Nestled along Daly City's southern border, the Southern Hills neighborhood is a true hidden gem with a history as rich and layered as its rolling landscapes. For decades, residents have cherished more than just the sweeping views: Southern Hills embodies a spirit of community, resilience, and quiet charm that has made it a special place to call home.
Origins: From Ranchlands to Residences
The origins of Southern Hills can be traced back to a time when all of Daly City was rural. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, much of what is now Southern Hills was grazing land and part of larger ranches that stretched from the San Bruno Mountains down the Peninsula. Early roads like Hillside Boulevard and Mission Street were just dusty paths, serving horse-drawn wagons and serving as vital links between the growing city of San Francisco and the agricultural valleys beyond.
By the 1940s and 50s, Daly City's postwar population boom transformed these open spaces into residential neighborhoods. Southern Hills emerged from these changes, its streets—like Panorama Drive, Cliffside Drive, and Skyline Drive—winding naturally along the district’s undulating terrain. The name "Southern Hills" itself came naturally, given the area’s prominent hills located at the southernmost tip of Daly City.
Naming the Neighborhood
As Daly City expanded, developers and city planners needed distinct identities for new subdivisions. The area’s name, Southern Hills, is a nod both to its geographic position and its topography. The neighborhood rises above the Peninsula’s lowlands, offering panoramic views to the west and south—on clear days, you might catch glimpses of the Pacific Ocean or the distant Santa Cruz Mountains.
Older residents still recall when the “Southern Hills” name began to appear on real estate brochures and community newsletters in the late 1950s. It was a way to set the neighborhood apart—a mark of quiet distinction as Daly City’s southern gateway.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1940s-1950s Housing Boom: After World War II, Daly City saw explosive growth, with new subdivisions springing up to meet demand. Southern Hills was laid out during this period, with an emphasis on single-family homes, wide sidewalks, and small community parks.
- Development of St. Francis Square: In the heart of the neighborhood sits St. Francis Square, a modest but central shopping hub on Hillside Boulevard. From the mid-20th century onward, it provided grocery stores, pharmacies, and family-run eateries, fostering a small-town feeling that persists today.
- Integration with BART and I-280: The late 1970s brought BART’s extension and the completion of Interstate 280, improving access to San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Southern Hills became especially desirable for commuters who wanted a quiet neighborhood less than thirty minutes from downtown.
Landmarks and Beloved Spaces
Though Southern Hills is primarily residential, its character shines through in a few notable spots:
- Hillside Park: Stretching along the edge of the neighborhood, Hillside Park is a local favorite, loved for its walking trails, children’s playground, and benches nestled among eucalyptus trees. Watch the fog roll in from the Pacific, and you’ll understand the tranquil draw.
- Westmoor High School: Serving generations of families from Southern Hills and beyond, Westmoor High is not only an educational fixture but also a center for community events, youth sports, and art shows.
- Landmark Homes: Architecture buffs appreciate the sturdy but modest ranch homes, many still sporting their original 1950s facades, pastel paint, and tidy front gardens. Some streets—such as Seaview Drive and Panorama Drive—are known for homes with exceptional sunset vistas.
A Community that Grows Together
Southern Hills has always been more than its houses and parks—it's the people who make it unique. Over the years, families from diverse backgrounds have put down roots here, drawn by excellent schools, quiet streets, and the promise of neighborly warmth.
Local traditions, like annual block parties or volunteering at nearby churches, foster close ties. Newcomers are welcomed as friends, and it’s common to see neighbors lending a hand with gardening or dropping off homemade treats during the holidays.
Evolving Through the Decades
Today, Southern Hills wears its history gracefully while adapting to the times:
- Generational Transitions: Many original homeowners’ children now raise their own families here, keeping the neighborhood’s legacy alive even as new faces arrive.
- Sustainable Initiatives: The city and residents have invested in green upgrades, from drought-resistant landscaping to energy-efficient home renovations.
- Continued Diversity: Southern Hills reflects Daly City’s broad mix of cultures, with local events and small businesses representing Filipino, Latino, Chinese, and many other heritages.
Why Southern Hills Remains Special
Ask any longtime resident, and you’ll hear about the simple joys: Quiet evenings on Cliffside Drive, picnics at Hillside Park, chats with neighbors at St. Francis Square. With its close-knit vibe, enduring architecture, and deep roots, Southern Hills represents the best of Daly City—a place where history and heart go hand-in-hand.
If you’re ever strolling down Skyline Drive as the sun sets behind the western hills, you’ll understand why, for so many, Southern Hills isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s home.