5H - Clarendon Heights:

A Secluded Hilltop Neighborhood with Skyline Views, Open Space, and Serene Living

📍 Neighborhood Boundaries:

North: Clayton Street / Twin Peaks Boulevard
South: Clarendon Avenue
East: Upper Market / Ashbury Heights
West: Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve

📌 City District: District 5 (Central San Francisco)
📮 Zip Code: 94114

Tucked into the winding hillside between Twin Peaks and Mount Sutro, Clarendon Heights is a small, exclusive San Francisco neighborhood defined by its elevation, panoramic views, modernist architecture, and proximity to nature. With minimal through-traffic, oversized lots, and sweeping vistas, it’s one of the city’s most tranquil and private enclaves.

If you're looking for space, views, and a quiet residential atmosphere within city limits, Clarendon Heights offers a retreat-like experience above the urban grid, yet just minutes from commercial districts and major transit corridors.

Elevated Living with Architectural Presence

🏡 The Homes – Clarendon Heights features large, architecturally distinctive single-family homes, many built between the 1950s and 1970s, with a concentration of mid-century modern and custom contemporary designs. Floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple levels, and expansive decks are common, designed to showcase the dramatic city, bay, and ocean views.

🌄 Vistas in All Directions – Due to its hilltop location, many properties enjoy unobstructed views of downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the East Bay, and the Pacific Ocean, especially on clear days.

🚶 Low Density, Minimal Traffic – With cul-de-sacs, narrow winding roads, and no commercial activity, the neighborhood is known for its peaceful streets and residential seclusion.

🌳 Surrounded by Green Space – Adjacent to Mount Sutro Forest, the area offers instant access to trail systems, nature, and wildlife, all within city boundaries.

Fog in Clarendon Heights: Above the Clouds, Within the Mist

🌫 Frequent Fog and Windy Conditions – Clarendon Heights experiences significant fog, especially during the summer, as the marine layer rolls over Twin Peaks and Mount Sutro.

💨 Fog Can Be Dense & Persistent – The elevation means the neighborhood is often fully enveloped in clouds, particularly in the early morning and evening, creating a cool and misty atmosphere.

☀ Breaks of Sun in Fall and Winter – The fog tends to lift earlier in the day during September through November, when the city enters its dry, sunnier season.

🌡️ Cooler Temperatures Year-Round – This is one of San Francisco’s coolest microclimates, with natural air conditioning nearly every day of the year, a feature appreciated by those looking for an escape from summer heat.

Mass Transit & Commuting Options in Clarendon Heights

Although the neighborhood is residential and hilly, several Muni routes and nearby light rail stations make Clarendon Heights convenient for commuters heading downtown or across town.

🚋 Muni Metro (Light Rail):

Forest Hill Station (5 minutes away) – Serves the K-Ingleside, L-Taraval, and M-Ocean View lines, offering subway service to downtown SF and Embarcadero.
Castro Station – Another nearby subway access point to downtown and the Market Street corridor.

🚌 Muni Bus Routes:

37-Corbett – Runs directly through Clarendon Avenue, connecting the neighborhood to Market Street, Twin Peaks, Forest Hill, and Castro.
33-Ashbury/18th – Offers access to Haight-Ashbury, Mission, Potrero, and the Marina.
6-Haight/Parnassus & 43-Masonic – Available nearby, expanding connectivity to the Inner Sunset, UCSF, and Presidio.

🚗 Driving Access:

The neighborhood offers easy access to Twin Peaks Boulevard and Portola Drive, which lead to Highway 1 and I-280, making southbound commuting to the Peninsula convenient.

🚲 Not Ideal for Cycling – Due to steep hills and winding roads, biking is possible but best suited for experienced riders or electric bikes.

Proximity to Services, Dining & Shopping

While Clarendon Heights has no commercial zones, it’s located just minutes from vibrant districts including Cole Valley, the Castro, and West Portal.

🛍️ Nearby Commercial Districts:

Cole Valley – Offers boutique dining, bakeries, cafés, and a neighborhood market.
Castro – Features grocery stores, nightlife, cafés, and pharmacies.
Inner Sunset – Ideal for errands, restaurants, and UCSF medical services.

🍽️ Local Dining Favorites Nearby:

Zazie (Cole Valley) – A long-standing brunch and dinner destination.
Frances (Castro) – High-end but intimate modern American cuisine.
Catch (Castro) – Known for seafood and sidewalk dining.
The Ice Cream Bar (Cole Valley) – A retro-style dessert spot with house-made sodas.

Parks, Trails & Outdoor Access

Nature is one of the biggest perks of living in Clarendon Heights. The area sits at the nexus of San Francisco’s best hilltop parks and trail networks.

🌲 Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve – Directly accessible from many streets, this eucalyptus forest offers lush trails, wildlife sightings, and fog-filled ambiance.

🌄 Twin Peaks – A short drive or hike away, known for its iconic 360° views of the Bay Area.

🐕 Walter Haas Playground & Dog Park – Located just downhill, offering city views, play structures, and a popular dog run.

🌳 Interior Greenbelts – Hidden staircases and greenbelts connect Clarendon Heights to nearby neighborhoods and parks, making it a walker’s paradise despite the elevation.

Unique & Little-Known Facts About Clarendon Heights

🔹 Once Considered “Unbuildable” – The area was long overlooked due to its steep grades and shifting terrain, but post-war engineering innovations allowed for unique hillside architecture.

🔹 A Hidden Micro-Community – With limited entry points and few businesses, the neighborhood remains under the radar, even for long-time San Franciscans.

🔹 Views Without the Crowds – Unlike Twin Peaks or Tank Hill, Clarendon Heights offers breathtaking views without the foot traffic or tourists.

🔹 Home to Award-Winning Modern Homes – Several homes in the area have been featured in architectural publications for their innovative designs.

🔹 Bordered by Green on Nearly All Sides – One of the few SF neighborhoods almost entirely surrounded by parkland, giving it a secluded and natural feel.

Why Live in Clarendon Heights?

✅ Large, Private Homes with Exceptional Views
✅ Cool, Foggy Climate and Tree-Covered Hillsides
✅ Easy Access to Forest Trails and Open Space
✅ Quiet Streets, No Commercial Noise
✅ Close to Muni Metro & Bus Lines for Downtown Commutes

Final Thoughts

Clarendon Heights offers a rare blend of seclusion, scale, and nature in the heart of San Francisco. With elevated homes, expansive views, and the forest at your doorstep, it’s ideal for those who value space, privacy, and access to both the outdoors and the city center.

🌁 Live above the skyline. Retreat to the forest. Discover Clarendon Heights.