SF: Escape City Life in Pine Lake Park

Stern Grove is a well known oasis of Eucalyptus forest, dappled sunlight, and sprawling lawns. It’s also host to many a cultural event, with its Greek inspired outdoor amphitheater- the site of free summer concerts, ballet, and drama. You can also play tennis, croquet, or horseshoes in Stern Grove;  take your kids to a fully equipped playground; have a BBQ;  or attend a wedding. Because it is so gorgeous, and so multi-purpose, this forest is much loved and often visited by Bay Area residents.

Yet even though Stern Grove enjoys such popularity, it still has some secrets not everyone knows about. One of those secrets is Pine Lake Park. On the western tip of the 64 acre forest, this park is a capacious expanse of green valley, flanked on all sides by steep, tree studded hills. Dogs and people alike are free to run for miles. Still, anytime you feel the need, you can rest under the shade of a gazebo or recline at a picnic table– but don’t miss the western most portion of this paradise, because there you will find the lake for which the park is named.

You can’t help but feel you are in a unique paradise when you are here. Indeed, the Department of Public Works writes of the area  

The unique characteristics of this biological ecosystem make it different from any other. Only a few examples of this rare environment remain amidst the increasing urbanization in the City. Stern Grove and Pine Lake Park are specifically recognized for their contribution to the biodiversity of the region by providing wildlife habitat.

Anyone who has kids, a dog, or just loves the outdoors would be at home living next to Stern Grove and Pine Lake Park. Here are a few choice listings in the area.

2658 38th Ave., SF: 3/1 single-family home for $769,000.  Sunroom, garage, yard. Bonus room and bath downstairs indicates possible rental income.

2694 21st Ave., SF: 2/1 single-family home for $759,000. Recently reduced price and also has the bonus room and bath down for possible rental income.

191 Middlefield Dr., SF: 2/1 single-family home for $829,000. Garage. Currently tenant occupied.

2766 38th Ave., SF: 3/2 single-family home for $699,000. Hardwoods, fireplace, yard. Possible rental unit down.