Sea Cliff is a neighborhood known for its grand properties, ocean and bay views, family culture, and pristine park-like pathways---perfect for strolling in the sunshine. From the northwest corner of San Francisco where Sutro Baths once laid, and curving around to the historic China Beach, Sea Cliff is an area with plenty to explore.
Most neighborhood homes--a term often synonymous with estates in Sea Cliff--have been meticulously maintained. Homeowners here enjoy spacious lots, luscious landscape, scenic streets, and much more. Prior to joining the city’s most-desirable neighborhoods list, the land was part of the “Baker Tract,” and confirmed in the Outside Lands Act of 1873. Back then this...
Sea Cliff is a neighborhood known for its grand properties, ocean and bay views, family culture, and pristine park-like pathways---perfect for strolling in the sunshine. From the northwest corner of San Francisco where Sutro Baths once laid, and curving around to the historic China Beach, Sea Cliff is an area with plenty to explore.
Most neighborhood homes--a term often synonymous with estates in Sea Cliff--have been meticulously maintained. Homeowners here enjoy spacious lots, luscious landscape, scenic streets, and much more. Prior to joining the city’s most-desirable neighborhoods list, the land was part of the “Baker Tract,” and confirmed in the Outside Lands Act of 1873. Back then this area was deemed unlivable; partially because going to and from San Francisco’s downtown hub required day-long commutes. According to The Western Neighborhoods Project, the first house in Sea Cliff was located at One 25th Avenue and built around 1906 to 1908.
While Noe Valley and Glen Park have become the latest in spots for young families during these post-recession times, there are still bargain opportunities to be had in Sea Cliff. Buyers who want a more traditional home in a quiet setting---and can live without a short walk to the nearest coffee shop---can now find something superb for under $2M here. This spells o-p-p-o-r-t-u-n-i-t-y for those working in the Financial District, on the North Side of San Francisco, or Marin County. However Sea Cliff’s supply of luxury homes still abounds, and it’s not uncommon to see ocean-front properties step onto the market for $5M and higher. Sea Cliff runs somewhat on the smaller side, so search for District 1F when looking on the San Francisco REALTORS® map. And don’t worry---that doesn’t mean the neighborhood is the Siberia of the city---not by a long shot!
One of the best neighborhood walks is along the Golden Gate National Recreational Area (GGNRA) Coastal Trail at Lands End, between the Legion of Honor and the Cliff House. It offers spectacular ocean vistas and depending on where you begin---the Cliff House, Legion of Honor Cafe, or Louie’s Restaurant---are all great spots to take a break before embarking on your returning trip. Shipwrecks from the 1920s and 30s can be seen from the trails and viewpoints as well. There was a time when the Fort Miley military reservation operated gun batteries along the Lands End cliffs, and remnants are still scattered throughout the rock outcroppings.
A yearly membership to the DeYoung Museum and Legion of Honor is a must for Sea Cliff residents, as it grants access to the Legion Cafe at all times---even if you’re not in the mood to tour the latest museum exhibit! Although the weather at Baker Beach tends to stay on the cooler side, children can be found jumping in the surf and playing in the sand almost any day. Without a doubt this area is for beach lovers of all ages. If you’re a golfer, then you already know that Lincoln Park is home to one of the most beautiful courses in the North state, complete with dramatic ocean vistas and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Imagine living within walking distance to a world famous golf course?!
Just a short drive away is the Clement Street shopping district, which provides a plethora of grocery shopping and countless restaurants to dine at for any occasion. A few blocks further to the east is the Laurel Village shopping center, which offers superb foodie options at Cal-mart and Bryan’s Quality Meats. It’s also where you’ll find unique boutiques as well as the local hardware store.
Although some buyers feel that Sea Cliff is a long way from the city’s center, it’s only minutes to the Golden Gate Bridge. The MUNI 1AX/1BX Express routes, traveling up and down California Street, grant speedy commutes to those heading for the Financial District. Lastly, there are both public and private schools serving the Sea Cliff neighborhood. So, you ask---what is there not to love about this place? The answer: we don’t know? You tell us!
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