San Francisco is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, vibe, and lifestyle. However, nestled in the southwest side of the city lies a neighborhood that feels unlike any other in San Francisco — St Francis Wood. If you’re curious about what it’s like to live in this spectacular area, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about living in St Francis Wood neighborhood in San Francisco, from the stunning homes and expansive lots to the local amenities, parks, and nearby West Portal’s vibrant restaurant scene.
This neighborhood truly feels like a hidden village within the city. With its tree-lined streets, large lots, and grand homes, it transports you away from the hustle and bustle, offering a peaceful and elegant lifestyle. Whether you’re considering a move here or simply want to learn more about this unique pocket of San Francisco, this article will walk you through the charm, history, real estate market, and community features that make St Francis Wood so special.
Table of Contents
- Discovering St Francis Wood: Location and Neighborhood Vibe
- Inside the Homes of St Francis Wood: Grandeur and Space
- Outdoor Living: The Backyard Oasis
- Community and Amenities: Parks, HOA, and Walkability
- Exploring West Portal: Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
- Real Estate Market Insights: St Francis Wood vs. West Portal
- Weather and Lifestyle Considerations
- Why Choose St Francis Wood?
- FAQs About Living In St Francis Wood Neighborhood In San Francisco
- Conclusion: Is St Francis Wood the Right Neighborhood for You?
Discovering St Francis Wood: Location and Neighborhood Vibe
One of the first things you’ll notice about St Francis Wood is that it doesn’t feel like any other San Francisco neighborhood. The sprawling lots and grand homes set it apart, giving it a feel that’s almost reminiscent of Southern California—minus the warm weather.
Located on the southwest side of San Francisco, St Francis Wood is bordered by Portola to one side and West Portal on the other. It’s situated close to major transit routes like the 280 freeway, making it convenient for commuting downtown or heading to the South Bay for work.
Despite its proximity to the city center, the neighborhood feels tranquil and secluded, thanks to its large lots, treelined streets, and lack of commercial bustle within its borders. The streets are wide and flat, which is a rarity in San Francisco, making walking or biking around the area a pleasant experience.
A Neighborhood Unlike Any Other in San Francisco
Many residents and visitors feel like they’ve been transported out of the city when they step into St Francis Wood. The neighborhood’s unique charm comes from its master-planned layout and the architectural styles of the homes, which are reminiscent of storybook villages with colonial-style houses and meticulous landscaping.
In fact, St Francis Wood is one of only 11 master-planned communities in San Francisco. This careful planning is evident in how the neighborhood maintains its beauty and consistent aesthetic, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.
The lots here are large—much larger than typical San Francisco parcels—giving homeowners ample space for manicured lawns, gardens, and privacy. This also means that many homes have detached garages, usually situated on the side of the property.
Inside the Homes of St Francis Wood: Grandeur and Space
One of the highlights of living in St Francis Wood is the scale and grandeur of the homes. Most homes in this neighborhood are spacious, typically around 3,000 square feet, with large lots that provide plenty of room both inside and out.
Many of these homes have been in the same families for decades, which means that finding an updated home can be a challenge. However, updated homes do exist, and they often feature a mix of classic charm and modern finishes.
A Tour of a Beautifully Updated Home
Let’s take a closer look at one such home that was fully updated down to the studs in 2019. It’s a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with over 3,000 square feet of living space. This particular home sold in just 14 days for just over $4 million, which is right around the median price point for the neighborhood.
The first thing you notice upon entering is the sheer amount of space. Unlike many other San Francisco neighborhoods where homes are attached or very close together, St Francis Wood homes are detached, allowing for windows on multiple sides. This design floods the interiors with natural light and creates a strong sense of privacy.
The scale of each room is impressive, with a lot of “wasted” space in the best possible way. Unlike more condensed neighborhoods like Noe Valley, where space is at a premium and every square foot is maximized, here you can enjoy generous living areas that contribute to a feeling of grandeur.
This home’s open-concept dining area flows seamlessly into the kitchen, which boasts classic white cabinets, timeless subway tile backsplash, and a high-end LOR range. The finishes are modern but respectful of the home’s traditional style, striking a perfect balance between old and new.
The Private Retreat: Primary Bedroom and Baths
Heading upstairs, the primary bedroom is truly massive, underscoring the neighborhood’s hallmark of spaciousness. The room retains original details while incorporating modern updates, which is a big draw for buyers who want the best of both worlds.
The primary bathroom features a luxurious clawfoot tub alongside a contemporary shower. The walk-in closet is enormous, offering ample space for wardrobes and storage — a dream for anyone who values closet space.
Additionally, there are two other well-sized bedrooms and a beautifully updated bathroom on this level, making it ideal for families or those who want extra space for guests or home offices.
Additional Features: Wine Cellar and Living Space
This home also includes a chilled wine cellar — a perfect touch for wine enthusiasts, which many residents in the area are. There's also an additional living space downstairs that can serve multiple purposes, from a family room to a home gym or entertainment area.
Outdoor Living: The Backyard Oasis
One of the standout features of this home, and somewhat unusual for St Francis Wood, is the large backyard. Typically, much of the lot space in the neighborhood is dedicated to the front yard, so having a spacious backyard is a rarity.
This backyard is an entertainer’s dream, with a fountain, fire pit, seating areas, and even room to play basketball. Because it opens directly off the kitchen, it serves as a natural extension of the living space — ideal for hosting gatherings or relaxing outdoors.
Community and Amenities: Parks, HOA, and Walkability
St Francis Wood is not just about beautiful homes; it’s also about community. The neighborhood boasts a lovely park with basketball courts, tennis courts, and a playground for kids. This park is part of the Homeowners Association (HOA) and is intended primarily for residents, although it’s accessible to visitors as well.
The Role of the Homeowners Association
As a master-planned community, St Francis Wood has an HOA, which is somewhat rare for San Francisco neighborhoods. The HOA fees vary based on the size of the home and can range from about $2,000 to over $5,000 annually.
What do you get for these fees? The HOA manages architectural standards, ensuring that homes maintain their historic charm and that lawns are properly manicured. Homeowners must get approval from the architectural board before making any changes to the front façade, which helps preserve the neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal.
Walkability and Access to Amenities
While St Francis Wood itself is primarily residential with few shops or restaurants, it is only about a 10-minute walk from the bustling West Portal neighborhood. West Portal offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, and essential services, making it easy to access daily needs without a car.
The neighborhood’s flat terrain makes walking pleasant, and public transit is excellent. The nearby West Portal MUNI station is one of the city’s best, with three lines running underground, avoiding traffic delays common in other parts of the city.
Exploring West Portal: Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
West Portal has evolved from a sleepy neighborhood hub into a lively destination. It boasts a variety of new restaurants, including the recently opened Elena’s, a large and gorgeous Mexican restaurant that’s quickly becoming a local favorite.
Other establishments include Little Joe’s, a popular spot with multiple locations throughout the city, and various specialty shops like Pilates studios, hair salons, and dog groomers. There’s even a bakery from Noe Valley expanding into the area, offering sweet treats to locals.
Stonestown Mall: A Nearby Shopping and Entertainment Hub
Just a short distance away is Stonestown Mall, which has undergone significant revitalization in recent years. It now features a Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Molly Stones grocery store, and a modern theater. The mall also offers many options for kids and families, including a bowling alley with karaoke and pickleball, as well as a virtual arcade game center.
This variety makes Stonestown a convenient and fun place for residents of St Francis Wood and West Portal to shop and enjoy entertainment.
Real Estate Market Insights: St Francis Wood vs. West Portal
When it comes to real estate, St Francis Wood is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in San Francisco. Last year, there were 14 home sales with an average price per square foot around $1,250, topping out at about $1,600 per square foot for the most expensive properties.
The highest sale was just under $6 million, with the average hovering around $4 million. This high price is largely due to the size of the homes—most are around 3,000 square feet—and the desirability of the neighborhood.
In contrast, West Portal offers more affordable options with homes averaging about 2,200 square feet and prices ranging from $1.4 million to $3.5 million. While still a beautiful area with tree-lined streets, the homes are smaller and priced accordingly.
One key factor influencing price is proximity to walkable areas and public transit. Homes closer to the walkable commercial areas in West Portal can rival St Francis Wood’s price per square foot, sometimes reaching $1,300 or more. However, as you move further west, away from public transit and amenities, prices tend to decrease.
Weather and Lifestyle Considerations
Living in St Francis Wood means experiencing San Francisco’s famous microclimates. The neighborhood sits in a middle zone when it comes to weather. While the further west you go, the foggier it tends to get, St Francis Wood enjoys a mix—about 60% foggy or overcast days and 40% sunny days.
If you’re particularly sensitive to weather, it’s a good idea to visit the neighborhood multiple times at different times of day and year to get a true feel for the climate.
Why Choose St Francis Wood?
- Spacious, Grand Homes: Large lots and detached homes with generous square footage provide a lifestyle of luxury and privacy.
- Master-Planned Community: Thoughtful neighborhood design and HOA oversight maintain the area’s charm and beauty.
- Excellent Transit Access: Close proximity to freeway and MUNI lines make commuting easy.
- Close to Amenities: Walkable to West Portal’s shops and restaurants, and a short drive to Stonestown Mall.
- Outdoor Recreation: Neighborhood parks with tennis, basketball, and playgrounds offer plenty of options for active residents.
- Unique Neighborhood Feel: Feels like a peaceful village within the city, with tree-lined streets and storybook homes.
FAQs About Living In St Francis Wood Neighborhood In San Francisco
What is the average home price in St Francis Wood?
The average home price in St Francis Wood is around $4 million, with prices ranging from approximately $3.5 million to $6 million depending on the size and updates of the home.
Are the homes in St Francis Wood updated or mostly original?
Many homes have been in families for years and retain their original charm, but there are updated homes available. Buyers often look for homes that blend original architectural details with modern amenities.
Is there an HOA in St Francis Wood?
Yes, St Francis Wood has an HOA with annual fees ranging from $2,000 to over $5,000. The HOA oversees architectural standards and landscaping to maintain the neighborhood’s character.
How walkable is St Francis Wood?
While St Francis Wood itself is primarily residential with limited commercial options, it is only about a 10-minute walk from West Portal, which has many shops, restaurants, and transit options.
What public transit options are available?
The West Portal MUNI station nearby offers three underground lines, providing quick and reliable transit connections to downtown and other parts of San Francisco.
How is the weather in St Francis Wood?
The neighborhood experiences typical San Francisco microclimate patterns, with about 60% overcast or foggy days and 40% sunny days. It is less foggy than areas closer to the ocean but more than neighborhoods on the east side of the city.
What amenities are nearby?
West Portal offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Stonestown Mall nearby provides grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, a modern movie theater, and family-friendly entertainment options.
Conclusion: Is St Francis Wood the Right Neighborhood for You?
Living in St Francis Wood neighborhood in San Francisco offers a rare blend of spacious luxury, historic charm, and community-centric living. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels like a peaceful retreat from the city but still provides easy access to downtown and essential amenities, St Francis Wood is hard to beat.
From grand homes with large yards to a welcoming community with parks and excellent transit options, this neighborhood stands out as one of San Francisco’s true gems. And with West Portal just a short walk away, you can enjoy the best of both worlds — serene suburban-style living with vibrant urban conveniences close at hand.
If you’re considering making a move to this beautiful area or want to learn more about the real estate market here, feel free to reach out at 415-735-5867 . Whether you’re looking for a family home, a quiet retreat, or an investment in one of San Francisco’s most unique neighborhoods, St Francis Wood offers an unparalleled lifestyle.
