I've worked and lived by San Francisco for 25 years. Downtown (market, tenderloin, mission) have always had blocks that are fine right next to blocks decidedly

I've worked and lived by San Francisco for 25 years. Downtown (market, tenderloin, mission) have always had blocks that are fine right next to blocks decidedly not fine. But if anything, the streets are less gritty than 20 years ago. There is rampant car theft. Don't leave your stuff visible in your car, and don't conspicuously open your trunk with sparkling goodies inside. But that's advice that was reasonable 30n years ago. It's as safe to bring your family to SF as it is to NY. And, like NY, there are wonderful things to see and do here. You just need to be smart about it.