Is This Seattle? No, It’s Forest Hill.
We wouldn’t blame you if, driving through Forest Hill, you thought you had somehow ended up in the Pacific Northwest.
When the fog rolls in or the rain starts to fall, the neighborhood’s lush trees, winding roads, and dramatic switchbacks create a scene that feels straight out of Seattle or Marin County. The roads here are often divided by medians thick with evergreens, lined with boulders, or edged by tall concrete retaining walls—so be a good driver and make sure your car isn’t too wide!
A Neighborhood of Hidden Gems
Forest Hill is almost exclusively made up of single-family homes, but the variety is remarkable. You’ll find everything from charming 1950s storybook homes that feel plucked from classic Americana to sleek, angular mid-century modern residences that would make Eichler or Neutra proud. Home values here are shaped by views, parcel orientation, lot size, and, of course, the level of finishes.
While the homes are mostly detached, they sit close to each other, often stacking up along the hillside roads. Many properties are unassuming from the street, but step inside (or peek into a backyard), and you might be surprised—some of these homes are downright spectacular.
Things to Watch For
With all its beauty, Forest Hill does present some practical considerations:
• Moisture & Drainage – With so many trees and hills, watch for water runoff and drainage issues.
• Grade & Slope – Some lots are steep, so access, foundations, and hillside stability matter.
• Parking & Moving Logistics – Tight roads and tricky driveways mean navigating a moving truck (or even just parking) can be an adventure.
A Sudden Shift in Landscape
One of the more fascinating aspects of Forest Hill is how suddenly the landscape changes when you leave. Pass beyond its lush, tree-lined streets, and you’ll find yourself in Golden Heights and Upper Sunset, where the dense greenery gives way to a more open, coastal San Francisco feel. The streets widen, and the homes shift from Forest Hill’s single-family charm to a mix of mid-century two-unit buildings, Junior 5s from the 1930s–50s, and the occasional Victorian.
Many mid-century homes here are built to maximize space, often featuring a full-floor garage below two levels of living space. This design creates a more vertical, stacked look compared to the cozy, winding streets of Forest Hill.
So, if you ever find yourself wondering whether you’ve taken a wrong turn into the Pacific Northwest—don’t worry, you’re still in San Francisco. Just Forest Hill doing what it does best: surprising you.