In 2000, a new subdivision was built on the former site of McClellan’s “Acres of Orchids” nursery along Serra Highlands north border. Homes in the Promenade development have three or four bedrooms and can have well over 2,000 square feet of space. They’ve been selling for the low $1 millions — making them a relative bargain in what lately has become an overheated local real estate market.

Favorable

• Larger homes than most post-war South San Francisco neighborhoods, including the 2,000-plus square-foot homes of the Promenade subdivision
• Very convenient location with access to freeways, BART, shopping malls, parks and schools
• Though homes are at the top of the South San Francisco real estate market, price-per-square-foot value is solid

Adverse

• Homes in this desirable neighborhood are priced at or near the top of the South San Francisco market
• Access to downtown South San Francisco and/or biotechnology industry is not the most convenient;