$1,108,163Average Value$828Average 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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Excelsior neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Excelsior
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Excelsior Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Excelsior, San Francisco sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Excelsior, San Francisco over the last 12 months is $1,110,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 801 Vienna Street - A Spacious, Versatile Corner Home in Sunny Excelsior Situated on a desirable corner lot in San Francisco's sunny Excelsior District, this expansive 2,790 sq ft residence offers exceptional space, flexibility, and income potential. With only one side attached and a detached garage, this two-level home provides the feel of privacy while maintaining urban convenience.
This Exceptional Excelsior home offers a versatile layout, tasteful updates, and the rare benefit of 3-car parking. The main level features bright, inviting living spaces with soaring 10-foot ceilings, creating an open and airy feel. With 3 bedrooms on the upper level, this is the highly functional layout you have been looking for. A buyer can move right in, or remodel to taste. The expansive
Tucked into the heart of San Francisco's Excelsior, 437 Amazon Avenue is a home that effortlessly blends thoughtful design, modern upgrades, and an inviting connection to the outdoors. Originally renovated with a keen eye for style and functionality, the current owners have taken it several steps further, investing in curated improvements that elevate both form and livability. Spanning two
Welcome to 411 Vienna St, a unique opportunity in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood. This charming 1908 home blends classic character with modern updates and exceptional versatility. The main level is vacant and move-in ready, featuring fresh interior white paint and beautifully polished original wood flooring that enhance the home’s natural light and timeless appeal. With approximately
Perched atop Silliman Street with expansive hillside views of San Francisco, this 4 bedroom and 3 bathroom home boasts a formal living room with wood burning fireplace, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, primary bedroom suite with walk-in closet, family room with wet bar, backyard with decking and a 2 car enclosed garage with ample storage. Easy access to public
Beautifully reimagined Excelsior residence blending classic character with a comprehensive modern upgrade and a highly versatile, functional layout. Strong curb appeal with fresh exterior, period-inspired dual-pane windows, and a designer entry with custom tile and statement front door. Main level features a spacious LR with fireplace, built-ins, and bay window, flowing to a chef's kitchen w/
Located in San Francisco, this 1,625-square-foot home offers three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. There is a legal in-law with 2 bedrooms, one study room, 1 full bath, kitchenette and a circular stair to second floor. The property features a minimum lot size of 2,500 square feet and includes a living room fireplace, adding warmth and character to the space. The layout includes a dining area,
Beth DungcaPrime Ventures Inc. A Real Estate & Loan Company
Welcome to 100 Excelsior Avenue - a home that feels like a fresh start the moment you walk in. This classic Marina-style residence has been in the same family for over 50 years, and now it is ready for what's next. Inside, you'll find a bright, two-level layout with 2+ bedrooms and 1+ baths, where natural light, refinished hardwood floors, and crisp, clean updates create a space that's both easy
Auction: This property is located in a pleasant neighborhood in the center of San Francisco. The streets here are lined with sidewalks and offer plenty of room for parking for residents who enjoy get togethers for family and friends. The home features a one car garage for parking or extra storage and has plenty of room in the back yard for enjoying warm summer days. The property boasts an
This tiny Excelsior house (600 SF on a report, a little more on another) is older, 1916 Year Built, according to the records, which makes it over 100 years young! And wow, they built them to last back in the day! This tenant-occupied house must be seen to be fully appreciated. While not visible from the street profile, the house has a basement! The lot appears to be a typical (25 x 100) San
Beautifully reimagined and spacious, this two-bedroom home in the heart of the Excelsior blends classic charm with modern updates. The home features a thoughtful two-level layout, with a welcoming main level and a graceful staircase leading to the upper floor, where you'll find two bright bedrooms and a full bath. Recently refreshed throughout, the home showcases a mix of brand-new flooring and
Nestled in the vibrant Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco, this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a bright and inviting living space filled with natural light and thoughtful details throughout. The kitchen provides the perfect setting for both everyday living and entertaining, seamlessly connecting to the dining area for easy gatherings. Each room offers flexibility ideal for a growing
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
