Where to live in SF

Hi!! I’ll be moving to SF this summer, and will likely be working at UCSF’s Mission Bay campus. I plan on visiting a month or so from when I move to check places out in-person, but just from my research, I’ll likely be looking to rent somewhere in Potrero hill, but am open to suggestions for other neighborhoods/specific areas within neighborhoods (since I know it can vary block to block).

Some of the things I’m looking for:

• Walkability within the neighborhood (groceries, food, etc)
• Ease of commute to Mission Bay (I won’t have a car, so I’ll be relying on either transit or the UCSF shuttle)
• Somewhat quiet & safe for a 20-something female to be living alone, walking around, waiting at bus stops, etc (am aware that there’s nowhere with zero level of danger though!)
• Not too inaccessible from transit that will allow me to explore the rest of the city as well
• Budget ~4000
• Cat-friendly

I’m sure seeing things in person will be my best bet, but I’m open to suggestions to add to my list! And obviously I am also aware that I won’t find a place that checks every single box perfectly, but I’d be happy to live somewhere that fits most of them :) Thank you in advance - can’t wait to be a part of such a beautiful gem of a city!!