Forest Knolls
Homes for Sale

Forest Knolls is immediately across the street from the Midtown Terrace neighborhood, but was developed several decades later and because of that it has a very different feel. Most of the homes in Forest Knolls were constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, although some lots remained vacant until later than that. There is a proposed condominium development on the north side of the neighborhood, but that project has been stalled for years. It is bounded along the southeast side by Clarendon Ave., while Laguna Honda is the western boundary, and the UCSF campus and open space areas act as the northern boundary of the neighborhood.

Neighborhood Vibe

There is no commercial district within the neighborhood, and getting around is easiest with a car. Almost all homes have a garage, and most homes have two car garages, but if driving isn’t your cup of tea (or coffee), then you probably won’t feel very happy living in Forest Knolls.

Popular Home Styles

The neighborhood consists almost exclusively of single-family homes, although there are some smaller unit buildings, and condominiums or tenancies-in-common in smaller buildings that have been converted. There is a proposed condo project that may eventually be built, but the neighborhood overwhelmingly consists of single family homes that were built in or after the 1960s.

Getting Around 

Car! There are some bus lines that serve the neighborhood, but as a general rule, and like many other District 4 (west of Twin Peaks) neighborhoods, Forest Knolls homes assume that you’ve already got a car.

Median Sales Price

Median sales price is calculated based on sold data and doesn’t account for seller concessions. Median price represents the point at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less. In smaller neighborhoods like many of those found in San Francisco, this metric is less likely to be influenced by extremely high or low sales prices that don’t represent the typical neighborhood home.

Days on Market

Days on Market indicates how quickly or slowly homes are selling in the neighborhood. The lower the days on market (DOM), the stronger the market is for sellers, all other things being equal.

Number of Active Listings

The number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of a given month. Fewer homes available for sale may indicate a seasonal trend or market dynamics that favor a seller more than a buyer.

Sales Price Compared to List Price

In strong or balanced markets, homes in San Francisco typically sell over asking. In a buyer’s market, homes will sell at list price or slightly under. If a home has had price reductions, the calculation is based on the last listed price.

Price per Square Foot

Price per square foot is most useful when the homes are almost identical in size, age, layout and other factors important to buyers. Our experience suggests it is a more valuable metric in larger condo buildings and less valuable for homes in neighborhoods built with a diverse selection of styles, sizes, and ages.

Where is Forest Knolls?

Forest Knolls is a neighborhood in west-central San Francisco. It is bordered by the Inner Sunset to the west, the Inner Sunset and Cole Valley to the north, Cole Valley, Clarendon Heights, and Midtown Terrace to the east, and Midtown Terrace to the south. On an SFAR (San Francisco Association of Realtors) MLS map, Forest Knolls is identified as neighborhood 4d.

Are there any notable historical landmarks or sites in Forest Knolls?

Nearly half the area of Forest Knolls is taken up by Mount Sutro, one of the city’s original and stunning “Seven Hills,” and a lushly forested site that now includes a section managed by the city and a reserve owned by UCSF, both open to the public. Named for Adolph Sutro, a German-American philanthropist and engineer who was also San Francisco’s 24th mayor, Mount Sutro also features California native plants in its Rotary Meadow, and is known for its eucalyptus trees.

What is there to do in Forest Knolls?

As a residential neighborhood without a commercial corridor, Forest Knolls offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten path location that’s still in central San Francisco. All the city’s diversions are within easy driving distance, including the charming shopping and dining scene of West Portal. Urban hikers and dog walkers will love the outdoor (and often foggy) recreation areas of Forest Knolls, and families can take advantage of the Midtown Terrace Playground and Picnic Area.

How does the community vibe in Forest Knolls contribute to its real estate appeal?

A neighborhood predominately made up of detached, midcentury, single-family homes with their own lots, Forest Knolls offers an exception to the Victorian and Edwardian template of many San Francisco neighborhoods. While it may not have a hip coffee shop or much in the way of fine dining, it’s a bit of a hidden gem for those looking for peace without losing the urban proximity.

Where can I find new construction in Forest Knolls?

As an “already built” neighborhood, Forest Knolls is not a neighborhood where you should expect to find substantial new construction projects. Smaller developers may renovate/flip existing properties, or may take advantage of recent housing laws to add additional units to already existing housing. Transit corridors and major neighborhood streets are the most likely areas for new construction buildings in already built neighborhoods with existing housing stock.

What are the average home prices in Forest Knolls and how have they trended?

You can scroll up to see our market charts showing current neighborhood prices and other real estate trends for Forest Knolls. We update these charts dynamically as new data becomes available. Reach out to us to learn more about prices, trends, and possibilities in Forest Knolls.