Nestled in the heart of San Mateo County, the Cemetery neighborhood of Colma, CA, offers one of the most unique living experiences in the Bay Area. Known as the “City of Souls,” Colma’s landscape is famously dominated by peaceful cemeteries and lush green spaces, but it also boasts a tight-knit, welcoming community with a surprisingly lively spirit. If you’re considering putting down roots in Colma’s Cemetery neighborhood, here’s an honest, local perspective on daily life in this historic enclave.
A Quiet Community with a Distinct Vibe
One of the most defining aspects of the Cemetery neighborhood, bounded roughly by El Camino Real, Hillside Boulevard, F Street, and Old Mission Road, is its serenity. The majority of the area is occupied by immaculately maintained cemeteries such as Holy Cross, Cypress Lawn, and Italian Cemetery. This gives the residential pockets a tranquil, reflective atmosphere not found in most suburban towns.
Despite the somber reputation, residents share a warm camaraderie. Many neighbors are long-time locals, and you’ll often see friendly waves exchanged on streets like Mission Road or Serramonte Boulevard. Community events are low-key but meaningful, often centered around holidays, neighborhood clean-up days, or local fundraisers hosted at the Colma Community Center.
Diverse Housing Options
Housing in the Cemetery neighborhood is somewhat limited compared to larger Bay Area towns but offers a range of options to suit various needs and budgets:
- Single-family homes: Most homes are modest, mid-century houses clustered primarily along residential corridors like Clark Avenue, B Street, and D Street.
- Townhouses and duplexes: You'll find a handful of townhome developments and duplexes, especially closer to the edges of the neighborhood near the Colma BART station.
- Apartments: Apartment living is also available, with several small complexes offering more affordable rents for singles, couples, or retirees.
Yards are generally small but well-tended, and some homes boast views of green spaces or beautifully landscaped cemetery grounds.
Walkability and Everyday Convenience
The Cemetery neighborhood is surprisingly walkable for such a small enclave. Sidewalks wind along quiet local streets as well as larger thoroughfares. Walking is a pleasure here, especially because traffic is light and noise levels are low.
- Groceries and errands: Residents can quickly walk or drive to the Serra Center shopping plaza on Junipero Serra Boulevard, home to groceries, pharmacies, and casual dining.
- Transit access: The Colma BART station just off D Street is a tremendous perk for commuters, providing direct access to San Francisco or the East Bay. Several SamTrans bus lines run through the neighborhood, making car-free living feasible for many.
- Dining out: While the neighborhood itself is quiet, you’re just a few blocks from South San Francisco’s dining options or the unique local eateries along El Camino Real, like the classic Lucky Chances Café.
Family-Friendliness and Schools
Colma’s small size and close community definitely give it a family-friendly feel, though families with kids might weigh a few factors before deciding if it’s the right fit:
- Schools: The neighborhood falls under the Jefferson Elementary School District and Jefferson Union High School District, with local schools like Garden Village Elementary and Jefferson High School serving the area. There are also several private and parochial schools nearby, and most have above-average reputations for academics and safety.
- Parks and play spaces: While the neighborhood's green spaces are largely comprised of cemeteries, which are not for play, the Colma Community Center on Hillside Boulevard features a playground, basketball court, and multi-use fields. Additionally, nearby Orange Memorial Park in South San Francisco and Gellert Park in Daly City offer more traditional park amenities a short drive away.
- Programs and activities: The Colma Recreation Department hosts youth sports, after-school programs, and seasonal activities, fostering a close-knit environment where local kids can grow up together.
Parks, Green Spaces, and Unique Landmarks
Living in the Cemetery neighborhood means easy access to some of the most beautiful green lawns in the Bay Area. Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, with its historic mausoleums and winding walking paths, almost feels like an arboretum. Holy Cross Cemetery draws visitors with its stunning statuary and peaceful rose gardens.
- These spaces often welcome walkers and joggers—just be respectful of mourners and daily operations.
- Hillside Boulevard also offers scenic spots for strolls, especially near the statuesque Italian Cemetery.
If you’re interested in history, the Colma Historical Museum at the corner of El Camino Real and D Street is a gem, chronicling everything from pioneer life to the area’s role in early San Francisco history.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Ask any resident what they value most about Colma, and safety tops the list. The Cemetery neighborhood benefits from:
- Low crime rates: With most land in use as cemeteries, there is far less foot and car traffic than in more bustling towns, contributing to a real sense of security.
- Excellent police and town services: The Colma Police Department is well-regarded for responsiveness, often participating in the town’s many community-oriented events.
After dark, the area remains quiet, and you’ll often see neighbors taking evening walks without concern.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Though it feels worlds away from hectic city living, Colma’s Cemetery neighborhood is strategically located:
- Downtown San Francisco is just a 20-minute BART ride away, making the area attractive to commuters seeking peace at home but immediate city access.
- Serramonte Center and retail jobs: Major shopping areas like Serramonte Center and much of Daly City’s retail, dining, and grocery options are less than ten minutes by car or bus.
- Tech and biotech hubs: The Peninsula’s booming tech and biotech corridor, including South San Francisco’s Genentech, is a short drive away.
What Residents Love Most
Ask locals what truly sets Cemetery apart, and common themes emerge:
- Peace and beauty: The immaculately maintained cemetery grounds create a park-like setting that is both calming and inspiring.
- Community spirit: Despite its size, the neighborhood is big on neighborliness. People know one another and look out for each other.
- Convenience without chaos: Everything you need is nearby, from grocery stores to restaurants, but traffic and noise are minimal—rare for the Bay Area.
- Unique character: Nowhere else in California can you find a town so defined by its history, where green space abounds and every street corner has a story.
Living in Colma’s Cemetery neighborhood may not be for everyone, but for those who value serenity, a strong sense of community, and doorstep access to both Bay Area and Peninsula amenities, it’s an appealing—and one-of-a-kind—place to call home.