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South San Francisco, CA

Frequently asked questions

South San Francisco, CA

South San Francisco is a city in San Mateo County, California, United States, located on the San Francisco Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is colloquially known as "South City". The population was 66,105 at the 2020 census.

Prior to European exploration, the northern San Francisco peninsula was inhabited by the Ramaytush, a linguistic sub-group of the Ohlone people. Their village of Urebure on San Bruno Creek was visited by the Gaspar de Portolà expedition in 1769; remains of long-term (5,000+ years) inhabitancy and seasonal encampments have been examined at the Siplichiquin and Buckeye shell-mounds on San Bruno Mountain. Charcoal sampling indicates these 3,000+ year-old sites may have been actively occupied early in the Spanish colonial period (late 1700s). The delta of Colma Creek was formerly an important habitat for the waterfowl known to be hunted by the Ramaytush in historic times, and archaeological sites have been recorded near the creek. The City plan also recognizes the existing remains of a village (CA-SMA-299) along El Camino Real.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 30.2 square miles (78 km2), of which 9.1 square miles (24 km2) of it is land and 21.0 square miles (54 km2) of it (69.69%) is water. 

South San Francisco lies north of San Bruno and San Francisco International Airport in the Colma Creek valley south of Daly City, Colma, Brisbane, and San Bruno Mountain; east of Pacifica and the hills of the northern Coast Range lying along the San Andreas Fault; west of the waters of San Francisco Bay. Locals often refer to the town as South City, in much the same way that San Francisco is called "The City." South San Francisco does not touch on San Francisco, with either Brisbane, Colma, or Daly City lying between them.

Most of the valley faces east toward San Francisco Bay, affording bay views from higher levels. South San Francisco has mild winters and dry cool summers. The hills to the west shield the eastern parts of the city from some of the fog that prevails in neighboring areas.

The population grew from 4,411 in 1920 to 67,009 in 2014. It has tripled since World War II with the opening of such subdivisions as Buri Buri, Winston Manor, and Westborough on the slopes west of El Camino;

The city is particularly noted for the South San Francisco hillside sign on Sign Hill, which rises to the north of the city, with large white letters that proclaim "South San Francisco, The Industrial City". The sign, a tribute to the city's industrial past, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

South San Francisco, CA emphasizes health and wellness. Participate in community gardening for physical activity and fresh produce with South San Francisco Parks and Recreation. Enjoy scenic hikes and nature trails for physical and mental well-being at San Bruno Mountain State Park. There are also high-intensity outdoor workouts to boost fitness levels at OrangeTheory Fitness South San Francisco. 345 Fit is a state-of-the-art facility is furnished with a full range of exercise equipment to improve your cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Massage Therapy Center facilitates deep, long-lasting results in a wide range of modalities, peeling away layers of stress, restoring mobility to injured muscle tissue, easing stiffened joints and hot spots of pain. Healing Corner incorporates the healing properties of plants, herbs, cremes, oils, and minerals from around the world into a variety of unmatched spa services designed to reduce stress and enhance balance. 

Top sites in South San Francisco, CA are Gray Whale Cove State Beach, San Bruno Mountain, SFO Museum Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum and Library. 

Population: 64,660 (2024). ZIP code: 94080, 94083, 94099. Area code: 650. Elevation: 16 ft (5 m).  Area: 30.17 mi².

FAQs

Is South San Francisco, CA wealthy?

The per capita income in South San Francisco in 2018 was $58,031, which is upper middle income relative to California, and wealthy relative to the rest of the US. This equates to an annual income of $232,124 for a family of four. However, South San Francisco contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.

Is South San Francisco a different city from San Francisco?

Locals often refer to the town as South City, in much the same way that San Francisco is called "The City." South San Francisco does not touch on San Francisco, with either Brisbane, Colma, or Daly City lying between them. Most of the valley faces east toward San Francisco Bay, affording bay views from higher levels.

Is South San Francisco, CA urban or suburban?

South San Francisco is in San Mateo County. Living in South San Francisco offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In South San Francisco there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in South San Francisco and residents tend to be liberal. 

Sources

Wikipedia

San Mateo County

City of South San Francisco

South San Francisco Parks and Recreation

San Bruno Mountain State Park

OrangeTheory Fitness South San Francisco

345 Fit

Massage Therapy Center

Healing Corner 

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

San Bruno Mountain

SFO Museum Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum and Library

NeighborhoodScout

Niche

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