The only time I've ever heard of a friend getting mugged was in SF.
Its easy not to know that its not where to go.
Trendy transplants hang out on Valencia St in The Mission and towards Delores Park. Or on Union St in the Marina and towards the water. Or on the lawn in the Presidio. Or at Ocean beach. You will never see any strife, out of sight out of mind. These areas are still doing great for socializing and a brief escape. There are quite a few others places as well of course but I dont think I really want peninsula and south bay suburbanites coming to them lol.
Visitors are corralled into areas by Union Square, Embarcadero, Market St and the worst parts of SOMA. Its logical to want to go there but its a mistake. Commuters and sports fans are only familiar with that area, along with the parking garages being plentiful. But for a recreational visit, use this post as a guide.
I agree, but I have found it so interesting that so many people on the peninsula or south bay are completely fearful of San Francisco! Its the opposite view of what you wrote.
More of a classic "everything is scary except my suburb" misconception. I've seen it in other places before but I found it so surprising from so many people in San Mateo, Redwood City etc