4G - St. Francis Wood:

San Francisco’s Prestigious Garden Suburb

📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:

• North: Portola Drive

• South: San Pablo Avenue

• East: Monterey Boulevard

• West: Junipero Serra Boulevard

📌 City District: District 7 (West of Twin Peaks)
📮 Zip Code: 94127

Nestled in San Francisco’s southwestern hills, St. Francis Wood is an exclusive, master-planned residential neighborhood known for its grand homes, lush landscaping, and suburban tranquility. Established in 1912 as one of San Francisco’s first residential parks, it was designed to blend urban accessibility with luxurious, spacious homes set in a park-like environment. Today, St. Francis Wood remains one of the city’s most prestigious communities, known for its elegant architecture, tree-lined streets, and strong homeowner association oversight.

If you’re looking for a serene, historically significant neighborhood with beautiful homes, a close-knit community, and excellent transit access, St. Francis Wood is an ideal place to call home.

A Timeless Neighborhood with Classic Elegance

🏡 The Homes – St. Francis Wood is filled with grand, detached single-family homes in Mediterranean, Spanish Revival, Tudor, and Colonial styles, many of which sit on large lots with manicured gardens, gated driveways, and classic European-inspired designs.

🌳 A Picturesque, Green Community – Unlike other SF neighborhoods, St. Francis Wood was designed without commercial businesses, giving it a resort-like atmosphere with wide boulevards, landscaped roundabouts, and lush public spaces.

🚗 A Prestigious Yet Accessible Location – Despite its exclusive and private feel, St. Francis Wood is only minutes away from West Portal’s shopping and dining district, major transit hubs, and freeway access.

🏛 A Legacy of Thoughtful Planning – Designed by the Olmsted Brothers (sons of the designer of Central Park), the neighborhood maintains strict architectural guidelines, underground utilities, and a focus on maintaining its garden-like atmosphere.

Fog in St. Francis Wood: A Mix of Mist & Sunshine

🌫 Moderate Fog Levels – Due to its location west of Twin Peaks and near the Pacific Ocean, St. Francis Wood experiences a balance of fog and sunshine throughout the year.

💨 Morning & Evening Fog Banks – The neighborhood often wakes up to cool, misty mornings, with afternoon sun breaking through before the fog rolls back in during the evening.

☀ More Sunshine Than the Outer Sunset, Less Than Noe Valley – While not as foggy as Forest Hill or West Portal, St. Francis Wood still experiences a refreshing marine layer that keeps temperatures mild and comfortable.

🌲 A Unique, Fog-Kissed Charm – The combination of rolling fog, elegant architecture, and mature tree canopies gives St. Francis Wood a peaceful, European-countryside feel.

Mass Transit & Commuting Options in St. Francis Wood

While St. Francis Wood is strictly residential, it is well-served by public transit, offering residents an easy commute to downtown SF, the East Bay, and the Peninsula.

🚆 BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit):

• Balboa Park BART Station (5-10 minutes away) provides direct service to downtown SF, Oakland, and the entire Bay Area.

🚋 Muni Metro (Light Rail):

• K-Ingleside Line – Runs along Ocean Avenue, connecting St. Francis Wood to West Portal, downtown SF, and the Embarcadero.

• M-Ocean View Line – Stops nearby at San Francisco State University (SFSU) and Stonestown, continuing downtown.

🚌 Muni Bus Routes:

• Muni 23-Monterey – Provides access to Noe Valley, Glen Park, and the Bayview.

• Muni 43-Masonic – Connects to Forest Hill, the Presidio, and Fort Mason.

• Muni 29-Sunset – A major east-west route serving Lake Merced, Sunset District, and Bayview.

🚗 Freeway Access:

• I-280 & Highway 1 – Just a few minutes away, offering quick access to the Peninsula and Silicon Valley.

Dining & Shopping Near St. Francis Wood

St. Francis Wood has no commercial businesses within its boundaries, but residents enjoy quick access to nearby shopping and dining in West Portal, Stonestown Galleria, and Ocean Avenue.

Best Spots Near St. Francis Wood:

🛍 West Portal Village – A charming shopping district featuring boutiques, bookstores, and locally owned restaurants.
☕ Greenhouse Café – A cozy spot for specialty coffee, pastries, and light breakfast options.
🍝 Little Original Joe’s – A West Portal staple for Italian-American comfort food, handmade pasta, and wood-fired pizza.
🍣 Izakaya Ginji – A must-visit for Japanese small plates, sushi, and sake.
🥐 Ambrosia Bakery – A neighborhood favorite for fresh-baked bread, croissants, and cakes.

For groceries, residents shop at Whole Foods, Safeway, and Andronico’s Community Market.

Outdoor Beauty & Recreation

St. Francis Wood is known for its natural beauty and easy access to some of SF’s best parks.

🌳 Stern Grove – A stunning redwood-filled park hosting free summer concerts and community events.

🏞 Mount Davidson Park – Home to San Francisco’s highest natural peak, featuring scenic hiking trails and panoramic city views.

🚴 Lake Merced Park – Just a short drive away, offering jogging paths, picnic areas, and fishing spots.

🌲 The Presidio (via Muni 43) – A beautiful national park with coastal hiking trails and historic sites.

Unique & Little-Known Facts About St. Francis Wood

🔹 One of SF’s Most Prestigious Planned Communities – Established in 1912, St. Francis Wood was designed to be a peaceful residential retreat with strict zoning and architectural standards.

🔹 No Commercial Businesses Allowed – Unlike most SF neighborhoods, St. Francis Wood was developed to be entirely residential, with no retail stores, restaurants, or commercial buildings.

🔹 Underground Utilities for Aesthetic Appeal – No telephone poles or overhead wires, preserving the neighborhood’s park-like beauty.

🔹 Inspired by European Garden Suburbs – The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets, landscaped roundabouts, and elegant homes reflect the "City Beautiful" movement of early 20th-century Europe.

🔹 A Homeowner’s Association Preserves Its Legacy – The St. Francis Wood Homes Association ensures that homes maintain their historic charm and architectural integrity.

Why Live in St. Francis Wood?

✅ Elegant, Historic Homes on Large Lots – Beautifully preserved early 20th-century homes with spacious gardens and unique architecture.
✅ A Quiet, Exclusive Neighborhood – One of SF’s most prestigious and sought-after residential communities.
✅ Great Public Transit & Freeway Access – Near Muni Metro, BART, and major highways for easy commuting.
✅ Near Top Schools & Universities – Close to St. Ignatius College Prep, Lowell High School, and San Francisco State University.
✅ Access to Nature & Green Spaces – Near Stern Grove, Mount Davidson, and Lake Merced.

Final Thoughts

St. Francis Wood is one of San Francisco’s most exclusive and picturesque neighborhoods, offering a rare mix of suburban luxury, historic elegance, and city convenience.

If you’re looking for a quiet, beautifully maintained neighborhood with grand homes and strong community ties, St. Francis Wood is the perfect place to call home.