Midtown Terrace
A mid-century hillside neighborhood with a strong sense of privacy and a long-term appeal.
Midtown Terrace sits high on the Twin Peaks hillside, known for its mid-century homes, wide streets, and a calm, residential feel. It offers a sense of space and privacy that’s increasingly rare in San Francisco — while still feeling centrally located and easy to access.
Why Buyers Love Midtown Terrace
The Feel of the Neighborhood
Calm streets, open views, and a peaceful, nature-filled setting close to everything.
Day-to-Day Living
Morning walks on Twin Peaks, trail access, simple commutes, and a slower daily rhythm.
Whot It’s Right For
Professionals wanting quiet + centrality, families seeking residential streets, longtime SF homeowners looking to downsize without leaving the city, and nature-loving buyers prioritizing outdoor access.
It’s a small neighborhood with a devoted following — when a home becomes available, it often brings serious attention.
EXPLORE MIDTOWN TERRACE
A quiet hillside pocket between West Portal, the Inner Sunset, Noe Valley, and Glen Park, Midtown Terrace blends nature with central convenience. Street names like Starview, Cityview, and Marview hint at what defines the neighborhood — open outlooks, light, and a strong connection to its setting.
Sunset light, rolling fog, and nearby trails shape everyday life here. Whether you’re out walking Twin Peaks or enjoying the stillness at home, Midtown Terrace offers a calm that tends to endure.
Market Snapshot
Midtown Terrace is one of San Francisco’s most consistently stable real estate micro-markets. With its detached mid-century homes, underground utilities, and peaceful residential setting, the neighborhood attracts buyers who value privacy, quiet, and easy access to nature.
Inventory is limited — very limited — because most residents stay for decades. As a result, homes tend to sell quickly, often drawing strong interest from buyers coming from Noe Valley, West Portal, and the Inner Sunset who want more space, more light, and a calmer day-to-day environment.
TYPICAL HOME PROFILE
2–3 bedrooms and 1–2 baths
Garages with interior access
Mid-century floorplans with good natural light
Views or greenbelt surroundings
Average home size: ~1,100–1,500 sq ft (with some expanded exceptions)
MARKET CHARACTERISTICS
Low turnover = high demand
Properties often receive multiple offers when priced correctly
Value appreciation has been steady due to location + home type scarcity
Homes with updated kitchens/baths tend to command premium pricing
Sunset and Twin Peaks views continue to be a major draw
Things That Matter in Midtown Terrace
HOUSING & ARCHITECTURE
Homes in Midtown Terrace are primarily mid-century in origin, with practical layouts and an emphasis on light and indoor–outdoor connection.. Many have been updated over time, some extensively and others more selectively. Understanding what’s original, what’s been improved, and what still matters structurally is important here — both for buyers evaluating value and sellers preparing to position a home thoughtfully.
LOCATION & CONNECTIVITY
Although Midtown Terrace feels removed from the pace of the city, it’s surprisingly central. Access to West Portal, the Inner Sunset, and major north–south routes is relatively straightforward. Transit is available nearby, but many residents value having a car. The neighborhood’s appeal often lies in this balance — quiet living without feeling disconnected.
IRL: In Real Life
As with most hillside neighborhoods, details matter. Terrain, exposure, and drainage vary from block to block, and light can shift noticeably throughout the day. Fog and wind patterns are more present than in lower-lying areas, which some people appreciate and others need to factor in. Parking is generally easier than in denser parts of the city, though it still depends on the street. These subtleties tend to matter more here than surface finishes or square footage alone.
Written by Gary Snow, San Francisco real estate advisor with 20+ years of experience across the city’s hillside neighborhoods.
Gary’s Perspective
I’ve worked in Midtown Terrace for many years, and it’s one of the neighborhoods I consistently come back to for buyers who value calm, privacy, and long-term livability. Sitting high on the Twin Peaks hillside, it has a distinctly residential feel — wide streets, mid-century homes, and a sense of space that’s increasingly hard to find in San Francisco.
What draws people here isn’t trendiness or buzz. It’s the balance. You’re surrounded by nature and views, but still centrally located, with straightforward access to West Portal, the Inner Sunset, and the rest of the city. For the right buyer, Midtown Terrace offers stability, character, and a way of living that tends to hold its appeal over time.
Explore nearby neighborhoods: Forest Knolls | Diamond Heights