4J - Forest Hill Extension:

A Tranquil, Tree-Lined Neighborhood with Classic Charm

📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:

  • North: Dewey Boulevard

  • South: Laguna Honda Boulevard

  • East: Kensington Way & Taraval Street

  • West: Woodside Avenue

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

Situated just south of Forest Hill, Forest Hill Extension is a peaceful, residential neighborhood known for its classic architecture, lush greenery, and suburban-like feel. Originally developed in the 1920s and 1930s, this neighborhood features elegant single-family homes, winding streets, and a strong sense of community, making it a desirable retreat from the city’s busier areas.

If you’re looking for a serene, well-established neighborhood with excellent transit access, beautiful homes, and a welcoming atmosphere, Forest Hill Extension is a fantastic choice.

A Residential Haven with Timeless Architecture

🏡 The Homes – Forest Hill Extension features predominantly single-family homes, built in Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, Tudor, and Mid-Century Modern styles. Many homes have charming details such as arched doorways, bay windows, and terracotta roofs.

🌳 A Green, Walkable Community – The neighborhood is filled with tree-lined streets, landscaped gardens, and scenic walking paths, creating a tranquil, small-town atmosphere.

🚗 A Quiet Escape with City Convenience – Despite its peaceful, suburban ambiance, Forest Hill Extension is just minutes from bustling West Portal, major transit routes, and shopping areas.

Fog in Forest Hill Extension: A Cool, Misty Retreat

🌫 Frequent Fog, Especially in Summer – Due to its proximity to Twin Peaks and the Pacific Ocean, Forest Hill Extension experiences a cool, foggy microclimate, particularly from June to August.

💨 Morning & Evening Fog Patterns – Residents often wake up to thick morning fog, which may burn off by the afternoon, before rolling back in during the evening.

☀ More Sun Than the Outer Sunset, Less Than Noe Valley – While fog is a defining feature of the neighborhood, occasional sunny breaks appear, especially in the fall months when San Francisco experiences its “second summer.”

🌲 Fog Meets Forest – The combination of misty weather, mature trees, and historic homes gives Forest Hill Extension a quiet, almost storybook-like charm.

Mass Transit & Commuting Options in Forest Hill Extension

Forest Hill Extension is well-connected to public transit, making it one of the best neighborhoods for easy commuting to downtown SF and beyond.

🚆 BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit):

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

🚋 Muni Metro (Light Rail):

  • K-Ingleside Line – Connects the neighborhood to West Portal, downtown SF, and the Embarcadero.

  • M-Ocean View Line – Provides service to San Francisco State University (SFSU), Stonestown, and downtown SF.

🚌 Muni Bus Routes:

  • Muni 36-Teresita – The primary neighborhood bus, linking Forest Hill Extension to Forest Hill Station, West Portal, and Glen Park BART.

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

  • Muni 48-Quintara/24th Street – Offers east-west service through West Portal, Noe Valley, and the Mission.

🚗 Freeway Access:

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

Dining & Shopping Near Forest Hill Extension

Forest Hill Extension is strictly residential, but it is just a short walk or drive to the lively shopping and dining hubs in West Portal and Inner Sunset.

Best Spots Near Forest Hill Extension:

🛍 West Portal Village – A charming commercial district featuring boutiques, bookstores, and restaurants.
☕ Greenhouse Café – A local favorite for specialty coffee, breakfast pastries, and a cozy atmosphere.
🍝 Little Original Joe’s – One of the best spots for authentic Italian-American comfort food and pizza.
🍣 Koo Sushi – A must-visit for fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese delicacies.
🥐 Ambrosia Bakery – A neighborhood gem known for French pastries, cakes, and fresh bread.

For groceries, residents shop at Safeway (Diamond Heights), Whole Foods (Noe Valley), and Andronico’s Community Market (Inner Sunset).

Outdoor Beauty & Recreation

One of Forest Hill Extension’s biggest draws is its proximity to nature and outdoor recreation.

🌲 Mount Davidson Park – The highest natural point in San Francisco, offering hiking trails and breathtaking city views.

🌳 Stern Grove – A redwood-filled park featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and the famous summer concert series.

🚴 Laguna Honda Reservoir & Open Space – A hidden gem for jogging, dog walking, and enjoying nature.

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

Unique & Little-Known Facts About Forest Hill Extension

🔹 A Hidden Residential Gem – Often overshadowed by its neighbor, Forest Hill, Forest Hill Extension is one of SF’s best-kept secrets for those seeking classic homes in a tranquil setting.

🔹 Designed for Suburban Living – Developed as an extension of the Forest Hill community, this neighborhood was designed to offer a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

🔹 One of SF’s Foggiest Neighborhoods – Dense fog rolling in over the hills adds to the charm of Forest Hill Extension, making it a favorite for those who love cool, misty weather.

🔹 Historic Architectural Integrity – The homes in this neighborhood retain their original character, with many featuring preserved details from the 1920s and 1930s.

🔹 Less Traffic, More Parking – Compared to other SF neighborhoods, Forest Hill Extension offers easier parking, larger driveways, and quiet, low-traffic streets.

Why Live in Forest Hill Extension?

Spacious, Historic Homes with Character – Well-maintained homes with classic architecture, large yards, and scenic views.
✅ A Quiet, Family-Friendly Atmosphere – A peaceful, close-knit community with a suburban feel.
✅ Easy Access to Transit & Freeways – Near Muni Metro, BART, and major highways for convenient commuting.
✅ Foggy, Cool Climate for Those Who Love It – Ideal for residents who enjoy crisp air, morning mist, and cozy weather.
✅ Close to Shopping & Dining – West Portal, Inner Sunset, and Diamond Heights offer a variety of food and retail options.

Final Thoughts

Forest Hill Extension is one of San Francisco’s most charming and peaceful neighborhoods, offering classic homes, lush greenery, and excellent access to parks and transit.

If you’re looking for a quiet, beautifully maintained neighborhood with a strong sense of community, Forest Hill Extension is the perfect place to call home.