3B - Merced Heights:

A Hidden Hilltop Gem with Sweeping Views & Community Spirit

📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:

• North: Holloway Avenue

• South: Shields Street

• East: Junipero Serra Boulevard

• West: 19th Avenue

📌 City District: District 7 (West of Twin Peaks / Lake Merced Area)
📮 Zip Code: 94132

Perched on a scenic hillside in southwestern San Francisco, Merced Heights is a quiet, residential neighborhood with incredible views, a strong sense of community, and easy access to parks, shopping, and transit. Often overlooked, this hidden gem offers affordable single-family homes, green spaces, and a suburban feel—all within minutes of major city conveniences.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with stunning Bay Area views, a close-knit neighborhood, and proximity to both downtown and the beach, Merced Heights is a fantastic choice.

A Quiet, Residential Neighborhood with Big Views

Unlike many parts of San Francisco, Merced Heights offers more space, less traffic, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect escape from the city’s hustle.

🏡 The Homes – Mostly single-family, mid-century homes with charming details, bay windows, and garages. Many homes sit on elevated lots, offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, San Bruno Mountains, and even downtown SF.

🌁 The Best of Both Worlds – While still part of San Francisco, Merced Heights feels more suburban with quiet streets, backyards, and plenty of open space.

🚗 A Commuter’s Dream – With quick access to 19th Avenue, I-280, and BART, it’s an ideal location for those commuting to downtown, the Peninsula, or Silicon Valley.

Dining & Shopping Near Merced Heights

Merced Heights itself is primarily residential, but it’s just minutes from major shopping and dining areas like Stonestown Galleria, Ocean Avenue, and West Portal.

Best Spots Near Merced Heights:

🛍 Stonestown Galleria – A large shopping center with Trader Joe’s, Target, Whole Foods, UNIQLO, and more.
🍔 Beep’s Burgers – A classic SF burger joint serving up old-school charm and delicious smash burgers since 1962.
🍜 Koi Palace – One of the Bay Area’s best dim sum restaurants, just a short drive away.
☕ Java on Ocean – A charming local café known for great coffee and a friendly neighborhood vibe.
🥗 Warakubune Sushi – A cozy sushi spot famous for its fresh fish and fun sushi boat dining experience.

For groceries, locals rely on Safeway, Whole Foods, and the weekly Farmers Market at Stonestown.

Outdoor Beauty & Recreation

One of the biggest perks of living in Merced Heights is its easy access to nature, parks, and recreation.

🌳 Merced Heights Playground & Open Space – A hidden park with a dog-friendly area, sports courts, and scenic picnic spots.

🏞 Brooks Park – A community-run green space with walking trails, native plants, and some of the best views in SF.

🌊 Lake Merced Park – A peaceful lakeside park perfect for running, fishing, birdwatching, and biking.

🚴 San Francisco State University & Mashouf Wellness Center – Home to a state-of-the-art gym, Olympic-sized pool, and fitness classes, just steps from the neighborhood.

⛳ TPC Harding Park & The Olympic Club – Two world-class golf courses, offering championship-level play and breathtaking scenery.

Unique & Little-Known Facts About Merced Heights

🔹 One of SF’s Last Affordable Neighborhoods – Compared to other parts of SF, Merced Heights offers relatively lower home prices for single-family houses with garages and yards.

🔹 A Rich African American History – Historically, Merced Heights has been home to a strong African American community, with deep cultural ties and longstanding family-owned businesses.

🔹 A Hidden Hiking Spot – Brooks Park is one of SF’s least-known parks, offering secluded walking trails and panoramic views.

🔹 Former Farmland Turned Suburb – Before development in the early 20th century, Merced Heights was primarily farmland and grazing land, later transformed into a residential community.

🔹 SFSU Influence – With San Francisco State University nearby, the area has a youthful energy and a mix of students, professors, and families.

Why Live in Merced Heights?

✅ Affordable, Spacious Homes – One of SF’s best-kept secrets for single-family homebuyers looking for space and value.
✅ Quiet, Residential Feel – A suburban-like neighborhood with wide streets, driveways, and backyard space.
✅ Great Parks & Outdoor Access – Brooks Park, Lake Merced, and Harding Park Golf Course are just minutes away.
✅ Proximity to Shopping & Transit – Stonestown Galleria, Ocean Avenue, and BART provide great accessibility.
✅ A Diverse, Friendly Community – A mix of longtime residents, students, and young families create a welcoming atmosphere.

Merced Heights is one of San Francisco’s most underrated neighborhoods, offering breathtaking views, suburban comforts, and a strong sense of community.

If you’re looking for a quiet, spacious neighborhood with easy access to parks, shopping, and transit, Merced Heights is the perfect place to call home.

🌁 Come for the views. Stay for the space. Fall in love with the charm. 🏡