Welcome to South San Francisco
Sweeping vistas and ample vibrancy define “South City”
South San Francisco is a city with many parks, pools, and a marina, offering its residents plentiful amenities and fine residential areas. With more than 2,800 firms and businesses, including Genentech, South San Francisco is considered the “Birthplace of Technology.” The historic South San Francisco hillside sign overlooks the city and is visible to drivers on northbound 101 with the words, “SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY.” Commonly referred to as “South City,” it is located north of San Bruno and south of Daly City.
From its proud sign on its slopes to its legendary status as “The Biotechnology Capital of the World,” South Francisco is a gem of a city in an area already overflowing with stand-out enclaves. The home of Genentech (and 200 other biotech companies) has the urbane, lively mood to match its reputation. Its location west of the ocean grants gorgeous views of San Bruno Mountain and the Pacific.
Despite its metropolitan feel (and geographic location), South San Francisco also has the small-town vibes so many of us crave. Its downtown core boasts many excellent restaurants, and its marina provides the perfect place to take a stroll while admiring the impeccable boats that are berthed here. Toss in excellent schools (including a wine school for adults) and industrious energy, and you have the foundation for a wonderful way of life.
What to Love
- Incredibly close to San Francisco proper
- A bounty of awesome hiking trails
- Superb real estate options, many with views of the bay
- Proximity to SFO
- Great public transportation
Local Lifestyle
South San Francisco is the optimal spot for technology professionals and their families. Whether you work in South San Francisco itself, on the peninsula, or in Silicon Valley, you’ll only be a short distance away from your workplace. South Francisco also enjoys a warmer, sunnier climate than San Francisco proper (especially once the fog burns off), rendering it ideal for those who love to spend time outside.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Residents around the Bay often flock to South San Francisco specifically for its first-rate culinary offerings.
This is especially true of Koi Palace, a stunning venue widely known as the best and most authentic Chinese restaurant in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The dim sum at Ko Palace is as sumptuous as they come. Yet, the popular eatery also features many, many other options, including steamed lobster with Enoki mushrooms and pan-seared fish cakes with bitter melon. Yes, the lines for dim sum are long, but every morsel Koi Palace serves is a testament to its popularity.
For outstanding sandwiches, Bay Area residents line up for one (or more) of the gems found at Little Lucca, a modest spot that arguably makes the best handhelds on the Peninsula and beyond. Lucca's “Hot Bird '' is particularly scrumptious, a blend of Sausalito turkey, pepper jack cheese, and cilantro-infused Caesar dressing.
South San Francisco residents are just a hop, skip, and jump away from San Francisco’s 4,415 restaurants. The celebrity hotspot Cotogna always thrills with its chic setting and wood-fired pizzas. Special occasions call for reservations at the highly-acclaimed Lazy Bear, a clever outpost with innovative New American cuisine, like San Francisco Coast King salmon with English peas and preserved citrus, summer squash with shelling beans and mussels, and orange creamsicle flan with sea Buckhorn and malted milk.
Speaking of desserts: South San Francisco is also home to a See’s Candies store – one of the oldest and most beloved chocolate manufacturers in the country.
Things to Do
There is a bounty of activities available to South San Francisco locals. When you’re feeling the urge to stretch your legs and get your heart pumping, you can savor an exhilarating hike to Sign Hill Park or go jogging along the water at Oyster Point Marina/Park, which offers striking views of the coastline.
To soak up the region’s culture, you can take a quick drive into “the city” for a production at the San Francisco Opera or spend an afternoon browsing the genius pieces at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Schools
South San Franciscans are served by the South San Francisco Unified School District. There are nine public elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools.
A few of the leading schools in the city include:
In 2023, the South San Francisco average price for a single-family home was $1,244,172, a 10% decrease from the previous year.
