Presidio Heights, San Francisco

Average Home Prices

Lowest: $2.5 million
Average: $6.7 million
Highest $11 million

Home Price/Square Feet

Lowest: $999/sq. ft.
Average: $1,370/sq. ft.
Highest: $1,149/sq. ft.

Average no. of Beds: 4
Average no. of Baths: 3
Median square feet: 3,700 sq. ft.

San Francisco’s Presidio Heights is a paragon of residential bliss for any discerning homebuyer or investor.

Adjacent to significant historical sites like Presidio Park and the Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio Heights is situated in an area that stands out for its blend of historical significance and modern luxury, as well as its peaceful atmosphere within an urban setting. This neighborhood is known for its premium living spaces and is a strategic choice for those looking for stable and promising real estate investments.

If you’re looking for homes for sale in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, here’s everything you need to know.

WELCOME TO PRESIDIO HEIGHTS

Presidio Heights covers a modest area of half a square mile, bounded by Lyon Street to the east, California Street to the south, Arguello Boulevard to the west, and finally, Pacific Avenue and the great expanse of the Presidio to the north. Approximately 4,000 residents in this tony neighborhood, characterized by its tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere. A small collection of independent retailers and cafes, plus a network of well-maintained walkways and green spaces, enhance the community’s appeal.

Part of the reason why Presidio Heights real estate is so coveted are the views: panoramic and breathtaking, with the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge prominently featured. Furthermore, the neighborhood embodies a feel of selectiveness that is communicated not through garishness but via the nobility of its architecture—a quiet haven for those seeking respite from the city’s dynamic rhythms.

Nearby neighborhoods

Jordan Park, south of Presidio Heights, blossomed in the post-war era and offers a wonderful selection of contemporary homes in the 1940s– relatively new compared to its more established neighbors. But it is just as desirable, with its family-friendly amenities, retail options, and competitive housing market.
Pacific Heights is favored by technology leaders and well-known personalities, and is recognized for its expansive cityscapes, select shopping experiences, and prominent Victorian architecture. Additionally, it is the location of the notable ‘Billionaire’s Row’, with some of the city’s highest-valued properties.
Marina District sits along the northern edge of San Francisco and houses the renowned Palace of Fine Arts. Against the unbeatable waterfront backdrop, the area offers a peaceful retreat and close proximity to the city’s—and the world’s–top restaurants and drinking spots.
Lake Street is a predominantly residential corridor west of Presidio Heights, lined with apartment buildings and single-family homes in an array of architectural styles that nearly mirror the city’s history.

A short history of Presidio Heights

Amidst the expansive greenery of the Presidio—a landmark with historical significance—Presidio Heights carved out its status as a domain of prosperity in the early 1900s. Present-day exploration of the district offers an educational display of architectural evolution over the years.

Traversing the lanes of Presidio Heights today is akin to navigating the architecture section of a history book. Oak-shaded boulevards play host to an eclectic mix of grand Italianate villas, imposing Colonial Revival estates, and the ever-present, universally respected, grand Victorian and Edwardian houses. Each structure is a testament to the various epochs San Francisco has glided through, bearing silent witness to the passage of time.

Though nearby Pacific Heights tends to attract most of the billionaires in town, it’s Presidio Heights where luxury truly reigns supreme, elegantly cloaked in the discreet opulence of its homes. Time may have passed, but the exclusivity of this community remains untouched—a testament to its enduring appeal as a tranquil escape from the city’s frenetic pace.

PRESIDIO HEIGHTS REAL ESTATE

Presidio Heights’ housing market holds a range of luxury properties, drawing buyers with its mix of spaciousness, elegance, and of course, a prime location.

Homes for sale in Presidio Heights, San Francisco are classic and timeless in style. Across the hill, as you stroll down the winding streets, are stately Edwardian homes with their grand bay windows, elegant Tudors that seem straight out of a fairytale, and opulent Mediterranean estates crowned with traditional red tiles.

Some of Presidio Heights’ mansions have been converted into upscale apartments or multi-unit dwellings– a necessary move, as the neighborhood has a limited housing inventory that tries its best to keep up with the demand. To date, there are only over 1,000 residential properties in Presidio Heights. At any given time, only a few homes for sale enter the market and are sold within a month or so. Such conditions make prices under $1 million a rarity in Presidio Heights, where asking rates can easily range from $1.5 million to over $30 million.

Famous homes in Presidio Heights

3450 Washington Street. Built in 1929 by renowned local architect Albert Farr—a key figure in the city’s most prominent neighborhoods, such as Pacific Heights, St. Francis Wood, Russian Hill, and Sea Cliff—for Elsa Guggenhime, this 9,865 square-foot, six-bedroom masterpiece was one of the most expensive homes for sale in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, with a list price of $45 million in 2022. This French Normandy-style trophy property was eventually sold for a reduced price of $34.5 million a year after it entered the market.
Julia Roberts’ former mansion at 3530 Washington Street. In 2020, A-list actress Julia Roberts purchased a Victorian Revival mansion in Presidio Heights for over $8 million. The property, which features five levels and over 6,300 sq. ft. of approximate living space, was built in 1912 and designed by Sylvain Schnaittacher. Roberts went on to sell the mansion in 2023 for nearly $12 million.
The Koshland House at 3800 Washington Street. Also known as Le Petit Trianon for its stunning resemblance to Marie Antoinette’s private playground, the Koshland House is located along one of Presidio Heights’ most esteemed streets. It was built in 1902 at the behest of Marcus and Corinne Koshland and designed in the Classical Revival style by Franklin S. Van Trees. Today, Le Petit Trianon serves as a private residence and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Be among the first people to learn about homes for sale in Presidio Heights, San Francisco before they enter the market when you work with Team Hatvany.

LIFE IN PRESIDIO HEIGHTS

With its proximity to a myriad selection of retail, entertainment, and recreation options, it’s not uncommon for many newcomers to expect a lively and energetic Presidio Heights. In reality, life slows down in this hilly neighborhood. Family- and pedestrian-friendly spaces, intimate cafes and bistros, and access to top-rated schools are some of the local lifestyle’s hallmarks.

Getting around

Presidio Heights is a compact neighborhood; most residents can walk around the area through its network of well-maintained walkways and trails. But for those who need to venture beyond its limits, there are two options to go about: by bus or by Muni. Local buses ply California Street, while the nearest Muni station is approximately two miles away.

Schools in the area

Many homes for sale in Presidio Heights, San Francisco are within easy walking or driving distance to several acclaimed schools, with the public options under the management of the San Francisco Unified School District. Some of the educational institutions in the area include:

Several colleges and universities are located near Presidio Heights as well, most notably the University of San Francisco and UC San Francisco.

Open spaces and outdoor spots

Residents of Presidio Heights have the vast Presidio National Park as their community backyard. It lies to the immediate north of the neighborhood and covers over 1,500 acres of outdoor space. There are 12 trails to explore within the park, as well as a number of dining options located on site for those who want to take a breather in between their activities.

For those who wish to tee, the 18-hole Presidio Golf Course offers challenging albeit beautiful and forest terrain. It is also a National Historic Landmark, with a history dating back to the 1890s.

Located near the center of the neighborhood is Presidio Heights Playground, which bustles with activity throughout the week. Toys are unnecessary: a community-driven sharing initiative ensures there’s an abundant collection of plastic ride-ons and sand toys, all once loved and now repurposed for new children to enjoy, offering an ideal environment for toddlers not yet ready to navigate climbing equipment.

Dining and shopping

Presidio Heights stands out as an epicenter for high-end gastronomy and retail, offering residents an array of premium dining and shopping options. The district is home to renowned establishments and unique boutiques that cater to sophisticated tastes and preferences.

To start with, Sorrel is a 1-star Michelin restaurant that specializes in upscale Californian-Italian fare. It is located along Sacramento Street and a short jaunt from another must-try local diner: Presidio Kebab, an expert on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean salads and wraps. Garibaldis along Presidio Avenue is not far and has a solid reputation as a “quintessential neighborhood restaurant,” a title it has kept for 30 years.

Sacramento Street’s culinary offerings do not stop there. Farther east on the same stretch, discerning diners can find other gems such as farm-inspired As Quoted, Spruce and their handcrafted cocktails, Sociale and their take on northern Italian favorites, and Magic Flute, another Presidio Heights specialist on Californian-Italian cuisine.

More retail and dining options await at Clement Street to the south and Fillmore Street to the east.

Attractions and entertainment

Available performances at the Presidio Theatre are a recommendation for anyone nearby. The 600-seat performing arts facility has undergone substantial renovations to meet current earthquake guidelines, simultaneously enhancing stage dimensions for performances. Meticulously restored historical elements, including the 1939 ticket booth replicated from original WPA-era blueprints, await attendees.
The Palace of Fine Arts in Marina District is only a five-minute drive from Presidio Heights. Inspired by Greco-Roman architecture, its original purpose was to serve as the primary venue of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. Today, the Palace of Fine Arts is an iconic SF monument and special events venue.
Many San Francisco residents agree that the Presidio’s Baker Beach is the best beach in the city. Located approximately 12 minutes away from the neighborhood, this mile-long beach features picnic facilities, a sand ladder that connects to two famous outdoor trails, and unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Baker Beach is also a famed spot for sunset viewing in the city.
The Lyon Street Steps are found in neighboring Pacific Heights. There is no missing this 332-step staircase which can reward the brave and the strong with special vistas of the cityscape and San Francisco Bay. It also serves as another monument to San Francisco’s history: built in 1916 by Louis M. Upton, it connects various parts of Pacific Heights without encroaching on private properties.
Golden Gate Park’s Conservatory of Flowers is situated less than two miles south of Presidio Heights. It is divided into five sections and holds an impressive collection of flora from different habitats. The actual building itself is a marvel: built in 1879, the conservatory is the oldest wood-and-glass building of its kind in North America.

UNLOCK HOMES FOR SALE IN PRESIDIO HEIGHTS WITH TEAM HATVANY

Composed of industry veterans, the team—led by Nina Hatvany along with her children, Paul, Natalie, and Vanessa Hatvany Kitchen—offers more than 60 years of cumulative experience navigating San Francisco’s highly competitive real estate market. There is no better team to guide you as you explore in-demand homes for sale in Presidio Heights.

Consider booking a private consultation today. You may reach out by phone at 415.710.6462 or send an email.