Situated perfectly on the edge of San Francisco, Daly City is a mosaic of distinct microclimates, historic architecture, and diverse communities.
The “Gateway to the Peninsula” is where fog rolls in from the Pacific, iconic mid-century homes line the hills, and city commuters find an affordable foothold next to the Bay Area’s most expensive zip codes.
As a major city in San Mateo County, Daly City is known for its signature Henry Doelger homes, strong Filipino-American culture, and unbeatable transit access to both San Francisco and the South Bay.
With two BART stations and quick routes to major highways, Daly City offers the perfect balance of suburban calm and urban convenience.
This essential guide to Daly City neighborhoods helps you find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Explore the unique character, commute times, and housing styles of Westlake, Serramonte, St. Francis Heights, Crocker, and the nearby community of Broadmoor—each with its own distinct charm and appeal.
The Daly City Lifestyle Overview
The Weather Factor
Daly City’s most famous feature might just be its weather. The city is often called the “Fog Capital” of the Peninsula—and for good reason.
The coastal western side, including Westlake and St. Francis Heights, frequently sits under a blanket of fog, especially during the summer months when ocean breezes cool the air.
Meanwhile, neighborhoods farther inland, like Crocker, Hillside, and Broadmoor, tend to be sunnier and slightly warmer.
This microclimate divide can make a noticeable difference in your daily life—whether you prefer crisp foggy mornings or a little extra sunshine in your backyard.
Housing Architecture
If you’ve ever driven down John Daly Boulevard or Skyline Boulevard, you’ve seen the rhythmic lines of Daly City’s mid-century architecture.
These homes, often referred to as “Little Boxes,” were developed by Henry Doelger in the post-World War II era.
Their simple, geometric designs and colorful facades have become part of Daly City’s identity—so iconic, they were immortalized in the 1960s folk song “Little Boxes” by Malvina Reynolds.
Today, many of these homes retain their retro charm, while others have been remodeled with modern finishes, offering a mix of nostalgia and updated comfort.
Transit and Commute
Daly City’s location makes it one of the most commuter-friendly suburbs in the Bay Area.
The Daly City and Colma BART stations serve as crucial lifelines for residents traveling north to downtown San Francisco or south to Silicon Valley tech campuses.
Highway 280 provides a direct route to San Francisco in under 15 minutes during off-peak hours, while Highway 101 and Skyline Boulevard offer alternate routes for regional travel.
For those who rely on public transit or need to balance city access with affordability, Daly City’s connectivity is a major selling point.
Neighborhood Deep Dive: Finding Your Fit
From fog-draped coastal streets to family-friendly suburban enclaves, the best neighborhoods in Daly City each tell a different story. The key is matching your priorities—be it sun, views, community, or convenience—to the neighborhood that feels like home.
Westlake: Coastal Calm and Iconic Homes
Westlake embodies Daly City’s most classic image—rows of pastel-colored mid-century homes nestled against the foggy Pacific coastline.
With proximity to Mussel Rock Park and Thornton State Beach, it’s ideal for those who love ocean views and cool breezes. The Westlake Shopping Center anchors the area, providing everyday convenience.
Homes here are typically 2- or 3-bedroom single-family Doelger designs, often cherished for their original details or mid-century updates.
Buyers are typically families and first-time homeowners seeking the quintessential suburban lifestyle with an easy commute via Skyline Boulevard or BART.
Serramonte: Retail Hub and Family Focus
Serramonte stands out as one of the best Daly City suburbs, blending suburban convenience with family appeal.
The Serramonte Center shopping mall is a regional destination, surrounded by parks like Gellert Park and playgrounds that make this neighborhood ideal for families.
Housing options range from traditional single-family homes to condos and townhouses, many built in the 1970s and 1980s—generally newer than the Westlake stock.
The area is well-served by schools in the Jefferson Union High School District, making it particularly attractive to families who value education and access to local amenities.
St. Francis Heights: Views and Upscale Living
Perched along the western hills, St. Francis Heights offers some of Daly City’s most breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.
Many homes here have been extensively remodeled or custom-built, with large windows and modern finishes to capture the scenery. It’s one of Daly City’s more upscale neighborhoods, located near the Olympic Club golf courses and Lake Merced.
Buyers are often professionals or retirees seeking a quieter residential enclave with a touch of luxury, where sunsets over the ocean are a nightly reward.
Crocker/Southern Hills: Urban Edge and Transit
Crocker, also known as Southern Hills, sits close to the San Francisco border—giving it a distinctly urban feel. With the Cow Palace and Daly City BART nearby, this neighborhood is a commuter’s dream.
The housing stock includes smaller, older single-family homes, along with apartment and condo complexes that provide some of the most affordable price-per-square-foot options in Daly City.
For those who want easy access to San Francisco’s Excelsior District or Mission Terrace without paying city prices, Crocker offers incredible value.
Broadmoor: Independent Charm and Value
Technically unincorporated, Broadmoor is bordered by Daly City, Colma, and South San Francisco, yet maintains a distinct community identity. It’s slightly sunnier here, and residents enjoy a bit more space, with single-family homes often set on larger lots.
Broadmoor offers a quieter, more independent vibe, while still providing quick access to nearby shopping, parks, and schools. For buyers seeking more land and a sense of small-town character within minutes of the city, Broadmoor is a compelling choice.
Critical Lifestyle Considerations
Walkability and Green Space
Daly City isn’t the most walkable city, but it offers plenty of green spaces for recreation and fresh air.
Mussel Rock Park provides ocean views and rugged coastal trails, while Thornton State Beach offers scenic hiking paths that stretch toward Pacifica.
Families often frequent Gellert Park and Marchbank Park for sports and community events. The Cow Palace—just over the border—hosts everything from concerts to rodeos, keeping the local event calendar busy.
Daly City’s Culinary Scene
Few Bay Area suburbs rival Daly City’s culinary diversity. The city is especially celebrated for its authentic Filipino restaurants and bakeries, such as Val’s Restaurant and Tselogs, as well as its vibrant mix of Asian cuisine—from Chinese dim sum to Korean barbecue.
This cultural richness reflects Daly City’s deep-rooted Filipino-American community, which makes up a large portion of its population and influences everything from local events to neighborhood businesses.
School Districts
Most of Daly City falls under the Jefferson Elementary and Jefferson Union High School Districts. Schools like Westmoor High and Jefferson High are well-established and serve students from several of the neighborhoods covered here.
For families comparing neighborhoods, proximity to preferred schools often plays a big role—especially for those moving from San Francisco or the East Bay in search of more space without sacrificing educational quality.
Conclusion
From the fog-kissed mid-century charm of Westlake to the family-friendly energy of Serramonte, the hillside views of St. Francis Heights, and the independent appeal of Broadmoor, Daly City’s neighborhoods each tell a different story.
In every direction, Daly City delivers a unique blend of accessibility, diversity, and architectural heritage that continues to attract new generations of Bay Area homeowners. The right fit depends entirely on your priorities.
Are you ready to explore the beautiful homes and neighborhoods in Daly City, CA? Give us a call today at (650) 629-9898 or email us at teamtapper@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crocker and the area around Mission Street offer the quickest access to both Daly City and Colma BART stations.
Westlake’s homes were developed by Henry Doelger in the mid-20th century and became an icon of postwar suburban design—immortalized in the song “Little Boxes.”
As of recent data, Westlake homes tend to be priced slightly higher, reflecting their proximity to the coast and mid-century appeal, while Serramonte offers newer but more moderately priced options.
Fog is common year-round on the coastal side (Westlake and St. Francis Heights). Broadmoor and Crocker tend to experience more sunshine.
Yes. With easy access to I-280 and BART, Daly City offers a manageable commute to both downtown San Francisco and Silicon Valley tech hubs.
Gellert Park, Marchbank Park, and Mussel Rock Park are among the city’s top outdoor destinations for families and recreation.
