South San Francisco Neighborhood Guide
Terrabay: South San Francisco’s Hillside, Newer Construction Neighborhood
Built starting in the 1990s, with city lights and bay views most of the city’s older neighborhoods can’t match
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1990s Construction Began |
1,660 to 2,770 Typical Sq Ft |
City Lights + Bay View Types |
High Value Relative to Older SSF Stock |
While most of South San Francisco’s neighborhoods date to the postwar boom of the 1940s and 50s, Terrabay tells a different story, a genuinely newer, hillside community that offers a different housing product entirely from the rest of the city.
A Different Era of Construction
Terrabay’s development began in the 1990s, decades after most of South San Francisco’s other residential neighborhoods were built. That newer construction shows: homes here feature higher ceilings, more contemporary layouts, and a mix of both attached and detached product, including single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums, typically running 1,660 to 2,770 square feet.
Views That Set It Apart
Hillside Position, Real Payoff
Terrabay’s hillside position gives many homes genuine city lights and San Francisco Bay views, a feature that’s genuinely rare across South San Francisco’s flatter, older neighborhoods. Along with Westborough, it’s consistently cited as one of the city’s best spots for this kind of outlook.
How It Compares to South San Francisco’s Other Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Known For |
| Terrabay | Newer construction, hillside views, upscale finishes |
| Sunshine Gardens | Most walkable, close to Trader Joe’s, Costco, and BART |
| Paradise Valley | The city’s most affordable entry point, 1940s tract homes |
Who Terrabay Tends to Attract
Terrabay draws a genuinely upper-middle income buyer profile, with a large share of residents working in executive, management, and professional occupations. It appeals to buyers who want the newest housing stock available in South San Francisco, along with genuine views, without stretching into San Carlos or Belmont’s price tiers.
Key Takeaway
Terrabay offers something genuinely different from the rest of South San Francisco: newer construction, real hillside views, and a more contemporary housing product, all still at a meaningful discount to San Carlos or Belmont.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the typical Terrabay home?
Construction began in the 1990s, making it notably newer than most South San Francisco housing stock.
Does Terrabay have condos as well as single-family homes?
Yes, the neighborhood includes a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums.
Which South San Francisco neighborhoods have the best views?
Terrabay and Westborough are both consistently cited for genuine bay and city lights views.
Is Terrabay walkable to downtown?
Less so than Sunshine Gardens; its hillside setting favors a car for most daily errands.
| Related Reading | |
| South San Francisco Neighborhood Guide | Compare Terrabay against the city’s more established neighborhoods. |
| Buri Buri and Serra Highlands | See how Terrabay’s newer construction compares to the city’s postwar stock. |
| New Construction vs. Resale on the Peninsula | Understand the tradeoffs of newer housing stock generally. |
| South San Francisco Homes for Sale | Browse current listings, including Terrabay. |
Interested in Terrabay’s Views and Newer Construction?
I can show you what’s currently available in this hillside pocket of the city.
Holly Noto | Coldwell Banker Realty | DRE#01244498, DRE#01908304
580 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
650.544.6185 | [email protected]
Neighborhood details reflect general public research as of 2026. This content is for general informational purposes only.
