District 4: West of Twin Peaks

Balboa Terrace, like many neighborhoods west of Twin Peaks, is a “suburban” San Francisco neighborhood. The upscale neighborhood comprised of single family homes is strictly residential, though Stonestown and West Portal offer convenient options for shopping and dining.

Diamond Heights was the first neighborhood developed by San Francisco to be built with the topography of hills, rather than against it, resulting in winding streets that go against the traditional grid. A broad range of housing options, from single family homes to condos and townhouses, can be found throughout the neighborhood. Shingled buildings and modern homes dominate the architectural styles of Diamond Heights. Diamond Heights Shopping Center provides residents with convenient shopping and dining options.

At the heart of San Francisco lies Forest Hill, a beautiful neighborhood with narrow, tree-lined streets and stately homes. The neighborhood’s rural charm makes Forest Hill seem far away from the city that encompasses its borders, though residents will find downtown conveniently accessible via the Forest Hill BART Station. A clubhouse is located at the center of the neighborhood for residents’ use, as well as Forest Hill Association meetings. Forest Hill is the least densely populated neighborhood of San Francisco.

Now an affluent neighborhood, Ingleside Terrace was once home to the Ingleside Racetrack where the first Californian automobile race was held in 1900. After the 1906 earthquake the track was offered to the city for free to serve as a permanent refugee camp to the many displaced locals. In 1910 development for a new neighborhood was in the works, and in 1912 Ingleside Terrace opened, with Urbano Drive paved over the original loop of the racetrack. Many of the grand homes in this neighborhood have large front and backyards. Ocean Avenue and Stonestown Galleria offer shopping and dining options to the neighborhood, and the M-Oceanview is conveniently located, providing connection to and from Downtown.

Located on the western slopes of Twin Peaks, Midtown Terrace offers panoramic views of the city, as noted by street names like Cityview and Skyview Way. On the northern part of Midtown Terrace is Sutro Tower, the radio and television broadcast tower that can be seen from most parts of the city and surrounding areas. Similar to its neighboring areas, Midtown Terrace is wooded by eucalyptus trees giving a rural vibe that makes residents feel secluded in some areas.

St. Francis Wood is an exclusive neighborhood where palatial single family homes with front and backyards are the rule. With no commercial areas, St. Francis Wood is seemingly more exclusive and low-profile than neighborhoods with comparable wealth, such as the Marina and Pacific Heights. Nearby Stonestown and West Portal provide convenient shopping and dining options. St. Francis Wood is ranked the number one neighborhood for wealth, families, cleanliness, safety, and quietness in San Francisco by NabeWise.com.

Miraloma Park is a quiet neighborhood with a large playground and sports fields that are popular amongst residents. Built over a 30 year period, Miraloma Park is architecturally diverse, from Tudors to Mediterranean influenced homes. Glen Park BART station is just a short drive away for a convenient commute to and from Downtown.

Unlike its northern neighbor, St. Francis Wood, Monterey Heights is an upscale neighborhood with a diverse range of architectural styles, ranging from modernist homes to Mediterranean villas to Cape Cods. The hillside pocket neighborhood is strictly residential and a perfect place for families to settle in. The MUNI bus system services the neighborhood and the 280 is conveniently located for a quick commute to and from Downtown. Nearby Monterey Boulevard is the main commercial district used by residents.

Sunnyside appears to be stuck in time with quaint and brightly painted 1960s style homes and duplexes lining the streets. Despite being bordered by the 280 and San Francisco City College, Sunnyside continues to be a quiet, suburban-feeling neighborhood. Glen Park BART and Balboa Park BART stations are nearby and Ocean Avenue’s K-Ingleside MUNI line is a short walk away. Monterey Boulevard and Ocean Avenue provide residents with shopping and dining options.

One of the safest neighborhoods of San Francisco, West Portal feels more like a small, suburban town rather than part of a big city. Great for families, this small piece of suburbia in San Francisco provides residents with a great sense of community. Beautiful, single family homes with front and backyards are the norm. Mom and pop shops rule West Portal Avenue, the commercial center of West Portal which also serves as a MUNI transportation hub, making transit to and from Downtown, and most major MUNI stations, very accessible.