$1,662,943Average Value$288Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Colorful San Francisco neighborhood next to Golden Gate Park
Central Sunset, located on the western side of San Francisco, is a highly walkable neighborhood notorious for its vibrant housing landscape – where colorful row houses with decorative accents uniformly line along the residential streetscapes. While slightly removed from the bustling inner-city districts but still close enough to commute, the neighborhood is conveniently minutes away from authentic local establishments and the city’s iconic Golden Gate Park. Central Sunset also sits between two other corridors that make up the city’s greater Sunset District – with beachy Outer Sunset to the west and trendy Inner Sunset to the east. “Sunset has become really hip as people have been moving away from the city center. It’s a suburban part of San Francisco that has excellent schools,” says Realtor Janice Lee of Coldwell Banker, who grew up in the city. Central Sunset is considered the more residential-focused neighborhood in the greater Sunset area. “Outer Sunset is next to us, and it’s a little more bohemian with cool spots, but Central Sunset has many more homeowners, which makes a difference,” says Tom Iglesias, a longtime resident and Facilities Coordinator at the neighborhood’s Sunset Rec Center. “A lot of people know each other and have been living here for years, so this makes people more invested in the community. It’s a little more affluent than other parts of the city with less crime too, and it’s also widely considered one of the top neighborhoods in San Francisco.”
An aerial view of Central Sunset.
Central Sunset's homes blend many different architectural styles together.
Irvine Street buzzes with energy, embodying the dynamic spirit of Central Sunset.
Golden Gate Park has a wealth of places to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
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Marina-style homes with stucco roofs
The neighborhood’s wide streets feature narrow sidewalks and are lined with uniform rowhouses, often painted with a patchwork of soft pastel colors. The housing architecture is predominantly Marina- and Spanish-style homes, typically adorned with stucco roofs, large bay windows and ornate balconies that give off a Mediterranean feel. Homes here were largely built in the 1920s and ‘30s and are typically two stories, with a garage on the first floor and a living space above. While not as well-shaded due to the neighborhood’s lack of front property lawns, pops of greenery, such as California Bay Laurel trees and the occasional palm tree, are still sprinkled throughout Central Sunset’s streetscapes. The neighborhood also connects to a few mixed residential and commercial thoroughfares, allowing residents to conveniently walk from their homes to many area stores, service shops and eateries. Home prices range from $770,000 for smaller, 1,500-square-foot homes and can go up to $3.1 million for larger, around 3,500-square-foot properties with at least four bedrooms.
The Sunset is filled with two-story homes.
Central Sunset during spring is bright and full of colors.
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Local breweries and longstanding coffee shops
Residents benefit from being within walking distance of many local shopping and dining offerings. Noreiga Street, running along the southern portion of the neighborhood, is lined with restaurants, grocery stores such as Safeway and coffee shops. The longstanding Henry’s House of Coffee has been around since 1965, offering pastries and house-roasted Armenian coffee that pays homage to the owner’s Lebanese roots. Next door, Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company’s two-level, natural wood-beamed warehouse interior is where locals can explore an assortment of award-winning beers along with American-style food items. This trendy spot is also a popular place to come listen to live music or socialize over a special brunch and entertainment lineup on the weekends. Even more dining and shopping options reside along Judah Street, with highly rated spots like Terra Cotta Warrior. This authentic Chinese eatery is known for its hand-pulled noodles and decorative interior, where visual depictions of China’s history are showcased through paper-cutting-style wall art.
Friendly faces brew perfection, making every visit to Diamond Coffee a delight.
Central Sunset is also home to BB Tea, for bubble tea and sweet crepes.
Central Sunset is home to many businesses that take advantage of the parklet system.
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Greater Sunset District area community gatherings
Residents can enjoy community events that focus on the greater Sunset area. The annual Sunset Community Festival takes place in September along 37th Ave and Ortega – Pacheco streets, just a block from the neighborhood’s southern border. The event features family-friendly activities, from a kid’s bounce house to carnival games and a petting zoo. The event also features live musical performances, food trucks and vendors. When the holidays roll around, residents can head to the Sunset Holiday Mercantile at the County Fair Building at Golden Gate Park for two days of festive local vendors, food trucks, live music and regional beer and wine tastings.
Public schools with special academies
Students can attend Lawton Alternative Elementary School, which serves Kindergarten through Grade 8 and Giannini A.P. Middle School. Both schools receive an A-minus rating from Niche. Phillip and Sala Burton Academic High also receives an A-minus score and offers special academy programs in Arts, Media, and Entertainment, Engineering, Health Sciences and the Performing Arts.
Community center and Golden Gate Park amenities
The Sunset Rec Center is located in the heart of the neighborhood, offering residents abundant recreational amenities, from tennis and basketball courts to ping-pong stations and a colorful modern playground. “The community center was previously a World War II hangar,” says Iglesias. “Then, after the war, the President commissioned it to turn into a recreational building, so it’s interesting to think that what was once a hidden storage area for military tanks and equipment is now where people today come to play basketball and volleyball.” Sunset Reservoir is just south of the neighborhood, a popular overlook area with unobstructed views of the city’s famous Golden Gate Bridge. Close access to nearby Golden Gate Park, located less than a few miles north of the neighborhood, is a big-ticket item for Central Sunset residents. Sprawling over 1,000 acres, the site provides numerous walking trails, glittering lakes, botanical gardens and even art museums, all within one vast recreational hub. The park is also home to San Francisco’s iconic Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest one of its kind in the United States. A few miles west, locals can head to the wind-swept Ocean Beach area in Outer Sunset, which is a popular destination for windsurfing, kite flying and strolls along the shoreline.
Central Sunset's Sunset Rec Center has multiple ping pong tables that are regularly in use.
Central Sunset's Sunset Recreation Center has multiple tennis courts.
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Nearby main thoroughfares and public transportation
Central Sunset may feel slightly remote in the fogbelt of west San Francisco, but the MUNI Metro light rail runs up and down Judah Street, making for an easy commute to the inner city. The neighborhood also sits next to the Route 1/Shoreline Highway, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. When looking for domestic or international flights, the San Francisco International Airport is 15 miles south of Central Sunset.
Central Sunset's N Judah Light Rail connects the neighborhood to downtown SF.
Central Sunset is serviced by many SF MUNI Bus lines.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cooper Gaines,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Mother's Playground
Old Speedway Meadows
Sunset Reservoir Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
West Sunset Playground & Fields
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Sunset Rec Center
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
San Francisco International
26 min drive
Subway
Judah And Sunset
Subway
Judah And 34Th Avenue
Subway
Judah And 22Nd Avenue
Subway
Judah And 25Th Avenue
Subway
Judah St & 23Rd Ave
Subway
Judah St & 28Th Ave
Subway
Judah St & 31St Ave
Bus
22nd Ave & Lawton St
Bus
Noriega St & 27th Ave
Bus
22nd Ave & Kirkham St
Bus
23rd Ave & Kirkham St
Bus
Judah St & 22nd Ave
Bus
Sunset Blvd & Noriega St
Bus
Judah St & 31st Ave
Central Sunset Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Sunset, San Francisco sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Sunset, San Francisco over the last 12 months is $407,500, down 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully renovated 3 bed, 2.5 bath Sunset home offering 2,285 sq ft of living space in a prime location. The main level features a bright living room with vaulted ceiling, new flooring, windows, lighting, and a preserved ornate fireplace mantel. Formal dining room with statement chandelier leads to a spacious kitchen with new cabinetry, Italian range, pro-grade hood, stunning tilework,
Located in the heart of San Francisco's Outer Sunset, this beautifully updated 4BR/2BA home blends classic charm with modern comfort across 1,705 sq ft of flexible living space. Freshly painted inside and out, the main level features refinished hardwood floors, high ceilings, and new recessed lighting. A sunlit living room flows into a spacious dining area, while the updated kitchen offers new
Welcome to this beautifully updated and light-filled duplex located in one of San Francisco's most desirable neighborhoods! This 3450 sq ft. property offers tremendous flexibility and charm, with freshly painted interiors and exteriors, as well as renovated kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Each unit features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. One unit offers a large attic with an additional
Welcome to 1851 21st Ave, a beautifully maintained single-family home nestled in San Franciscos sought-after Parkside neighborhood. This 5-bedroom, 6.5-bath residence offers the perfect blend of classic charm and modern convenience, with abundant natural light throughout. Step into a spacious living room featuring a wood-burning fireplace, original hardwood floors, and large bay windows that
Welcome home to 1408 31st Avenue #305, a bright and airy 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo designed for modern comfort in the heart of the Sunset. This thoughtfully laid-out unit boasts an inviting open concept living area, perfect for both everyday living and hosting guests. The well-appointed kitchen features stainless steel appliances, stone counters, and extensive cabinetry. Retreat to the serene
Situated in the heart of the Central Sunset, this classic corner-lot home offers timeless charm, generous proportions, and a sunny garden. Just a short stroll from the shops and eateries along Noriega Street and the Sunset Recreation Center Playground, the property enjoys a desirable detached orientation on one side and excellent natural light throughout. The main level features a gracious formal
Clean, bright rooms and great location! Apartment 2545 and 2547 are dormitory-style co-living apartments designed for students, interns, and new grad professionals.The apartment can be rented for the whole apartment for $7000 or can sublet vacant rooms which range from 1,300 to $1 600 depending on room size. A total of 5-6 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, open kitchen and sitting area.
Elegant Rousseau-Style Home with Timeless Charm, Modern Comfort and Ocean views, Located in the heart of San Francisco's Sunset District, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is a stunning example of Rousseau architecture blending storybook charm with refined craftsmanship. Step inside to find rich period details including arched doorways, intricate plasterwork, original hardwood
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cooper Gaines,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
17,760
Median Age
45
Population Density
30 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$133,871
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$162,088
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.8%
College Graduates
56.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
22''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
68°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
73/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
81/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
61/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
