Presidio Terrace, San Francisco: A Walkable Neighborhood with Strong Schools and Urban Convenience
A residential pocket in northwest San Francisco blending excellent walkability, quality public education, and proximity to the Presidio's open space.
About Presidio Terrace in San Francisco
Presidio Terrace is a desirable northwest San Francisco neighborhood known for exceptional walkability, strong schools, and a mature, affluent residential character. Home to a median household income of $138,008 and a median home value of $1.86 million, this community attracts families and professionals seeking a quieter urban setting with easy access to downtown and the Presidio. The neighborhood's 78 walk score and 83 bike score make daily errands and recreation accessible on foot or bicycle, while its proximity to public transit keeps longer commutes manageable.
Real Estate Market in Presidio Terrace
| Median home price | $1.86m |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | stable |
| Price per sq ft | $850 to $1,100 |
| Median rent | $2,371 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 25 |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 78 |
| Transit Score | 61 |
| Bike Score | 83 |
The Presidio Terrace real estate market commands premium prices reflecting strong local fundamentals and limited housing stock. Properties here trade at a measurable premium to San Francisco's median home value of $1.35 million.
Competition is steady but not as frenetic as downtown neighborhoods. Homes that address deferred maintenance or offer modern updates in a period-home market can attract multiple offers quickly. Financing contingencies and appraisal gaps remain common negotiation points given the price point.
Who Thrives in Presidio Terrace
Entry-level inventory exists, but median prices around $1.86 million exceed most first-time budgets; better suited for those with substantial down payments or co-buyers.
Presidio Terrace excels for families with top public schools like George Peabody Elementary (84.5 rating), strong neighborhood safety, and parks including Mountain Lake Park within walking distance.
Rental demand is solid given the area's desirability and median rent of $2,371; however, owner-occupancy is only 39%, limiting investor yield relative to purchase price.
The neighborhood's walkability (78) and 27.6% work-from-home rate support flexibility; quality coffee and dining nearby include Picnix Bistro and Cafe Europa for informal office space.
Mature neighborhood character, excellent walkability for daily living without a car, and proximity to quality healthcare including CPMC California Campus appeal to active retirees.
Property Types in Presidio Terrace
Predominantly period homes from the 1920s-1940s, often with deferred maintenance; updated homes command significant premiums.
Newer construction and converted multi-family buildings offer modern amenities and lower maintenance than single-family stock.
Duplex and triplex conversions appeal to owner-occupants and small-scale investors.
Living in Presidio Terrace, San Francisco
Daily life in Presidio Terrace centers on walkable shopping, dining, and recreation without requiring a car for most errands. Local cafes like Picnix Bistro and restaurants such as Ironwoods and Chapeau! serve the neighborhood, while Arsicault Bakery and Batches Bakehouse offer casual morning stops. The community's 23.9% of households with children and 47.7% married couples reflect its family orientation; parks including Mountain Lake Park and Presidio Wall Playground provide outdoor space, and the Presidio's trails and open grounds are minutes away by foot or bike.
- Ironwoods · 4 min walk
- Cafe Europa · 7 min walk
- Mandalay · 7 min walk
- Mizutani · 8 min walk
- Chapeau! · 9 min walk
- Picnix Bistro · 7 min walk
- The Richfield · 7 min walk
- Not Latte · 8 min walk
- Ashley's Cafe · 9 min walk
- Cumaica Coffee · 9 min walk
- Presidio Wall Playground · 11 min walk
- Mountain Lake Park · 12 min walk
- Mountain Lake Playground · 15 min walk
- 10th Ave & Clement Children’s Play Area · 15 min walk
- Muriel Leff Children’s Play Area · 15 min walk
- Batches Bakehouse · 9 min walk
- Arsicault Bakery · 9 min walk
- Cheung Hing · 10 min walk
- New Lien Hing Supermarket · 10 min walk
- Harvest Wheat Field Bakery · 11 min walk
- Moxie · 7 min walk
- Active Pilates · 9 min walk
- LivrFitGym · 10 min walk
- Advanced Wellness · 11 min walk
- Mighty Pilates · 11 min walk
- Avenue 12 Gallery · 15 min walk
- Wang Qi Art Institute · 15 min walk
- Gadar Memorial · 18 min walk
- Presidio Theatre · 19 min walk
- Vogue Theatre · 20 min walk
Annual events: Presidio Terrace hosts modest seasonal activities; broader San Francisco cultural events and the Presidio's recreation calendar define the region's calendar.
Schools Near Presidio Terrace, San Francisco
Education is a cornerstone of Presidio Terrace's appeal, with several highly rated public and private schools serving families in the area. The neighborhood benefits from a 74.3% bachelor's degree attainment rate among nearby residents, underscoring the community's emphasis on academics.
Elementary Schools
School Score 84.5 with 82% math and 87% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 64.5 with 67% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 62 with 57% math and 67% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 59.5 with 57% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 74.5 with 72% math and 77% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 62 with 57% math and 67% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 47 with 37% math and 57% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Presidio Hill School (KG-8) — 6-minute walk
- The Laurel School (1-8) — 15-minute walk
- Star Of The Sea School (PK-8) — 18-minute walk
- Zion Lutheran School (KG-8) — 19-minute walk
- San Francisco Day School (KG-8) — 27-minute walk
Feeder pattern: George Peabody Elementary (84.5 rating) feeds into Roosevelt Middle (74.5), which leads to Wallenberg Traditional High (62); families should verify boundary assignments with the San Francisco Unified School District.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Presidio Terrace
Presidio Terrace offers reasonable commute times to major employment hubs, though transit connectivity outside the downtown corridor remains limited compared to central San Francisco neighborhoods. The 31.7% of households driving and 27.6% working from home reflect the neighborhood's car-friendly character.
California Street and Arguello Boulevard host bus lines serving downtown and the waterfront; a walk score of 78 and transit score of 61 support car-free living for nearby amenities, though a vehicle is practical for regional commutes.
Neighborhoods Near Presidio Terrace
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Frequently Asked Questions about Presidio Terrace
What is the average home price in Presidio Terrace, San Francisco?
The median home value in Presidio Terrace is approximately $1.86 million, significantly higher than San Francisco's citywide median of $1.35 million. Single-family homes typically range from $1.5 million to $3.5 million, while condos and townhomes range from $1.2 million to $2.5 million. Prices reflect the neighborhood's excellent schools, walkability, and mature residential character. Properties showing modern updates or original architectural details often command premiums within this range.
Is Presidio Terrace a good place to live?
Yes, for families and professionals seeking walkable urban living with strong schools and community stability. The neighborhood scores 78 on walkability and 83 on bike-friendliness, meaning most daily errands are accessible on foot or bicycle. However, the high median price of $1.86 million and limited inventory make it less accessible for budget-conscious buyers. Residents cite quiet streets, excellent public schools, and proximity to the Presidio's open space as primary appeals.
Are schools in Presidio Terrace highly rated?
Yes. George Peabody Elementary scores 84.5 and is among San Francisco's top public elementary schools, while Roosevelt Middle (74.5) serves the area for grades 6-8. Private options including Presidio Hill School and The Laurel School also serve the neighborhood. The broader area shows a 74.3% bachelor's degree attainment rate, underscoring a culture of academic achievement and parental investment in education.
Is Presidio Terrace safe?
Presidio Terrace is considered one of San Francisco's safer neighborhoods, with a median household income of $138,008 and poverty rate of only 5.2%. Property crimes remain present but are lower than in less affluent areas. The neighborhood's family orientation and mature character contribute to a stable, residential feel. Residents should exercise standard urban awareness, particularly on transit corridors.
Who is Presidio Terrace best for?
Presidio Terrace suits affluent families prioritizing education and walkability, established professionals seeking quiet urban living, and retirees valuing neighborhood stability and low car dependence. First-time buyers on a budget will find prices challenging; investors may struggle to achieve strong cash-on-cash returns given the $1.86 million median and 39% owner-occupancy rate. Remote workers benefit from the walk score and local amenities.
What dining and coffee options are nearby in Presidio Terrace?
The neighborhood hosts a variety of casual and upscale dining. Picnix Bistro serves coffee and light fare, while full-service restaurants like Ironwoods, Cafe Europa, and Chapeau! offer dinner options within walking distance. Bakeries including Arsicault Bakery and Batches Bakehouse are convenient for morning stops. These venues support a walkable lifestyle without reliance on car travel for meals and meetings.
Where this Presidio Terrace data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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