4A - Balboa Terrace:
An Elegant, Residential Enclave with Classic San Francisco Charm
📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:
North: Monterey Boulevard
South: Ocean Avenue
East: Aptos Avenue
West: Junipero Serra Boulevard
📌 City District: District 7 (West of Twin Peaks)
📮 Zip Code: 94127
Located in San Francisco’s southwestern hills, Balboa Terrace is a prestigious, residential neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful Mediterranean-style homes, and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. This small, upscale enclave offers a suburban feel within city limits, making it a top choice for professionals, retirees, and families seeking a quiet retreat.
If you’re looking for an elegant, well-maintained neighborhood with historic charm, spacious homes, and easy access to top schools and transit, Balboa Terrace is an exceptional place to call home.
A Neighborhood of Classic Homes & Timeless Beauty
🏡 The Homes – Balboa Terrace is known for its grand, single-family homes built in the 1920s and 1930s, featuring Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, and Tudor-style architecture. Many homes have large yards, manicured gardens, and classic design details like wrought iron balconies and arched doorways.
🌳 A Well-Kept, Tree-Lined Community – With its wide streets, lush greenery, and charming lampposts, Balboa Terrace exudes a sense of elegance and tranquility.
🚗 A Convenient Yet Peaceful Location – Despite its quiet, residential feel, the neighborhood is just minutes from major transit hubs, shopping, and dining.
Dining & Shopping Near Balboa Terrace
Though primarily residential, Balboa Terrace is just a short drive from bustling commercial areas like West Portal, Stonestown Galleria, and Ocean Avenue.
Best Spots Near Balboa Terrace:
🛍 Stonestown Galleria – A shopping destination featuring Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Target, and Nordstrom Rack.
☕ Philz Coffee – A neighborhood staple for handcrafted, custom-brewed coffee.
🍝 Little Original Joe’s – A West Portal favorite offering classic Italian-American dishes, fresh pasta, and delicious pizzas.
🍣 Izakaya Ginji – A must-visit for Japanese small plates, sushi, and sake.
🥐 Ambrosia Bakery – A cozy bakery known for its fresh pastries, cakes, and European-style bread.
For groceries and essentials, residents frequent Safeway, Whole Foods, and Stonestown’s Farmers Market.
Outdoor Beauty & Recreation
One of Balboa Terrace’s biggest perks is its proximity to some of San Francisco’s best parks and recreational areas.
🌲 Aptos Park – A charming neighborhood park with walking paths, a children’s playground, and picnic areas.
🌳 Stern Grove – A beautiful redwood-filled park that hosts free summer concerts and outdoor events.
🚴 Lake Merced Park – A scenic freshwater lake with running trails, fishing areas, and peaceful picnic spots.
⛳ The Olympic Club & TPC Harding Park – Two world-class golf courses offering breathtaking views and championship-level play.
Unique & Little-Known Facts About Balboa Terrace
🔹 A Historic Planned Neighborhood – Developed in the 1920s as an upscale residential community, Balboa Terrace was designed with uniform architectural styles and tree-lined boulevards.
🔹 One of SF’s Most Exclusive Residential Areas – With its large homes, quiet streets, and well-maintained properties, Balboa Terrace is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city.
🔹 A Strong Homeowner’s Association – The Balboa Terrace Homeowners Association helps preserve the neighborhood’s historic character and community spirit.
🔹 Top-Ranked Schools Nearby – The neighborhood is close to St. Francis Wood, Lowell High School, and St. Ignatius College Prep, some of SF’s top-rated schools.
🔹 Originally Designed for Commuters – The neighborhood was developed with easy access to the Muni K-Ingleside line, making it one of the city’s first transit-oriented residential communities.
Why Live in Balboa Terrace?
✅ Beautiful, Classic Homes – Stunning Mediterranean, Spanish Revival, and Tudor-style houses with historic charm.
✅ A Quiet, Upscale Community – Well-kept streets, lush greenery, and a suburban-like atmosphere.
✅ Close to Top Schools & Universities – Near St. Ignatius, Lowell High School, and City College of San Francisco.
✅ Easy Access to Parks & Outdoor Recreation – Stern Grove, Lake Merced, and The Olympic Club are just minutes away.
✅ Great Shopping & Dining Nearby – West Portal, Stonestown Galleria, and Ocean Avenue offer endless conveniences.
✅ Convenient Public Transit & Commuting – Near Muni Metro, I-280, and Junipero Serra Blvd for easy access to downtown SF and the Peninsula.
Balboa Terrace is one of San Francisco’s most elegant and well-preserved neighborhoods, offering classic architecture, quiet streets, and proximity to great schools and shopping.
If you’re looking for a refined, family-friendly neighborhood with a timeless charm and an unbeatable location, Balboa Terrace is the perfect place to call home.
🌁 Come for the elegance. Stay for the tranquility. Fall in love with the charm. 🏡✨
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chuck.heaver@vanguardproperties.com
+1.415.549.1777
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