4M - Monterey Heights:

A Serene, Upscale Enclave with Stunning Views & Classic Homes

📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:

• North: Portola Drive

• South: Monterey Boulevard

• East: Yerba Buena Avenue

• West: Sherwood Forest

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

Located in San Francisco’s southwestern hills, Monterey Heights is an exclusive, residential neighborhood known for its spacious homes, winding streets, and breathtaking views. With beautifully maintained homes built in the 1920s-1950s, Monterey Heights offers a suburban feel within the city, making it one of SF’s most desirable places to live.

If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic neighborhood with classic architecture, a strong community feel, and convenient transit access, Monterey Heights is an ideal place to call home.

A Residential Haven with Elegant Homes & City Views

🏡 The Homes – Monterey Heights features a mix of architectural styles, including Spanish Revival, Tudor, Colonial, and Mid-Century Modern. Many homes are large, detached single-family residences with beautifully landscaped yards and tree-lined streets.

🌳 A Quiet, Low-Density Neighborhood – Unlike many SF neighborhoods, Monterey Heights has a low housing density, creating a peaceful, spacious environment.

🏞 Spectacular Views – Due to its hilltop location, many homes boast breathtaking views of downtown SF, the Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

🚗 A Secluded Yet Well-Connected Location – While Monterey Heights feels like a private hillside retreat, it’s just minutes from major transit lines, shopping, and dining hubs like West Portal and Stonestown Galleria.

Fog in Monterey Heights: A Misty, Refreshing Climate

🌫 Frequent Fog, Especially in Summer – Due to its proximity to Mount Davidson and Twin Peaks, Monterey Heights experiences regular fog, particularly in June through August.

💨 Morning & Evening Fog Patterns – The neighborhood often starts the day with thick fog rolling in from the ocean, which may lift in the afternoon before returning in the evening.

☀ More Sun in the Fall & Winter – While fog is common in the summer, the neighborhood enjoys clearer, sunnier days in the fall and winter months, making it a pleasant year-round climate.

🌲 Fog Meets Forest – The misty weather, combined with the neighborhood’s lush greenery and tree-lined streets, gives Monterey Heights a cozy, countryside feel.

Mass Transit & Commuting Options in Monterey Heights

Despite its quiet, residential nature, Monterey Heights is well-connected to public transit, making it an excellent choice for commuters.

🚆 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 – Runs along Ocean Avenue, connecting Monterey Heights 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 23-Monterey – The primary neighborhood bus, connecting Monterey Heights to West Portal, Glen Park, and Noe Valley.

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

• Muni 44-O’Shaughnessy – Provides access to Inner Sunset, Golden Gate Park, and Balboa Park BART.

🚗 Freeway Access:

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

Dining & Shopping Near Monterey Heights

Though primarily residential, Monterey Heights is just a short drive to the vibrant shopping and dining districts of West Portal, Stonestown Galleria, and Glen Park.

Best Spots Near Monterey Heights:

🛍 West Portal Village – A charming shopping district featuring boutiques, bookstores, and restaurants.
☕ Greenhouse Café – A cozy spot for specialty coffee, breakfast pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere.
🍝 Little Original Joe’s – A West Portal favorite for classic Italian-American dishes and wood-fired 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 frequent Whole Foods (Noe Valley), Safeway (Diamond Heights), and Andronico’s Community Market (Inner Sunset).

Outdoor Beauty & Recreation

One of Monterey Heights’ biggest attractions is its easy access to nature and outdoor recreation.

🌲 Mount Davidson Park – Home to San Francisco’s highest natural peak (928 feet), featuring hiking trails, panoramic city views, and a historic cross.

🌳 Stern Grove – A stunning redwood-filled park with walking trails, picnic areas, and the famous Stern Grove Festival concerts.

🚴 Laguna Honda Reservoir & Open Space – A hidden park with jogging paths and a peaceful lake.

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

Unique & Little-Known Facts About Monterey Heights

🔹 Designed for Luxury Living – Monterey Heights was developed in the 1920s as an upscale residential community, designed to offer privacy, space, and scenic beauty.

🔹 One of SF’s Most Exclusive Hidden Neighborhoods – With larger homes, quiet streets, and minimal through-traffic, Monterey Heights is one of SF’s most sought-after yet lesser-known neighborhoods.

🔹 A Blend of Fog & Sun – Unlike neighborhoods further west, Monterey Heights gets a mix of fog and sunshine, making it an ideal climate for those who love cooler temperatures without constant overcast skies.

🔹 A Neighborhood with Historic Charm – Many of Monterey Heights’ homes retain their original architecture and historic details, adding to its old-world charm and elegance.

🔹 Spacious Properties with Spectacular Views – Due to its hillside location, homes here often have panoramic views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, or the East Bay.

Why Live in Monterey Heights?

✅ Spacious, Historic Homes with Character – Well-maintained homes with large lots, stunning architecture, and timeless charm.
✅ A Quiet, Exclusive Neighborhood – A peaceful, residential area with a close-knit community feel.
✅ Great Public Transit & Freeway Access – Near Muni Metro, BART, and major highways for easy commuting.
✅ Foggy, Cool Climate for Those Who Love It – A perfect mix of fog and sunshine for a refreshing year-round atmosphere.
✅ Close to Shopping & Dining – West Portal, Glen Park, and Stonestown Galleria provide great food and retail options.

Final Thoughts

Monterey Heights is one of San Francisco’s best-kept secrets, offering spacious homes, scenic views, and a peaceful, suburban feel with easy city access.

If you’re looking for a quiet, elegant neighborhood with a mix of historic charm and modern convenience, Monterey Heights is the perfect place to call home.