergency medical services unit AMR 118 responded with priority three. | Thornton Ave, San Francisco, CA | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involving abdominal pain was reported near Thornton Avenue in San Francisco. Emergency units responded to the location between Thomas Avenue and Thornton Avenue with a code 2 response. | Thornton Ave, San Francisco, CA | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$1,172,102
Average Rent
$2,956
Vacancy Rate
0.8%
Portola Overview
Portola is a densely urban San Francisco neighborhood with a median home price of $1,172,102, more expensive than nearly 70% of California neighborhoods.
Housing consists mainly of small to medium single-family homes and townhomes, many built between 1940 and 1969, with a very low vacancy rate of 0.8%.
Mid-Price TierCollege-FriendlyHigh Asian AncestryStrong Bus Ridership
Quick Facts
| Vacancy Rate | 0.8% |
|---|---|
| Bus Commute | 22.7% of residents |
Housing market and real estate character
Portola features a high proportion of row houses and attached homes, with a mix of owners and renters.
| Row Houses & Attached Homes | 39.8% of real estate |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Many built between 1940 and 1969 |
| Owner vs Renter Mix | Mixed ownership and rental |
What buyers will notice right away
Very low vacancy rate indicates strong demand and limited availability.
High share of row houses and attached homes adds neighborhood charm.
Families & Lifestyle
Portola is recognized as a college-friendly neighborhood with a diverse and walkable environment.
Strong presence of college students and walkability support an academic lifestyle.
Diverse cultural community with a high Asian ancestry share.
College-Friendly — Top 5.4% in California for college student friendliness and safety.
Transit-Oriented — High bus ridership supports car-free commuting.
| Asian Ancestry | 67.0% |
|---|---|
| Chinese Language Speakers | 45.4% |
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
Demographics & Culture
| Executive, Manager, Professional Employment | 33.6% |
|---|---|
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| Income Level | Wealthy |
| Asian Ancestry | 67.0% |
| Chinese Language Speakers | 45.4% |
| Foreign Born | 54.1% |
Commute & Transportation
Portola residents mostly drive alone or take the bus, with many commuting 15 to 30 minutes.
Portola's college-friendly environment, strong Asian community, and transit use make it notable.
College-Friendly — Among top neighborhoods in California for college students.
High Asian Ancestry — Majority Asian population shapes culture and language.
Transit Access — Bus ridership among the highest nationally.
| Drive Alone | 42.3% |
|---|---|
| Bus Commute | 22.7% |
| Carpool | 15.0% |
| Main Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes |
Homes for sale near 94134
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Portola?
The median home price is $1,172,102, more expensive than 69.7% of California neighborhoods.
Is Portola a good neighborhood for college students?
Yes, it ranks among the top 5.4% of college-friendly neighborhoods in California.