4F - Midtown Terrace:

A Hidden Hilltop Retreat with Foggy Charm & Breathtaking Views

📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:

North: Twin Peaks Boulevard
South: Clarendon Avenue
East: Portola Drive
West: Laguna Honda Hospital & Open Space

📌 City District: District 7 (West of Twin Peaks)
📮 Zip Code: 94131

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s highest hills, Midtown Terrace is a peaceful, residential neighborhood known for its mid-century homes, lush greenery, and iconic foggy atmosphere. Developed in the 1950s as one of the city’s last major planned communities, this neighborhood offers a suburban feel with quiet streets, scenic overlooks, and a true escape from the city’s hustle.

If you’re looking for a tranquil, nature-filled community with a cozy, foggy ambiance and easy access to the city, Midtown Terrace is an excellent choice.

A Quiet, Scenic Neighborhood with Mid-Century Charm

🏡 The Homes – Midtown Terrace is one of SF’s only neighborhoods made up entirely of mid-century single-family homes, many of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, split-level designs, and spacious backyards.

🌳 Surrounded by Nature – Built on the slopes of Twin Peaks and Mount Sutro, the neighborhood is filled with wooded trails, pocket parks, and spectacular views of downtown SF and the Pacific Ocean.

🚗 A Peaceful Escape Yet Well-Connected – While Midtown Terrace feels secluded, it’s just minutes from major transit hubs, shopping districts, and highways.

Fog in Midtown Terrace: A Year-Round Misty Wonderland

🌫 One of SF’s Foggiest Neighborhoods – Due to its high elevation and proximity to Twin Peaks, Midtown Terrace is frequently engulfed in fog, especially during the summer months.

💨 Thick Morning & Evening Fog – Residents often wake up to heavy morning fog, which sometimes clears mid-day, only to return in the evening with a soft, rolling mist.

☀ Occasional Breaks of Sunshine – While fog dominates most of the year, clear days offer jaw-dropping panoramic views from Twin Peaks and surrounding hills.

🌲 A True "Forest in the Fog" Experience – The combination of rolling mist, towering eucalyptus trees, and quiet, winding roads makes Midtown Terrace feel like a hidden mountain retreat.

Mass Transit & Commuting Options in Midtown Terrace

Despite its secluded, hilltop location, Midtown Terrace has several public transit options connecting it to downtown SF, BART, and the Peninsula.

🚋 Muni Metro (Light Rail):

K-Ingleside, L-Taraval, and M-Ocean View Lines are accessible via Forest Hill Station, just a few minutes away, offering a quick ride to downtown SF.

🚆 BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit):

Glen Park BART Station (a short drive away) provides direct service to downtown SF, Oakland, and the entire Bay Area.

🚌 Muni Bus Routes:

Muni 36-Teresita – The primary neighborhood bus, connecting Midtown Terrace to Forest Hill Station, West Portal, and Glen Park.
Muni 44-O'Shaughnessy – Provides access to Inner Sunset, Golden Gate Park, and Balboa Park BART.
Muni 52-Excelsior – Connects to Diamond Heights, Glen Park, and Mission Street.

🚗 Freeway Access:

I-280 & Highway 101 – Just a few minutes away, providing easy access to the Peninsula and Silicon Valley.

Dining & Shopping Near Midtown Terrace

Midtown Terrace is entirely residential, but its central location offers quick access to nearby shopping districts like West Portal, Castro, and Inner Sunset.

Best Spots Near Midtown Terrace:

🛍 West Portal Village – A charming shopping district featuring boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants.
☕ Greenhouse Café – A cozy coffee shop serving fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee.
🍝 Little Original Joe’s – A top destination for classic Italian-American comfort food and pizza.
🍣 Ebisu Sushi – One of SF’s best spots for fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine.
🍜 San Tung – A legendary Inner Sunset eatery famous for its dry-fried chicken wings and handmade noodles.

For groceries, residents shop at Safeway (Diamond Heights), Mollie Stone’s (Twin Peaks), and the Inner Sunset Farmers Market.

Outdoor Beauty & Recreation

One of Midtown Terrace’s biggest advantages is its direct access to some of San Francisco’s best parks and hiking trails.

🌳 Twin Peaks Park – Offers some of SF’s most breathtaking panoramic views and hiking trails.

🌲 Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve – A fog-covered urban forest with scenic walking and biking trails.

🏞 Laguna Honda Reservoir & Open Space – A hidden park with wooded trails and a peaceful lake.

🚴 Golden Gate Park – Just a short drive away, offering museums, gardens, and endless outdoor activities.

Unique & Little-Known Facts About Midtown Terrace

🔹 One of SF’s Newest Residential Developments – Midtown Terrace was built in the 1950s, making it one of the last single-family housing developments in San Francisco.

🔹 A Rare Fog Belt Community with Parking – Unlike most SF neighborhoods, Midtown Terrace homes have driveways, garages, and ample street parking.

🔹 A Secluded Oasis in the Middle of the City – With its quiet streets and wooded surroundings, many residents say it feels more like a retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains than San Francisco.

🔹 A Fog-Lover’s Dream – Midtown Terrace is one of the only neighborhoods where you can watch the fog roll in over Twin Peaks while sipping coffee from your backyard.

🔹 Low Traffic, High Privacy – The winding, hilly streets and cul-de-sacs keep traffic low, making it one of SF’s most private and peaceful neighborhoods.

Why Live in Midtown Terrace?

✅ Quiet, Residential Neighborhood Surrounded by Nature – A rare hilltop retreat with greenery and hiking trails.
✅ Spacious Mid-Century Homes with Modern Comforts – Larger lots, driveways, and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views.
✅ Foggy, Cool Climate for Those Who Love It – If you enjoy misty mornings and crisp air, this is one of SF’s best neighborhoods for you.
✅ Great Public Transit & Freeway Access – Close to Muni Metro, BART, and I-280 for easy commutes downtown or to Silicon Valley.
✅ Minutes from Shopping & Dining – Easy access to West Portal, Inner Sunset, and Castro districts for restaurants and retail.

Final Thoughts

Midtown Terrace is one of San Francisco’s most peaceful and nature-filled neighborhoods, offering a unique blend of modern homes, stunning views, and cool, foggy charm.

If you’re looking for a secluded, hilltop retreat with easy access to the city, Midtown Terrace is the perfect place to call home.