48th Ave, Outer Richmond

Where was the most expensive home sale in Outer Richmond in the last year?

Right here on 48th Ave., that’s where. The home, a 1951 single family home with 8 rooms and 4 baths sold for $1.65 mil last summer. It is a very attractive 3-story home with a ground floor garage and front door and large sleekly square 2nd and 3rd floor windows that look out over the Monterey Bay cypresses to the Pacific breakers. It has clearly been renovated recently.

Given the location and the fact that it is one of the largest homes along 48th, it should be quite obvious why this home should be the most expensive in Outer Richmond. Imagine waking up to these amazing views every morning and being just across the street from the beach side trails on the northern end of Ocean Beach and within walking distance Sutro Heights Park and Cliff House. With Golden Gate Park to the south and Lands End and the Legion of Honor to the north, you certainly can’t beat this location for natural wonder.

Not all of 48th Avenue gets these kinds of views however. South of Balboa Street, although you can still hear the breakers and smell the nearby ocean, your views are blocked out by bungalows built on the western side of 48th. Prices drop somewhat here as well. You are still however well within walking distance of the beach and there is a supermarket and restaurants which make it so you don’t have to get into your car for basic necessities.

Another big draw to area are the great schools. From Lafayette Elementary and Presidio Middle School to Washington High, all of the local public schools are solidly above average. The proximity of Sea Cliff, also means you have a number of private choices so long as you are willing to pay the high tuition rates.

There are, of course, some drawbacks to living so close to the far western end of the city. First, is that you will have a bit of a commute into work whether you choose the very solid public transportation system or to drive. Second, you better be okay with fog, since being this close to the ocean means you will have to live in it for probably 10 months out of the year. This section of Outer Richmond is first to get overcast and last to get sun, so be aware.

There is also a bit of crime. In the last six month there have been about 20 assaults within a block or two of 48th Avenue--mostly by the parks. There have also been about the same number of burglaries, most of them along 48th itself.

Overall, however, this is a great place to live if you love being near the beach, the parks, the museum and a bit removed from most of the city craziness.