Saint Francis Wood Neighborhood, San Francisco CA

About Saint Francis Wood Neighborhood

Located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco, St. Francis Wood is a prime example of the “Garden City” ideals of neighborhood planning popular at the turn of the 20th century. The Olmsted Brothers firm laid out the curving street plan as well as the neighborhood parks. John Galen Howard acted as the first supervising architect and also designed the entrance gates, the Circle fountain and other neighborhood infrastructure. Unlike many residential developments that offered only stock plans, St. Francis Wood developers encouraged houses designed by prominent architects for specific clients. Architects such as Julia Morgan, William Merchant and Gertrude Comfort Morrow and the landscape designs of Harry Shepherd are well represented here.

Today, landscape maintenance for the towering eucalyptus trees, lush greenbelts and gorgeous fountain and terraced plaza is managed by the very active homeowner's association. When it comes to pride of ownership, St. Francis Wood dwellers are in a class by themselves. Community standards set over a century ago dictated not only such quality of life issues as where one could park a horse, but also established a ban on businesses that continues today.

History of Saint Francis Wood Neighborhood

When Mason-McDuffie began planning a new residential park along the western slope of Mt. Davidson in 1912, it was the first real estate corporation to take advantage of this potential. The name St. Francis Wood was chosen to underline the neighborhood's intentional harmony with its natural surroundings.

Demographics of Saint Francis Wood Neighborhood

Saint Francis Wood has a population of 21,151 people, with a median age of 44.9. Males account for 48.63 percent of the total, while females account for 51.37 percent. In Saint Francis Wood, US-born citizens make up 73.75 percent of the population, while non-US-born citizens make up 19.48 percent. Additionally, non-citizens make up 6.77 percent of the population.

Transportation in Saint Francis Wood Neighborhood

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency provides public transportation in Saint Francis Wood, San Francisco (bus). In Saint Francis Wood, San Francisco, there are 13 San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency bus stops. San Francisco International Airport is the nearest airport.

Politics in Saint Francis Wood Neighborhood

Many retirees live in St. Francis Wood and residents tend to be liberal.

Lifestyle in Saint Francis Wood Neighborhood

Long considered one of San Francisco's most affluent neighborhoods, the charming enclave of St. Francis Wood continues to benefit from the efforts of the city planners, architects, and landscapers who set out in 1912 to create one of the country's first true residential parks. Homes in St. Francis Wood are still sought after for their views, harmony with the surrounding environment, and classical designs, inspired by the ideals of the City Beautiful movement, spearheaded by famed architect Daniel Burnham.

Schools in Saint Francis Wood Neighborhood

The public schools in St. Francis Wood are above average.

Real estate in Saint Francis Wood Neighborhood

St. Francis Wood, which is characterized by family homes on spacious lots (by San Francisco standards), has no visible businesses and a correspondingly low profile when compared to similar wealthy neighborhoods such as the Marina District and Pacific Heights. St. Francis Wood is one of San Francisco's eight master-planned residence parks.

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