$1,111,373Average Value$798Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
South San Francisco neighborhood embraces unique history and culture
The neighborhood of Excelsior has taken a piece of San Francisco’s history and added its own color to forge a distinct cultural identity of its own on the south side of the city. Since its streets appeared on 1869 plat maps named for countries and international capitals, Excelsior has embraced the wider world. “Excelsior started being developed in Victorian times, but not completely,” says Tim Gullicksen, a Realtor with Corcoran Icon Properties who has managed over 600 real estate transactions in the area. “It was developed piecemeal, one or two lots at a time.” After the 1906 earthquake destroyed the homes of 250,000 people, the farming community became a refuge for displaced families. Growth was further encouraged by streetcar access to downtown jobs, and waves of first-generation Americans working in the city have made Excelsior home. Today, Paris and Madrid Streets crisscross Russia and Peru Avenues among the grid-style streets that form a hundred blocks of tightly packed homes. Excelsior is flanked by the 300-acre McLaren Park to the east and a strip of international eateries and shops on the west, creating a well-defined and vibrant community.
An early morning sunrise bathes John McLaren Park in Excelsior, San Francisco.
Morning sunshine basks the common Mediterranean home in Excelsior.
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Colorful hillside homes in varying sizes, styles and conditions
While steeply graded streets make foot travel challenging in Excelsior, the hills provide nice views of the city and the bay. Modest homes pick up some of the city’s signature styles. Colorful Victorians with gingerbread trim stand shoulder-to-shoulder with more muted Edwardian row houses. Craftsman-style cottages lean up against small-scale Mission Revivals with stucco facades and terracotta-toned Mediterraneans. Front yards are few and far between; most garages open right on the street. Outdoor spaces hide in fenced backyards. After many families were displaced during the 2008 housing crisis, home values plummeted, but they’re back up. “Since 2013 or 2014, Excelsior has been hot,” says Gullicksen. “People double park on the street for open houses because it’s affordable. The most challenging homes were flipped and are now the nicest ones.” Older homes without updates range from about $530,000 to $930,000. Smaller updated homes range from $900,000 to $1.5 million. Large homes with complete remodels, sometimes with window or rooftop views, range from $1.5 million to $2.2 million.
A small Victorian-style home nestled in Excelsior, San Francisco.
Colorful Mediterranean homes line the streets of Excelsior.
The southern hills and its homes can be seen from Excelsior’s streets.
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Active community makes use McLaren Park
Activity enlivens Excelsior’s parks and community centers. Persia Avenue dissects the neighborhood and rises into John McLaren Park, where hikers can explore miles of trails winding through woods, grasslands and marshes. Second in size to the Golden Gate Park, McLaren Park makes the most of the sweeping views and diverse natural habitat. Folded into the expansive landscape are playgrounds, sports fields, a golf course, lake and pool. The park is known for its friendliness. “People will wave and say hello. That’s not standard in San Francisco,” says Gullicksen. Within the neighborhood proper, smaller parks such as Excelsior Playground and Crocker Amazon Park feature playgrounds and sports fields. Crocker Amazon includes a clubhouse for community events. Adults and seniors can also head to the Excelsior Community Center to hang out or access community resources, or to learn tech skills in English and Chinese.
A beautiful sunrise is seen above John McLaren Park.
McLaren Upper Reservoir sits atop John McLaren Park.
John McLaren’s Jerry Garcia Amphitheater provides a viewing for intimate performances.
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Arts and music celebrated in Mission Street murals and Jerry Day
Excelsior’s community groups display public works and host events to celebrate music and the arts. A mosaic waterfall runs down the staircase in the narrow Kenny Alley, named after a cat who once lived there. Vivid murals on Mission Street facades include the “Last Supper” on the wall of the Royal Bakery, and “Waiting for the 52 Excelsior,” depicting a fishbowl view of everyday life in Excelsior. A painted portrait of Jerry Garcia honors the Grateful Dead legend, who grew up in Excelsior. Among music festivals held throughout the year in Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park, the annual Jerry Day draws thousands of tie-dyed Deadheads for a day of music. Concert goers eventually spill into the neighborhood for a night of art and after parties. Excelsior also participates in San Francisco’s Sunday Streets program, which closes streets to traffic to promote bike and pedestrian activity.
Catch a show at the John McLaren Amphitheatre.
Murals depict Excelsior and local legend, Grateful Dead musician Jerry Garcia.
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Lively Mission Street features international eateries and multiple retail outlets
Dozens of shops, restaurants and service outlets line the Mission Street commercial district from one end of Excelsior to the other. “It’s not a tourist area—no Michelin Star restaurants,” says Gullicksen. “But it’s the main drag and serves residents and their guests.” Among the eateries is Little Joe’s Pizza, in business since 1941. Pupuseria Metapan serves authentic Salvadoran food, and Do Eat Restaurant serves Cantonese. There is a Safeway grocery store on Mission Street, and the strip is lined with banks, bakeries, cleaners and other service centers. The Westlake Shopping Mall is about 4 miles away and includes a Home Depot, Trader Joe’s and Ross Dress for Less.
Order authentic Salvadorian dishes at Pupuseria Metapan in Excelsior, San Francisco.
Excelsior Coffee sits next to Glazed Donut on the corner of Excelsior and Mission Street.
Little Joe’s Pizza in Excelsior, San Francisco has a vintage red interior.
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Monroe Elementary offers bilingual tracks
Parents can apply for any school in the San Francisco Unified School District. Assignments are based on their preference and open seats, and if no preferred seats are available, children are assigned to the closest school with openings. Monroe Elementary School is located within Excelsior. It is graded B by Niche and includes Spanish and Cantonese language tracks. James Denman Middle School and Balboa High, known as “Bal,” are located just outside the neighborhood. Denman gets a B rating and Bal gets an A-minus, and offers pathways specializing in creative arts, game design and law.
Excelsior has multiple schools, including Monroe Elementary School.
San Francisco Community School offers small class sizes to promote student success.
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Public transportation and interstates connect community to city and region
Muni buses stop along Mission Street and can transport people downtown or to other San Francisco hot spots. Interstate 280 runs near the northern and western borders of Excelsior. U.S. Route 101 connects to the northern parts of the city. Travelers can pick up Interstate 80 and head to Oakland and the East Bay.
Excelsior is easy to get around thanks to the public bus system.
Sunlight falls from the east upon the Excelsior neighborhood in San Francisco.
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.
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On average, homes in Excelsior, San Francisco sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Excelsior, San Francisco over the last 12 months is $1,100,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Magnificent five-bedroom, three-bath updated home with modern accents, magical outdoor space and situated in an excellent Excelsior district location! The inviting formal entryway opens to a lovely living room with fireplace resplendent with period details, gorgeous wood floors, western views, and a hallway leading to the four bedrooms and two bathrooms on the same level. One of the bedrooms has
Charming and well maintained Cottage! Don't miss this opportunity to own a single family home at an excellent value in San Francisco's desirable Excelsior neighborhood. This property offers flexibilityenjoy it as is, or redevelop while living comfortably on-site. With potential to expand for additional square footage, add an accessory dwelling unit, or consider building upwards to capture views.
558 Athens Street is a timeless 1920s home in San Francisco's Excelsior neighborhood, thoughtfully expanded and newly updated for today's lifestyle. This 3-bed, 2-bath residence offers a flexible layout across two levels, with west-facing views that bring in natural light and sunset charm. The main level features a spacious living room with a fireplace, an open dining area, and a newly remodeled
Nestled on one of the Excelsior's most charming, tree-lined blocks, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home (1,922 sq. ft. per tax records) blends 1912 character with sunlit living spaces. With inviting curb appeal, solar panels, EV charging, and a thoughtful layout, it offers both style and function in one of San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhoods. The main level features a bright sunroom
Charming Excelsior Home. Nestled in San Franciscos vibrant Excelsior Neighborhood, this bright and inviting home blends comfort and convenience. Inside, the eat-in kitchen shines with light cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, while hardwood floors flow throughout the home, enhancing its warmth and character. Natural light fills every room, including the bathroom, which features a skylight,
Charming Home in the Heart of the Excelsior District San Francisco Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the vibrant Excelsior neighborhood. Featuring beautiful hardwood floors and stunning panoramic views, this residence offers both comfort and character. Enjoy the convenience of being just minutes away from local shopping, dining, and entertainment. Commuters will
Property Id: 2137058Available October 5 or sooner3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lovely and Beautiful unit in San FranciscoFantastic view of the city, Great natural light, big kitchen, hardwood floor, lots of closet space, modern, spotless, clean, newly painted and upgraded. Washer and Dryer in the unit. Close to most public transportation. Within minutes to downtown. Walking
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