$1,329,585Average Value$982Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Midcentury suburb in South San Francisco near major local employment centers
Located 14 miles south of Downtown San Francisco, Serra Highlands showcases a postwar suburban landscape, with well-preserved 1950s mid-century homes arranged along quiet, wide sidewalk-lined streetscapes. This South San Francisco neighborhood developed once the city began transitioning from its former heavily industrial roots into a more diverse area with residential housing tracts. Now, with its traditional housing allure, the neighborhood’s proximity to growing Bay Area business sectors is becoming another big draw for Serra Highlands. “It’s very close to the San Francisco biotech industry, which has just really taken off in the last ten years,” says Robert Garrison, a lifelong resident of the Bay Area, local real estate broker and owner of Garrison Properties with over 45 years of real estate experience. With the added benefits of being next to beautiful nearby hiking trails, urban hotspots and public transportation hubs, Sierra Highlands continues to be an attractive place for Peninsula-area residents to call home.
Close set homes from the postwar era
Sierra Highlands’ wide residential streets run parallel to each other, with homes sitting close together and uniformly set back from the street. Most homes in Serra Highlands were built in the 1950s, displaying typical architectural designs of that time. These primary housing styles include mid-century ranchers and split-level homes, although there are sprinkles of traditional homes and newer, contemporary designs throughout the neighborhood. Properties commonly feature front porches and brightly colored exteriors, contributing to the neighborhood’s unique character. The neighborhood’s housing prices range from around $1 million to a little over $2 million. The lower pricing end tends to be one-story homes with one-car garages, while the higher end is typically two-story homes with two-car garages and updated interiors.
Local schools with well-funded science programs
Students are conveniently within walking distance from Buri Buri Middle School, rated at a B-plus by Niche, and the B-rated Alta Loma Middle School. El Camino High School, rated at a B-plus, is just two miles east. “The kids here all go to the same schools where they live, unlike in San Francisco where the zoning is all lottery-based,” Garrison says. Public students at all grade levels get to participate in specialized hands-on science programs under a district partnership with Genentech, a pioneering biotechnology company rooted in the city since the 1970s.
Neighborhood playgrounds and private golf clubs
Buri Buri Park is located on the neighborhood's south side, connected to the local elementary school. Residents can enjoy the site’s tennis courts, baseball fields and small playground with an intricate climbing structure. On the north side of Serra Highlands is Clay Avenue Park, which features a green playset with picnic tables and a black top section for children to draw on with chalk. Along the neighborhood's eastern border, residents can explore the 7-acre Alta Loma Park. It features paved walking paths and an ample open green space, perfect for picnicking or tossing a frisbee. Residents can also practice serving or shooting hoops at the site’s basketball and tennis courts, while children can run around the colorful modern playground. Just next to Serra Highlands, the California Golf Club of San Francisco is a popular private club with a scenic 18-hole course sprawling across sloped hills with tall pine trees.
Nearby local dining and shopping at the Serramonte Center Mall
Numerous local dining and shopping options are just minutes away from Serra Highlands. JoAnn’s Café on El Camino Real has been a neighborhood favorite since 1984, serving American breakfast and lunch fare in a classic diner environment. Next door, the locally owned Karilagan Restaurant has been an area staple since 2003. Residents head here for traditional Filipino dishes, including favorites like crispy pork legs and chicken adobo. The neighborhood is adjacent to a large shopping center with a Costco Wholesale and Trader Joe’s for grocery essentials. For additional shopping, less than three miles north is the expansive Serramonte Center Mall, which offers big national retailers like Target and Old Navy.
South San Francisco Library events and park festivals
Residents can enjoy festive, annual community events throughout the South San Francisco area. Just east of Serra Highlands, the South San Francisco Public Library/Parks & Recreation Center hosts seasonal activities, including an annual Santa Comes to Town event at City Hall, where local kids can have a meet and greet with Santa. Another seasonal favorite is the city’s annual Halloween Extravaganza. Taking place a few miles out at Orange Memorial Park, the festival features a trunk-or-treat set-up, a petting zoo, Halloween-themed games, a haunted house and a floating pumpkin patch at the site’s public swimming pool.
Multiple transportation options
When looking to commute or travel around the Peninsula by public transportation, the South San Francisco Bay Area Rapid (BART) Transit station is located just east of the neighborhood. The station also includes a bus stop for the city’s local free shuttle that leads downtown. The Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center is just across the street from Serra Highlands on the neighborhood's eastern border, while the San Francisco International Airport is seven miles south.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
MaryAnn Cruz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Alta Loma Park
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Hampshire Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Norwood Tot Lot
Picnic Area
Playground
Sellick Park
Clay Park
Buri Buri Park
Transit
Airport
San Francisco International
13 min drive
Bus
Del Monte Ave & Romney Ave
Bus
San Felipe Ave & Del Monte Ave
Bus
Hickey Blvd & Longford Dr
Bus
Alta Loma Ave & Del Monte Ave
Bus
Romney Ave & Serra Dr
Bus
Arroyo Dr & Cuesta Dr
Bus
Camaritas Ave & Arroyo Dr
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Serra Highlands
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Serra Highlands, South San Francisco sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Serra Highlands, South San Francisco over the last 12 months is $1,360,599, up 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Modern Elegance and Timeless Style in Serra Highlands! Discover this beautifully reimagined 5 bedroom, 3 bath home in the coveted Serra Highlands neighborhood of South San Francisco. Spanning nearly 2,200 square feet, the bright and open floor plan showcases a seamless blend of modern upgrades and timeless style with fresh paint, new luxury vinyl plank flooring and updated finishes elevating
Welcome to this charming and spacious remodeled two-story home, ideally located in the heart of South San Francisco.The first level features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, while the second floor offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms - perfect for multigenerational living or potential rental income. This tastefully upgraded home includes newer flooring, a brand-new roof (2025), a remodeled kitchen on
For the first time since 1979, this Spanish-style stunner is ready for its next chapter—and it could be yours! Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 beautifully remodeled bathrooms, and a fully updated kitchen that’s a true showstopper. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be wowed by the arched windows and doorways that add timeless character throughout. Step into the back den and be amazed—soaring
THIS LISTING IS A WATER PARCEL TO PARK BOATS OR FOR BOATHOUSES.Come and Experience the Beauty of the Ocean at San Francisco Bay!Are you in love with the ocean and breathtaking views? Looking for the perfect spot to create unforgettable memories with friends and family? This incredible water parcel, located at San Francisco Bay, offers you the chance to park your boat and immerse yourself
Welcome to this gorgeous, pet-friendly 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home located in the lovely city of South San Francisco. Owner may consider cats and small dogs with pet deposit. This 1,030 square foot residence sits on a generous 6,034-square-foot lot, providing ample space for outdoor activities. The contemporary kitchen boasts ultra-modern grey cabinets, sleek countertops and high-end appliances.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
MaryAnn Cruz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
7,951
Median Age
45
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$136,430
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$161,736
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.2%
College Graduates
39.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.6%
% Population in Labor Force
73%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
20''
Average Winter Low Temperature
44°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
31/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
45/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
