Though many assume South San Francisco to be a neighborhood or adjacent city to San Francisco itself, South San Francisco doesn't share a border with its northerly cousin. Located 10 miles south of San Francisco, South San Francisco is separated from the major city by the town of Brisbane. South San Francisco has its own identity and history, and is considered to be a desirable yet affordable suburb.
Home to more than 63,600 people, South San Francisco has referred to itself as "The Industrial City" in the past. A large sign towers over the city bearing this creed. The city is located in the basin of a valley between the San Bruno mountains and the San Francisco Bay. Because of its geography, the city experiences cool, dry summers, mild winters and a bit of Bay Area fog. Those searching for South San Francisco apartments for rent will discover the mild weather is for them.
South San Francisco was incorporated in 1908 after the area's land was selected and purchased by G.F. Swift and Peter Iler, who intended to use the land for stockyards and a cattle market. Other industries followed, giving the city its "The Industrial City" moniker Since the end of World War II, however, much of the city has become a residential suburb because of its proximity to San Francisco.
South San Francisco residents enjoy beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay and the San Bruno mountains, as well as a historic city center. Though much of the area is now spread out, history buffs enjoy the city's central division.
Centennial Way, built to commemorate the city's 100th birthday in 2008, offers residents and visitors a unique opportunity to explore Bay Area life. When the Bay Area Rapid Transit System expanded southward, it created an opportunity to improve land on top of the tube. Centennial Way runs along this land through the center of town, and includes numerous pedestrian and bicycle trails.
Those who prefer modern landscapes over historic or green spaces can still find the perfect South San Francisco rental to call home. In fact, much of the city is divided into well-known neighborhoods and subdivisions like Buri Buri, Winston Manor and Westborough.
South San Francisco is not home to any major colleges or universities, but numerous schools are located within a 10-mile radius. Skyline College, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, the University of California, San Francisco, University of San Francisco, Academy of Art University and College of San Mateo are all located a commutable distance from South San Francisco.
The city also offers numerous employment opportunities. According to South San Francisco's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the area were Genentech, Amgen, Costo, American Etc Inc./Royal Laundry, Oroweat/Entenmann's, Guckenheimer Enterprises, Columbus Manufacturing and Matagrano.
According to city-data.com, the cost of living index in South San Francisco is 148.6, which is much higher than the U.S. average of 100. However, high living costs are generally associated with the Bay Area. The median gross rent in the city was $1,393 in 2010, according to U.S. Census data.
Because of its close proximity to San Francisco, South San Francisco gives residents and visitors easy access to well-known attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. Those who prefer to stay in town can enjoy South San Francisco's Historical Society Museum, Plymire-Schwartz Center and Fire Museum, or the city's many parks and open spaces.
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