A Timeless Forest Hill Classic

Forest Hill is a leafy, century-old enclave of large estate homes, manicured lawns and flowering gardens so exclusive its almost unknown in San Francisco. That might be the way its residents like it. Think gated community without the gates, and you'll have a sense of the serenity, privacy, and tranquility of Forest Hill, the only neighborhood in San Francisco that has its own homeowners association. In the center of San Francisco, Forest Hill has ambiance of a small town.

Beneath its tree-shaded winding streets, the 650 homes of Forest Hill follow the contours of Twin Peaks. The hillside provides spectacular views of the pacific, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Stately homes are built in styles ranging from Spanish Mission to California Modern, with French Normandy, English Tudor, and Cotswold Cottage adding a sense of history. Noted architect Bernard Maybeck designed the historic clubhouse on Magellan Avenue, built by members on weekends, in 1919.

Forest Hills does open its doors however. Each August, classical musicians from around the world perform at the clubhouse, in Forest Hill Musical Days. This chamber music festival founded in 2003 by pianist Mari Kodama and her husband, conductor Kent Nagano, who both live in the neighborhood.

Off the beaten track, Forest Hill is nonetheless close to West Portal Avenue and its shops. Forest Hill or West Portal stations provide MUNI service to Union Square and the Financial District via a short 20-minute commute.