Presidio Terrace, San Francisco: A Walkable Neighborhood with Strong Schools and Urban Convenience

Additionally, 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.

Boundary note: Presidio Terrace encompasses the area roughly bounded by California Street to the south, Arguello Boulevard to the east, the Presidio boundary to the west, and Geary Boulevard to the north.

Real Estate Market in Presidio Terrace

Presidio Terrace at a glance
Median home price$1.86m
Year over year changestable
Price per sq ft$850 to $1,100
Median rent$2,371
Typical days on market18 to 25
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score78
Transit Score61
Bike Score83

Additionally, 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.

$1.86m
stable YoY
Median Price
$850 to $1,100
Price / Sq Ft
$2,371
Median Rent
18 to 25
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Competition is steady but not as frenetic as downtown neighborhoods. Additionally, 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

F
First-time Buyers
Fair fit

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.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Additionally, 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.

G
Investors
Good fit

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.

S
Remote Workers
Strong fit

Additionally, 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.

S
Retirees
Strong fit

Additionally, 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

Single-Family Homes
55%
$1.5m to $3.5m

Predominantly period homes from the 1920s-1940s, often with deferred maintenance; updated homes command significant premiums.

Condos & Townhomes
35%
$1.2m to $2.5m

Additionally, newer construction and converted multi-family buildings offer modern amenities and lower maintenance than single-family stock.

Smaller Multi-Unit
10%
$2m to $4m+

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. Additionally, 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.

78/100
Walk Score
Very Walkable
61/100
Transit Score
Good Transit
83/100
Bike Score
Very Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • Ironwoods · 4 min walk
  • Cafe Europa · 7 min walk
  • Mandalay · 7 min walk
  • Mizutani · 8 min walk
  • Chapeau! · 9 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • 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
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • 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
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • 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
🏋 Fitness
  • Moxie · 7 min walk
  • Active Pilates · 9 min walk
  • LivrFitGym · 10 min walk
  • Advanced Wellness · 11 min walk
  • Mighty Pilates · 11 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • 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

Additionally, 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

8.4/10
Peabody (George) Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
9-minute walk

School Score 84.5 with 82% math and 87% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
6.5/10
Sutro Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
17-minute walk

School Score 64.5 with 67% math and 62% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
6.2/10
New Traditions Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
29-minute walk

School Score 62 with 57% math and 67% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
6.0/10
Mccoppin (Frank) Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
22-minute walk

School Score 59.5 with 57% math and 62% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

7.5/10
Roosevelt Middle
Middle School · 6–8
11-minute walk

School Score 74.5 with 72% math and 77% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

High Schools

6.2/10
Wallenberg (Raoul) Traditional High
High School · 9–12
25-minute walk

School Score 62 with 57% math and 67% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.7/10
Gateway High
High School · 9–12
34-minute walk

School Score 47 with 37% math and 57% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
n/a
Gateway High
High School · 9–12
34-minute walk Proximitii 2026
n/a
Mary L. Booker Leadership Academy
High School · 6–12
39-minute walk Proximitii 2026

Private 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

Additionally, 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.

Downtown San Francisco (Financial District)
Drive: 12 to 18 minutesTransit: 20 to 30 minutes
South San Francisco / San Mateo (Peninsula tech corridors)
Drive: 25 to 40 minutesTransit: 45 to 65 minutes
SFO International Airport
Drive: 20 to 30 minutesTransit: 35 to 50 minutes

Additionally, 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.

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. Additionally, 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%. Additionally, property crimes remain present but are lower than in less affluent areas. Moreover, 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! Additionally, 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. 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 Presidio Terrace

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