One of San Francisco’s hidden gems, Merced Manor is a picturesque residential neighborhood located between Stern Grove and Lake Merced. Most of the homes here are single-family, detached houses built in the 1930s through the 1950s, many with castle-like details such as arched porches, half-timbered facades, turrets, and faux belle towers. A good portion of these dwellings sit in front of alleys that allow owners to access their garages from behind. And because utility wires are underground, the blocks within the neighborhood have a clean, uncluttered feel. Those who live here appreciate not only the charming homes, but also the abundance of outdoor recreation. Merced Manor is surrounded by several beautiful natural areas, including Stern Grove Park, home of the popular summer outdoor concert series, and Lake Merced, which is an ideal year-round location for biking, hiking, golfing, jogging, and golfing.
Residents also have convenient access to both public transportation and shopping. Within a short walking distance is Stonestown Galleria, a mall that includes major department stores, national retail chains and eateries, while both Lakeshore Plaza on Sloat Boulevard and Ocean Avenue on the other side of 19th Avenue offer additional shops and restaurants. Public transit includes the major bus lines that run east/west along Sloat Boulevard and north/south along 19th Avenue, as well as the M-MUNI streetcar that heads downtown. As for Merced Manor residents who commute, both Highway 1 and I-280 are easily accessible. ©2016 Maryann LoRusso
Lake Merced Park is a 614-acre outdoor area with a 4.5-mile recreational trail encircling a freshwater lake, popular for fishing, boating, jogging and biking.
TPC Harding Park Golf Course, opened in 1925, is part of the PGA Tour’s Tournament Players Club (TPC) network of courses. Surrounded by Lake Merced on three sides, the course provides one of the most scenic golfing experiences in the country.
Lakeshore Plaza shopping center on Sloat Boulevard offers a great mix of retail stores and a Lucky supermarket.
Residents can fill all their shopping needs at Stonestown Galleria, an 862,000-square-foot mall that includes department stores Nordstrom and Macy’s, dozens of national retail chains, and a Trader Joe’s supermarket.
During the academic year, the blocks surrounding San Francisco State University’s campus are lively with students walking to and from classes
Consistently ranked one of the nation’s top high schools, Lowell High has been in its current location on Eucalyptus Drive since 1962.
Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove, home of the free summer concert series Stern Grove Festival, boasts a sophisticated amphitheater surrounded by lush greenery.
The M-Oceanview and K-Ingleside MUNI lines make getting downtown a snap.
Located on Eucalyptus Drive near Stonestown and Lowell High School, Rolph Nicol Park (also known as Eucalyptus Park) is a quiet three-acre green space in the Park Merced neighborhood surrounded by magnificent eucalyptus trees.
The Stonestown Family YMCA, at 20th Avenue and Eucalyptus Drive, is one of the city’s largest YMCA’s, offering a pool, workout gym, cycling studio and a senior center.