Is Balboa Terrace, Daly City a Good Place to Live?
Additionally, balboa Terrace combines exceptional walkability, quality schools, and a prosperous community character that sets it apart across the Bay Area.
About Balboa Terrace in Daly City
Balboa Terrace represents one of Daly City's strongest residential communities, anchored by a walk score of 89 and median home values exceeding $1.75 million. Additionally, the neighborhood skews affluent and established, with a median household income of $214,582 and 88.3% owner occupancy, creating a stable, invested community. Families and established professionals dominate here, attracted by proximity to top-rated schools, extensive walkable retail and dining, and reliable transit connections to San Francisco and beyond.
Real Estate Market in Balboa Terrace
| Median home price | $1.76M |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3% to +5% |
| Price per sq ft | $980 to $1,050 |
| Median rent | $1,969 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 24 |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 89 |
| Transit Score | 70 |
| Bike Score | 68 |
Additionally, balboa Terrace commands among Daly City's highest values, reflecting its combination of walkability, schools, and established character. The market remains competitive but less frenzied than core San Francisco neighborhoods.
Properties in Balboa Terrace typically see multiple offers within the first week. Prepare your financing pre-approval and consider including a brief personal letter. Homes priced above $1.8M may linger slightly longer and offer negotiation room.
Who Thrives in Balboa Terrace
Balboa Terrace's $1.76M median price stretches most first-time buyer budgets, though some townhomes and smaller properties offer entry points closer to $1.3M to $1.5M.
Additionally, the neighborhood's strong schools, playgrounds like Terrace Green Park, and 23.9% population with children create an ideal family environment with high owner occupancy and community stability.
Additionally, rental demand remains steady at $1,969 median rent, and the 88.3% owner-occupancy rate signals a desirable long-term hold with steady appreciation potential.
With 32.5% of residents working from home and a transit score of 70, Balboa Terrace accommodates flexibility while maintaining excellent connectivity to in-office meetings across the region.
Additionally, the median age of 48.7 years and low poverty rate of 5.9% reflect a stable, mature community with strong healthcare access, walkable services, and established social networks.
Property Types in Balboa Terrace
Additionally, dominate the neighborhood; most feature driveways, yards, and 3+ bedrooms, representing the backbone of Balboa Terrace's family appeal.
Additionally, offer lower entry points and reduced maintenance, appealing to downsizers and investors seeking the neighborhood's walkability without single-family upkeep.
Infill projects occasionally appear on Junipero Serra Boulevard and side streets, typically commanding premiums for energy efficiency and modern finishes.
Living in Balboa Terrace, Daly City
Daily life in Balboa Terrace unfolds around a vibrant Ocean Avenue commercial spine and leafy residential blocks. Residents enjoy rapid walks to Dinosaurs coffee, Ambrosia Fine Bakery, and a range of international dining options including Jitra and Shabu House. Terrace Green Park anchors family recreation, while proximity to Whole Foods Market and West Portal Produce Market ensures high-quality grocery access. The neighborhood feels established and quiet on residential streets, yet buzzing with foot traffic and local character along the main avenue.
- Jitra · 6 min walk
- Shabu House · 7 min walk
- Villa d' Este · 7 min walk
- Wang Dae Bak · 7 min walk
- Lucho's · 8 min walk
- Dinosaurs · 6 min walk
- Ambrosia Fine Bakery & Cafe · 7 min walk
- My Cup of Tea (Cool Tea Bar) · 8 min walk
- Greenhouse · 10 min walk
- 85°C · 13 min walk
- Aptos Playground Children's Play Area · 6 min walk
- Aptos Playground · 6 min walk
- Terrace Green Park Playground · 10 min walk
- Terrace Green Park · 10 min walk
- Stern Grove Playground · 13 min walk
- Zanze's Cheesecake · 3 min walk
- Ambrosia Fine Bakery & Cafe · 7 min walk
- Whole Foods Market · 12 min walk
- West Portal Produce Market · 12 min walk
- 85°C · 13 min walk
- Classical Pilates Studio · 7 min walk
- City Sports Club · 11 min walk
- YMCA · 12 min walk
- Pilates Story · 13 min walk
- Pure Barre · 13 min walk
- Gregangelo Museum · 2 min walk
- Regal Stonestown Galleria · 12 min walk
- CinéArts at the Empire · 15 min walk
- Round1 · 15 min walk
- Rhoda Goldman Concert Meadow · 17 min walk
Annual events: Daly City summer street fairs, West Portal neighborhood clean-ups, Stonestown seasonal events
Schools Near Balboa Terrace, Daly City
Balboa Terrace feeds into well-regarded Daly City and San Francisco Unified schools, with several top-tier options within walking distance. Sloat (Commodore) Elementary scores 69.5 and sits nearby, while Aptos Middle (54) and Lowell High (87.5) represent solid progression through high school.
Elementary Schools
School Score 69.5 with 67% math and 72% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 66.5 with 65% math and 68% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 66 with 67% math and 65% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 35.5 with 31% math and 40% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 59 with 57% math and 61% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 54 with 50% math and 58% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 87.5 with 83% math and 92% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 62 with 57% math and 67% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 57 with 49% math and 65% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 47 with 32% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- West Portal Lutheran School (KG-8) — 11-minute walk
- St Stephen School (KG-8) — 13-minute walk
- St Cecilia School (KG-8) — 17-minute walk
- Lakeside Presbyterian Center For Children (PK-KG) — 17-minute walk
- Stratford School – San Francisco (PK-5) — 18-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Families often transition to highly competitive Lowell High, which accepts applications district-wide and scores 87.5, making elementary school choice less rigid than traditional boundaries.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Balboa Terrace
Additionally, balboa Terrace benefits from both vehicle and transit infrastructure, with Ocean Avenue and Junipero Serra Boulevard offering multiple routing options. A transit score of 70 reflects solid bus and light rail access, though many residents rely on personal vehicles for flexibility.
Additionally, muni bus lines along Ocean Avenue and Junipero Serra provide frequent service; BART access via Daly City station (3 to 5 miles) connects to downtown San Francisco, SFO, and the Peninsula.
Neighborhoods Near Balboa Terrace
Not sure Balboa Terrace is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Balboa Terrace
What is the average home price in Balboa Terrace, Daly City?
The median home value in Balboa Terrace stands at approximately $1.76 million, reflecting the neighborhood's premium status within Daly City. Additionally, prices range from around $1.3 million for smaller townhomes to over $2.2 million for larger single-family homes. Moreover, this substantially exceeds the Daly City median of $1.07 million, positioning Balboa Terrace among the city's most affluent neighborhoods. Rental properties command a median of $1,969 per month, indicating steady tenant demand.
Is Balboa Terrace a good neighborhood to live in?
Yes, Balboa Terrace offers strong appeal for families and established professionals. Additionally, the neighborhood combines a walk score of 89, excellent schools like Sloat Elementary and Lowell High, a median household income of $214,582, and 88.3% owner occupancy that reflects stable, invested community stewardship. Moreover, the low poverty rate of 5.9% and median age of 48.7 years underscore a mature, prosperous character. Tradeoffs include higher prices and occasional fog typical of coastal Daly City.
Which schools serve Balboa Terrace?
Sloat (Commodore) Elementary (69.5 rating) and West Portal Elementary (66 rating) are the primary feeders for younger children. Aptos Middle (54 rating) and Hoover Middle (59 rating) serve middle grades, while students advance to Lowell High (87.5 rating), one of San Francisco's most competitive schools. Several private options including West Portal Lutheran School and St. Stephen School also operate nearby, offering religious and alternative curricula.
How safe is Balboa Terrace?
Balboa Terrace maintains strong safety metrics, with a 5.9% poverty rate and high owner-occupancy rates creating an invested, stable community. The neighborhood benefits from regular police patrols and active neighborhood associations. While all urban areas warrant standard precautions, Balboa Terrace's affluent, established character and family orientation translate to lower-than-average crime rates compared to nearby areas.
Who is Balboa Terrace best suited for?
Balboa Terrace suits families seeking top schools, established professionals valuing walkability and stability, and retirees drawn to the mature community and accessible services. The neighborhood's $1.76M median price excludes budget-conscious first-time buyers, though townhome segments around $1.3M to $1.5M provide possible entry points. Remote workers and investors also find strong value in the neighborhood's combination of walkability, reliable transit, and appreciation potential.
What dining and shopping is available in Balboa Terrace?
Ocean Avenue and surrounding blocks offer substantial walkable retail and dining. Additionally, coffee and bakery options include Dinosaurs, Ambrosia Fine Bakery & Cafe, and 85 Degrees. Moreover, for dinner, Jitra (Thai), Shabu House (hot pot), and Villa d'Este (Italian) represent neighborhood staples. Whole Foods Market and West Portal Produce Market provide premium grocery access. The walk score of 89 means most daily needs are accessible on foot, with Stonestown Galleria and nearby centers offering additional shopping within a short drive or bus ride.
Where this Balboa Terrace data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, 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.
Find Your Home in Balboa Terrace
Additionally, connect with a local agent who understands Balboa Terrace's market dynamics, school transitions, and community character to identify your ideal property.
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