Neighborhood Guide: Glen Park
Would you believe me if I told you that tucked away in the southern part of San Francisco is a village that borders a beautiful canyon? South of Noe Valley, Glen Park is a neighborhood that is anchored by Glen Park Village, the retail area bordered by Chenery and Diamond Streets, and Glen Park Canyon, a vast natural area that offers a natural respite from the hustle of life in a city. Just off Highway 280, Glen Park is a thriving community full of families and people who enjoy living in the southern part of San Francisco with easy access to highways and public transportation. It is a place where you get to know your neighbors and the business owners who have set up shop there.
Lifestyle: Outdoor enthusiasts love exploring the abundance of nature in Glen Park. For households with someone who commutes south, the location is ideal. While there isn’t much to do for nightlife or entertainment, the commercial district provides amenities, including various personal services, a great community grocery store, and specialized boutiques for all of your gift-giving needs.
The Market: There are many single-family residences with a variety of architectural styles, from smaller bungalows to more modern designs. Smaller multi-unit buildings are mixed in, but you won’t see large apartment buildings or towers.
The Outdoors: If living near nature is a must-have, Glen Park should top your list. Glen Canyon spans 70 acres and offers miles of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Billy Goat Hill is a place to catch amazing views of San Francisco and is home to the iconic swing that you’ve seen in more than one IG post.
For Families: Glen Park is idyllic for families–it is home to a branch of the SF Public Library and Glen Canyon Park with its playground, athletic fields, and miles of trails to explore in the canyon.
The History: Originally owned by a dairy rancher in the late 1800s, Glen Park was named by a developer who conceived of and started to build a zoo in what is now Glen Park Canyon. The zoo never really took off, yet the space was used for a short time as a recreational area with band performances a vaudeville acts. Glen Park experienced much of its residential growth following the displacement of residents from other neighborhoods after the 1906 earthquake.