Get A Free Moving Quote
  • All Fields Are Required

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form

AWARDED BEKINS 2025 AGENT OF THE YEAR - CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF MOVING THE LOCAL BAY AREA

0% Interest Financing
Moving to South San Francisco

Living in South San Francisco 🌴 | Is Moving to South San Francisco CA Right for You?

Last Updated On: 5th December 2025, 12:26 pm

Are you considering a move to the vibrant heart of the Bay Area? Let experienced Bay Area movers help you settle into South San Francisco with ease. Living in South San Francisco offers residents urban convenience along with suburban peacefulness, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Known as “The Industrial City,” South San Francisco has a rich history and is home to several leading companies and research institutions.

Additionally, the city is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and wide array of recreational activities. As such, South San Francisco is a good place to live. If you are thinking about moving to South San Francisco, then be prepared to be captivated by its community spirit and scenic beauty.

Where Is South San Francisco?

South San Francisco is in San Mateo County and is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. South San Francisco offers residents access to several amazing communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Colloquially termed “South City,” South San Francisco is about 9.9 miles away from Downtown San Francisco. Other cities nearby include San Bruno, Daly City, and Millbrae. The city is around 36.8 miles from Santa Clara and 35.7 miles from Fremont.

Living in South San Francisco is a great choice for outdoor lovers. The city borders the San Francisco Bay, with several amazing beaches for residents to enjoy. Additionally, the northern portion of South San Francisco borders San Bruno Mountain State & Country Park, where you can take part in hiking, biking, and running.

After moving to South San Francisco CA, the best way to get around is by car. However, there are a few public transportation options in the city. The SFMTA offers a muni bus service to residents living in the area. Additionally, The City of South San Francisco runs a free shuttle system from Monday to Friday, with stops at places like local stores, Kaiser Hospital, and Downtown San Francisco.

South San Francisco Population & Demographics

South San Francisco CA has a population of 66,105, giving the city a population density of 7,126.8 people per square mile. Many residents living in South San Francisco CA are affluent, with a median household income of $127,062. This is higher than the California average of $91,905. This San Francisco Bay city is popular among young families, and the median age in the city is 42.3.

Additionally, the average household size is 2.9 persons, and 64% of households are occupied by married couples. South San Francisco CA is an incredibly diverse community, and 38.9% of residents living in the city are foreign-born.

South San Francisco Demographics:

  • Sex ratio: 50% male, 50% female
  • Racial & ethnic composition: 43.4% Asian, 29.1% White (21.8% non-Hispanic), 10.9% two or more races, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Native Hawaiian
  • Educational attainment: 88.3% high school degree (or higher), 39.4% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
  • Notable people from South San Francisco CA: NFL player Patrick Hunter, rapper Ronald Fields Jr., jazz musician Francis Wong

Is living in South San Francisco safe? Here’s a breakdown of crime in this Bay Area city.

  • Overall crime: 2,512 crimes per 100,000 people (2.7% lower than state average and 7.1% higher than national average)
  • Violent crime: 227 crimes per 100,000 people (48.6% lower than state average and 41.5% lower than national average)
  • Property crime: 2,285 crimes per 100,000 people (6.8% higher than state average and 16.7% higher than national average)

As you can see, South SF is a very safe place to live. Most of the crime in the area is property crime, which, although frustrating, is not typically a threat to your safety. Additionally, South San Francisco offers a lower crime rate than the San Francisco crime rate, making it a safer alternative to the big city. After moving to South San Francisco CA, you will be served by the City of South San Francisco Police Department, which has 79 officers on the force.

Cost of Living in South San Francisco

Are you curious about whether or not moving to South San Francisco CA will work for your budget? The South San Francisco Cost of Living Index is 250, making the city 150% more expensive than the national average. Therefore, South San Francisco is a very expensive place to live.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in South San Francisco would need to earn $193,184 per year to live comfortably in The Industrial City. This comes out to about $16,099 per month. Of course, this number can vary depending on your family size and lifestyle.

Typical South San Francisco Living Expenses

  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $25.00
  • Cappuccino: $5.52
  • Gallon of milk: $5.92
  • Bottle of wine: $17.75
  • Gallon of gas: $5.19
  • Fitness club (monthly): $102.46
  • Average monthly utilities in South San Francisco CA: $250.82

Source: Numbeo

Are you interested in purchasing South San Francisco real estate? The South San Francisco CA real estate market is thriving, with a median home price of $1.13 million, according to Redfin. Although home prices in the community are down 3.6% compared to last year, they are still well above the national average of $440,000 and the California average of $860,500.

Rental prices in South San Francisco CA are also on the higher end. According to RentCafe, the average rent in South San Francisco is $3,078. When it comes to residents living in South San Francisco CA, 38% of the population rents, while 62% of the population owns real estate.

Neighborhoods in South San Francisco | Best Places to Live in South San Francisco CA

There are several different neighborhoods to choose from when moving to South San Francisco CA. Here are a few of the most popular options.

Downtown South San Francisco | Great Neighborhood for Young Professionals

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PCHK (@pchanhk)

Downtown South San Francisco is popular among young professionals searching for job opportunities in the community. This busy area is walkable and full of hip bars, restaurants, and shops for residents to enjoy.

Avalon Park | Quiet Neighborhood Full of Natural Beauty

Avalon Park is located in the southern section of the community and is great for those who enjoy spending time outside. Residents living in this California neighborhood can enjoy outdoor activities at nearby parks like Southwood Playground and Brentwood Park.

Rancho Buri Buri | Popular South SF Neighborhood Among Families

The quiet neighborhood of Rancho Buri Buri is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city. This area is popular among families as it is close to top-rated schools like Ponderosa Elementary School and Unitek College South San Francisco Campus. Most of the homes in this area are large, single-family properties.

South San Francisco CA Weather & Climate

The South San Francisco climate is very similar to the San Francisco climate. South San Francisco has a mild mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Because the city is so close to the Pacific Ocean, the daytime temperatures are typically very cool all year round due to the ocean winds.

January is the coldest month in South SF, with an average temperature of 51.3ºF. The warmest month is August, with an average temperature of 64.9ºF.

Things to Do in South San Francisco

There are plenty of great things to see when living in South San Francisco. You can get your grocery shopping done at places like Safeway and Trader Joe’s, while retail shopping is available at Westborough Square and Buri-Buri Shopping Center. Here are a few fun things to do in South San Francisco.

Sign Hill Park

Sign Hill Park is easily one of the best things to do in South San Francisco. Stop by this 30-acre hilltop preserve and check out the incredible views and butterfly and bird habitats.

650 Poplar Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080, (650) 829-3800

Orange Memorial Park

This city park is home to a large indoor aquatics center, several tennis courts, and a playground.

1 W Orange Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080, (650) 875-6973

South San Francisco Historical Society Museum

Stop by this well-planned museum to learn more about your new home. This fun museum features memorability, artifacts, and artwork from the South San Francisco area.

80 Chestnut Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080, (650) 829-3825

Additional South San Francisco Attractions

For more fun things to do in South San Francisco, check out the city event calendar.

South San Francisco Restaurants

Here are a few of the best restaurants in South San Francisco CA.

Chevys

This laid-back Mexican joint is the perfect place to enjoy delicious tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chevys Fresh Mex (@chevysfreshmex)

141 Hickey Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080, (650) 755-1617

The Garden Club

Stop by the garden club to sit outside and enjoy traditional American classics like burgers, wings, and salads. Make sure you stop by on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the restaurant’s brunch menu!

1144 Mission Rd, South San Francisco, CA 94080, (650) 873-4910

Boracay Garden & Grill

Boracay Garden & Grill is a favorite among South San Fran locals. This large restaurant serves up classic Filipino food, mostly in the form of seafood dishes.

269 El Camino Real #5920, South San Francisco, CA 94080, (650) 871-8644

South San Francisco Jobs

Are you moving to South San Francisco CA in search of a job? South San Francisco’s job market is thriving! The area’s many biotech companies have given South SF the nickname of the Biotech Capital of the world. Some biotech companies in South San Francisco include Genentech, Amgen, and Exelixis. Additionally, South San Francisco is only 30.4 miles away from Silicon Valley, making it the perfect place to live for those who work in that area.

Other top employers in South San Francisco include:

According to PayScale, the average salary in South San Francisco is $109,000 per year. If you are searching for jobs in South San Francisco CA, then check out the city job board or search for ‘South San Francisco jobs’ on Indeed.

South San Francisco Schools

South San Francisco is home to some of the best schools in San Francisco. The city is a part of the South San Francisco Unified School District, which is a nationally recognized leader in the green schools movement and also serves the nearby cities of Daly City and San Bruno. There are two high schools in South San Francisco: El Camino High School and South San Francisco High School. You’ll also find several private schools in South San Francisco, such as All Souls School and St. Veronica’s School.

If you are looking for higher education options when living in South San Francisco, then you can check out the nearby campuses of S San Francisco Community Center and the City College of San Francisco – Southeast. After moving to South San Francisco, you can check out the South San Francisco Public Library.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SSF Public Library (@ssflibrary)

South San Francisco Statistics & Information

  • County: San Mateo
  • South San Francisco area: 30.17 square miles
  • South San Francisco area code: 650
  • South San Francisco zip code: 94080, 94083, 94099
  • South San Francisco elevation: 16 feet
  • South San Francisco time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
  • Closest airport to South San Francisco: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 4.7 miles away

Map of South San Francisco

Does living in South San Francisco sound great to you? The San Francisco movers at AMS Relocation are ready to provide you with a smooth and stress free move to the city. Give our team a call today at (650) 284-2931 to get started with a free quote.

REQUEST A QUOTE

  • All Fields Are Required

Search by Category

Search For more helpful Resources

Bekins AMS Featured on Designing Spaces

Check Out Our Related posts