Inner Sunset

San Francisco, CA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1.6M (detached homes); $850K (condos/duplexes)
Median Home Price
92 (Walker's Paradise)
Walkability Score
Generally above average; Alice Fong Yu consistently ranks among SF's top public schools.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Lincoln Way (north), 7th Avenue (east), 19th Avenue (west), and Kirkham/Irving Streets (south); adjacent to Golden Gate Park.

Zip Codes

94122

Market Data Summary

Price RangeCondos/duplexes: $600K–$1M; Detached homes: $1.3M–$2.5M
Price per Sq Ft$1,000–$1,200/sq ft (2025)
Inventory LevelsTight; average 1–2 months of supply, with most homes selling in under 3 weeks.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Attached row housesDetached single-family homesCondosDuplexes

Architectural Styles

1920s–30s pastel stucco row homesBarrel-front Mediterranean RevivalStorybookStreamline ModerneCraftsman (select blocks)

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesSmall urban lots; limited front yards, some with sizable backyards (rare for SF).
Home Age RangePrimarily 1920s–1940s; some mid-century infill.
Construction QualitySolid 1920s craftsmanship, hardwood floors, bay windows, marble entrances; many homes updated but retain vintage details.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, long-term residents, and students (UCSF nearby).

Community Vibe

Vibrant, walkable, laid-back; strong sense of local pride and community events (e.g., Inner Sunset Flea Market).

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families with children
  • Medical/academic professionals
  • Long-term homeowners

Family Friendly

Highly rated for families due to proximity to parks, good schools, and quiet residential streets.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Golden Gate Park (direct access)
  • Grandview Park
  • Inner Sunset Flea Market (monthly)

Dining Options

  • Um.ma (Korean)
  • San Tung (Chinese)
  • Multiple cafes and bakeries

Shopping Centers

  • Irving Street corridor
  • Local boutiques

Local Businesses

  • Irving Street corridor shops
  • Cozy bookstores
  • Art galleries
  • Coffee shops

Education & Schools

Generally above average; Alice Fong Yu consistently ranks among SF's top public schools.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Alice Fong Yu Alternative School
  • Jefferson Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Lawton Alternative School

High Schools

  • Abraham Lincoln High School

Private Schools

  • St. Anne School
  • Holy Name School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • N-Judah Muni Metro
  • Multiple Muni bus lines

Major Roads

  • 19th Avenue (CA-1)
  • Lincoln Way

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times20–35 minutes to downtown SF via Muni; 30–45 minutes by car during peak hours.
WalkabilityExcellent; daily errands easily accomplished on foot.
ParkingChallenging on-street parking; some homes have garages, but competition is high.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Families seeking good schools and parks
  • Medical professionals (UCSF)
  • Young professionals valuing walkability

Key Selling Points

  • Direct park access
  • Top-rated schools
  • Vibrant dining and shopping
  • Historic architecture

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively to attract multiple offers; staged homes with updated kitchens/baths command premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Parking is difficult.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize homes with garages or proximity to transit; highlight walkability and bike-friendliness.

Objection: Foggy, cool weather.

Response Strategy:

Promote benefits of mild summers, lush greenery, and proximity to Golden Gate Park.

Objection: Older homes may need maintenance.

Response Strategy:

Point out recent updates, solid construction, and potential for value-add renovations.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate, steady appreciation due to high demand and limited supply.

Rental Demand

Strong, especially for units near UCSF and transit.

Buyer Competition

High; multiple offers common for well-priced homes.

Best For

  • Families
  • Medical/academic professionals
  • Long-term investors

Potential Concerns

  • Parking scarcity
  • Foggy weather
  • Older home maintenance

Professional Recommendations

1

Stage homes to maximize light and showcase vintage details.

2

Educate buyers on competitive offer strategies and pre-approval.

3

Highlight unique community events and local business culture.

4

Network with UCSF and local employers for buyer referrals.

5

Prepare for questions about parking, weather, and home age with data-driven responses.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Cole Valley
  • Noe Valley
  • West Portal

Market Positioning

Premium family-friendly neighborhood with urban amenities and historic charm.

Competitive Advantages

  • Direct Golden Gate Park access
  • More affordable than Cole Valley/Noe Valley
  • Stronger community events and local business scene

Price Comparison

Inner Sunset is more affordable than Cole Valley/Noe Valley but pricier than Outer Sunset or Parkside.

Investment Metrics

2.5%–3% (typical for SF neighborhoods)
Cap Rates
3%–4% gross yield for condos/duplexes
Rental Yields
High (28–32), reflecting strong appreciation market
Price-to-Rent
Generally negative to neutral for new purchases; best for long-term appreciation
Cash Flow
3–5% annual appreciation projected for next 3 years
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high prices, but condos/duplexes offer entry points; competitive market requires pre-approval and readiness to act quickly.

Move-Up Buyers

Strong appeal for families upgrading from smaller units; larger homes with yards are rare and in high demand.

Downsizers

Limited single-level options, but walkability and amenities attract active downsizers.

Investors

Best suited for long-term hold; strong rental demand but low cap rates.

Relocators

Popular with UCSF affiliates and those seeking urban/suburban blend; highlight transit and park access.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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