4C - Forest Hill

A Lush, Exclusive Neighborhood with Classic Elegance

📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:

• North: Dewey Boulevard

• South: Laguna Honda Boulevard

• East: Castenada Avenue

• West: 9th Avenue

📌 City District: District 7 (West of Twin Peaks)
📮 Zip Code: 94116

Tucked away in San Francisco’s rolling hills, Forest Hill is a quiet, upscale residential neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, grand homes, and serene atmosphere. One of the city’s most exclusive enclaves, it offers a suburban feel within the city, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, curving streets, and a strong sense of community.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, well-maintained neighborhood with historic homes, easy access to public transit, and a natural escape from the city’s hustle, Forest Hill is a dream location.

A Neighborhood of Architectural Beauty & Prestige

🏡 The Homes – Forest Hill is home to large, detached single-family residences, many built in the early 1900s with grand Tudor, Spanish Revival, and Mediterranean architecture. Homes often feature spacious lots, lush gardens, and winding driveways—a rarity in San Francisco.

🌳 A Lush, Green Community – Unlike SF’s dense neighborhoods, Forest Hill feels more like a wooded retreat, with mature trees, manicured lawns, and tranquil surroundings.

🚆 An Exclusive Yet Accessible Location – While Forest Hill feels secluded, it’s conveniently located near West Portal, with easy access to Muni Metro, shopping, and dining.

Fog in Forest Hill: A Misty, Enchanting Atmosphere

🌫 A Frequent Fog Zone – Due to its location near Twin Peaks and the Pacific Ocean, Forest Hill experiences frequent fog, particularly in the summer months.

💨 Morning & Evening Fog Patterns – The neighborhood often wakes up to cool, misty mornings, with the fog burning off by mid-day, only to return in the evening.

☀ Less Fog Than Outer Sunset, More Than Noe Valley – While not as foggy as the western side of the city, Forest Hill still experiences significant marine layer influence, making it a cooler, mistier escape from SF’s warmer neighborhoods.

🌲 Fog & Forest Vibes – The combination of rolling fog, towering trees, and historic homes gives Forest Hill a European countryside feel right in the middle of San Francisco.

Dining & Shopping Near Forest Hill

Though primarily residential, Forest Hill is just minutes from West Portal’s vibrant shopping and dining district, offering plenty of options for local residents.

Best Spots Near Forest Hill:

☕ Greenhouse Café – A cozy café serving artisan coffee, pastries, and fresh sandwiches.
🍝 Little Original Joe’s – A West Portal favorite for classic Italian dishes, handmade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas.
🍣 Katsu Sushi House – A go-to spot for fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, and Japanese comfort food.
🥐 Ambrosia Bakery – A charming bakery known for European-style pastries, fresh bread, and custom cakes.
🍷 West Portal Wine Merchant – A boutique wine shop offering a curated selection of fine wines from around the world.

For groceries and essentials, residents rely on Safeway, Andronico’s Community Market, and the Stonestown Farmers Market.

Outdoor Beauty & Recreation

One of Forest Hill’s biggest perks is its access to parks, trails, and green spaces—perfect for those who love the outdoors.

🌳 Laguna Honda Reservoir & Open Space – A hidden gem with wooded hiking trails, serene lake views, and abundant wildlife.

🏞 Stern Grove – A beautiful redwood-filled park that hosts free summer concerts and community events.

🚴 Golden Gate Heights Park – A scenic park with walking trails and stunning city views.

🌲 Forest Hill Clubhouse & Gardens – A historic community center surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and walking paths.

Unique & Little-Known Facts About Forest Hill

🔹 One of SF’s First Master-Planned Neighborhoods – Forest Hill was developed in the 1910s as an exclusive residential community, featuring winding streets, large lots, and custom-built homes.

🔹 A Hidden Suburb Within the City – With its quiet streets, tree-shaded sidewalks, and large homes, Forest Hill feels like a countryside retreat just minutes from downtown.

🔹 A Landmark Clubhouse – The Forest Hill Clubhouse, built in 1919, was designed by Bernard Maybeck, one of San Francisco’s most famous architects.

🔹 A Highly Desirable Residential Area – Forest Hill is considered one of SF’s most prestigious neighborhoods, attracting longtime homeowners and those seeking an elegant, peaceful environment.

🔹 One of SF’s Most Walkable "Suburban" Neighborhoods – Despite its quiet, secluded feel, Forest Hill residents can easily walk to West Portal’s bustling shopping district.

Why Live in Forest Hill?

✅ Spacious, Historic Homes – Grand homes with lush gardens, large lots, and classic architecture.
✅ A Peaceful, Residential Feel – Quiet streets, strong community ties, and a true suburban atmosphere.
✅ Close to Top Schools – Near West Portal Elementary, St. Ignatius College Prep, and Lowell High School.
✅ Easy Transit Access – Just minutes from the Forest Hill Muni Metro Station and major transit lines.
✅ A Cooler, Foggy Climate – Perfect for those who enjoy cool, misty mornings and crisp air year-round.
✅ Near Parks & Green Spaces – Laguna Honda, Stern Grove, and hiking trails are just steps away.

Final Thoughts

Forest Hill is one of San Francisco’s most prestigious and peaceful neighborhoods, offering stunning architecture, lush greenery, and a suburban feel with city conveniences.

If you’re looking for a charming, tree-filled escape with historic homes and easy access to transit and shopping, Forest Hill is the perfect place to call home.

🌁 Come for the history. Stay for the tranquility. Fall in love with the charm.