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 HomesStunning Mediterranean, Spanish Revival, and Tudor-style houses with historic charm.
A Quiet, Upscale CommunityWell-kept streets, lush greenery, and a suburban-like atmosphere.
Close to Top Schools & UniversitiesNear St. Ignatius, Lowell High School, and City College of San Francisco.
Easy Access to Parks & Outdoor RecreationStern Grove, Lake Merced, and The Olympic Club are just minutes away.
Great Shopping & Dining NearbyWest Portal, Stonestown Galleria, and Ocean Avenue offer endless conveniences.
Convenient Public Transit & CommutingNear 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. 🏡✨