Balboa Terrace, San Francisco: Complete Homebuyer & Realtor Guide
Historic residential park with suburban tranquility downtown
About Balboa Terrace, San Francisco
Balboa Terrace, San Francisco, California is a small residential neighborhood in the West of Twin Peaks area developed in the 1910s–1920s as one of the city's early planned residence parks, spanning roughly 0.09 square miles with under 1,000 residents and bounded by Junipero Serra Boulevard to the west, Monterey Boulevard to the north, San Aleso Avenue to the east, and Ocean Avenue to the south. Located in ZIP code 94127, this exclusive enclave features Harold Stoner-designed homes reflecting Storybook style architecture with turrets and balconies, from small English cottages to grand Spanish Colonial and Italian Renaissance Revival style homes.
The neighborhood has a population density of 14.1 people per acre with a median age of 48, average household income of $237,243, and 71.3% college graduates, with 89.7% of residents owning their homes. Balboa Terrace is popular among well-to-do professionals looking for a quiet, luxurious home that is out of the city fray but in close proximity to convenient commute and everyday amenities, offering excellent quality-of-life indicators with low crime rates and a peaceful environment due to minimal through-traffic.
Balboa Terrace Real Estate Market 2026
On average, homes in Balboa Terrace sell after 11 days on the market with a median sale price of $2,120,000 over the last 12 months, down 23% from the previous 12 months. The San Francisco market has entered a recovery phase marked by rising buyer confidence, though not every segment is moving at the same pace.
Expect 2-4 competing offers on well-priced Period Revival homes, typically 3-8% over asking with standard contingencies and 21-30 day close given the luxury price point.
Driven by a booming local economy with unemployment at 3.7%, buyers stepped off the sidelines with conviction as the "wait for rates to drop to 3%" crowd realized that ~6% is the new normal.
Source: Homes.com, Q1 2026
Is Balboa Terrace Right for You?
Balboa Terrace, San Francisco suits different buyers in different ways. Here’s who thrives here — and who should consider alternatives.
Access to highly-rated Commodore Sloat Elementary School (7/10 GreatSchools rating) within walking distance, plus safe pedestrian pathways and low crime rates with minimal through-traffic and separated walkways where children can safely walk to school.
SFUSD lottery system, premium home prices require substantial household income
Walk Score of 80 with excellent public transportation, proximity to West Portal Muni Metro station and Balboa Park BART station for tech commutes, plus nearby West Portal Avenue with restaurants and cafés.
Limited nightlife within neighborhood, may feel too quiet for some
Peaceful environment with low crime rates, excellent public transportation, and convenient grocery shopping at West Portal Produce Market and Stonestown Galleria nearby.
Steep hills on Mount Davidson slopes, limited single-story options
Types of Homes in Balboa Terrace
Balboa Terrace is a neighborhood of well-kept single-family homes with beautifully manicured landscaping, many designed by San Francisco architect Harold Stoner reflecting the Storybook style of architecture.
Period Revival Single-Family Homes
Harold Stoner architectural design, underground utilities, landscaped streets
Historic homes may need updating, limited inventory
Luxury Single-Family Homes
Updated amenities, larger lots, architectural significance
Premium pricing, higher property taxes
How to Sell Balboa Terrace to Your Clients
Ideal client match: Affluent families and professionals seeking historic character, quiet living, and suburban feel within San Francisco, with household incomes exceeding $400K to comfortably afford the premium pricing.
5 Talking Points
- 1 Crime score of 3 out of 10, making it safer than the average U.S. neighborhood
- 2 89.7% owner-occupancy rate shows strong community investment
- 3 Underground utilities and landscaped streetscapes with no overhead wires for clean appearance
- 4 Straightforward access to I-280 and Highway 1 via 19th Avenue for commuting
- 5 Historic 1920 Mission-style streetcar shelter and gateway remains iconic neighborhood landmark
Handling Common Objections
Living in Balboa Terrace, San Francisco
- West Portal Avenue dining
- Stonestown Galleria food court
- Ocean Avenue restaurants
- Nearby Balboa Street spots
25+ restaurants · $$–$$$
- West Portal coffee spots
- Local neighborhood cafés
- Stonestown Galleria
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Mount Davidson Park
· regional park
highest point in San Francisco with hiking trails -
Balboa Park
· regional park
sports fields and recreation facilities
- West Portal Produce Market
- Stonestown Galleria grocery
- Nearby Safeway
- Stonestown YMCA
- Local yoga studios
- Mount Davidson hiking
Annual events: Neighborhood association meetings · Block parties · Community garden events
Schools Near Balboa Terrace, San Francisco
Balboa Terrace families have access to highly-rated Commodore Sloat Elementary School (7/10 on GreatSchools) which has been at its Ocean Avenue location since the 1860s and is within walking distance for many families. The area is served by San Francisco Unified School District including West Portal Elementary and Abraham Lincoln High School.
Public Schools
Has an A Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 25:1
GreatSchools 2025Has a Niche grade of A- and GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10
GreatSchools 2025Private Schools Nearby
- Stratford School (Private K–8) — Has an A+ Niche grade with student teacher ratio of 11:1
- Archbishop Riordan High School (Catholic High School) — Has an A+ Niche grade with student teacher ratio of 18:1
Source: GreatSchools, SFUSD 2025
Commute from Balboa Terrace
Public transportation is nearby and access to I-280 and Highway 1, which runs along 19th Avenue, is straightforward. Residents benefit from nearby West Portal Muni Metro station and access to Balboa Park BART station.
Frequently Asked Questions: Balboa Terrace, San Francisco
Answers to the most common questions homebuyers and realtors ask about Balboa Terrace, San Francisco, California.
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The median home price in Balboa Terrace is $2,525,000. Recent sales show homes selling for a median of $2,120,000 over the last 12 months, reflecting the premium for this exclusive residential park with Period Revival architecture and manicured landscaping.
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Yes, Balboa Terrace is excellent for those seeking suburban tranquility within the city. Quality-of-life indicators are generally excellent with low crime rates and a peaceful environment, receiving a crime score of 3 out of 10, safer than the average U.S. neighborhood.
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Excellent for families. Families have access to highly-rated Commodore Sloat Elementary School (7/10 GreatSchools rating) within walking distance, safe pedestrian pathways where children can walk to school, and minimal through-traffic creating a peaceful environment.
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Commodore Sloat Elementary School (7/10 on GreatSchools) and Balboa High School with GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10 and Niche grade of A-. Private options include Stratford School (A+ Niche grade) and Archbishop Riordan High School (A+ Niche grade). All schools operate under SFUSD's lottery assignment system.
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Balboa Terrace has a Walk Score of 80, meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot. The neighborhood features landscaped streetscapes with pedestrian pathways and is just blocks from West Portal Avenue's commercial district.
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"You're in the city but it has this country feel," says local Realtor Mark Peschel, describing this well-kept planned development from the 1920s. Located on Mount Davidson's western slope, some homes have Pacific Ocean views, and all benefit from fresh ocean air in the cool, misty climate typical of western San Francisco.
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Many homes were designed by architect Harold Stoner reflecting Storybook style with turrets and balconies, ranging from small English cottages to grand Spanish Colonial and Italian Renaissance Revival style homes. Nearly all homes are owner-occupied single-family houses, typically priced between $2M-$4M.
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Very safe. Balboa Terrace is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States with a crime score of 3 out of 10. Residents enjoy low crime rates and a peaceful environment due to minimal through-traffic.
Neighborhoods Near Balboa Terrace
Not sure Balboa Terrace is the right fit? Compare these nearby San Francisco neighborhoods.
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Data sources: Redfin, Zillow, California Association of Realtors, US Census ACS 2023,
GreatSchools, Walk Score, OpenStreetMap.
Content generated 2026. Always verify current market data with a licensed real estate professional.
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