Nestled along the southern edge of San Francisco, the St. Francis neighborhood in Daly City is a vibrant community with a remarkable past and a cherished sense of belonging. Whether you’re strolling along St. Francis Boulevard, catching glimpses of the Pacific beyond the rooftops, or enjoying the local parks, there’s a tangible sense of history woven into the fabric of daily life here. Let’s take a closer look at how this neighborhood grew from windswept hillsides to a welcoming enclave with unique stories to tell.
Origins and Naming: A Homage to Heritage
St. Francis gets its name from its proximity to San Francisco and perhaps an aspirational echo of the city’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi. The neighborhood’s original development traces back to the post-World War II housing boom, as returning veterans and their families sought affordable homes just outside the city limits. The tract housing that began sprouting up along St. Francis Boulevard and nearby streets like Eastmoor Avenue and Evergreen Avenue quickly gave rise to a tight-knit community eager to put down roots.
Before the homes, gardens, and orderly streets, this area was open land, part of Rancho Buri Buri — a vast Mexican land grant that once encompassed much of what is now Daly City, South San Francisco, and Brisbane. The ranchos were replaced by dairy farms, and then, as the mid-20th century dawned, by wave after wave of residential construction.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1950s Homebuilding Wave: The first phase of development in St. Francis occurred in the late 1940s and 1950s, with builders capitalizing on the area’s gently rolling hills and panoramic views. St. Francis Boulevard itself became the neighborhood’s central thoroughfare, with homes radiating out in orderly rows and cul-de-sacs.
- Community Formation: As families moved in, local institutions emerged. The establishment of St. Francis Square Shopping Center gave the growing area its own convenient commercial nucleus, while schools like Daniel Webster Elementary and Ben Franklin Intermediate (now Benjamin Franklin Intermediate School) anchored the neighborhood for generations of students.
- Diversity and Growth: Beginning in the 1970s and 1980s, St. Francis — like much of Daly City — benefited from waves of new residents, particularly Filipino and other Asian American families, who brought fresh traditions and perspectives. This infusion enriched the community fabric and made St. Francis a truly multicultural enclave.
Notable Landmarks and Community Pillars
St. Francis might seem quiet at first glance, but scratch the surface and you’ll find several neighborhoods gems:
- Westlake Park: Straddling the border of St. Francis and Westlake, this lively green space on Lake Merced Boulevard is a favorite for family picnics, community events, and soccer games.
- St. Francis Square: While remodeled and updated over the years, the shopping center at the heart of the neighborhood is where locals converge for groceries, dining, and daily essentials.
- Holy Angels Church: Located at 107 San Pedro Road, Holy Angels is one of the area’s most recognizable and enduring institutions, serving as both a place of worship and a gathering space for community events.
- Nearby Serramonte Center: Just a quick drive down Callan Boulevard, Serramonte has grown from a modest mall into a retail and culinary destination — a testament to the enduring commercial energy of the area.
Streets That Tell a Story
Walking along the neighborhood’s winding roads, one quickly notices the care taken in home maintenance and gardens, evidence of the pride residents have in their community. Iconic stretches include:
- St. Francis Boulevard: The namesake avenue, marked by broad sidewalks and a gentle slope, offers classic mid-century homes that speak to the design sensibilities of the 1950s.
- Evergreen Avenue and Sweetwood Drive: These streets capture the shifting character of St. Francis, with a mix of original and remodeled homes, each reflecting changing tastes and needs across the decades.
Evolution Over the Decades
St. Francis has never stood still. Through concerted efforts by local residents, the neighborhood has met the pressures of growth with a focus on inclusivity and quality of life. Daly City’s policies have supported responsible development and sought to preserve the neighborhood feel, even as new families continue to make their homes here.
- Community Celebrations: Events like neighborhood block parties, garage sales, and holiday festivities — often organized informally among neighbors — reinforce the close-knit feeling that St. Francis is known for.
- Cultural Crossroads: The area is celebrated for its cultural fusion, with Filipino bakeries, Chinese markets, and local taquerias standing side by side in the retail spaces that dot the neighborhood borders.
A Place Where Past Meets Present
Perhaps the greatest treasures of St. Francis can’t be photographed or mapped. They’re found in the intergenerational friendships, the seasonal traditions, and the pride of residents in their homes and parks. Ask a longtime neighbor, and you’ll hear stories of “the way things used to be” — but also an optimism about how St. Francis continues to evolve.
Whether you’re new to Daly City, considering a move, or just visiting friends, the St. Francis neighborhood invites you to slow down, enjoy a stroll, and appreciate the living history all around.
It’s more than a place on the map — it’s a community built on heritage, hope, and heart.