Nestled at Colma’s northern border, Cypress Hills is a neighborhood woven with stories as enduring as its namesake trees. While Colma is often recognized for its cemeteries and rich history as the “City of Souls,” Cypress Hills offers a distinctive chapter—one that beautifully intertwines local heritage, evolution, and community spirit. Whether you're a newcomer strolling down F Street or a lifelong resident reminiscing about simpler times, Cypress Hills radiates the charm and character that only decades of history can foster.
Origins: The Roots of Cypress Hills
The story of Cypress Hills begins in the early 20th century, a period when Colma was transitioning from sprawling ranchlands to an incorporated town. The neighborhood owes its name to the grand Monterey cypress trees that once lined its rise above the valley, casting gentle shadows and sheltering homesteaders from ocean winds. These resilient trees quickly became symbols of endurance and continuity—values that still resonate throughout the community.
As San Francisco’s cemeteries relocated to Colma in the early 1900s, much of the town was shaped by this somber new purpose. Yet, the hills just south of Daly City resisted this singular identity; here, families built modest homes, tended gardens, and began sowing the roots of a lively neighborhood—well before urbanization fully arrived.
Naming a Neighborhood: Cypress as a Symbol
Few names capture a sense of place as succinctly as Cypress Hills. The cypress trees, visible from Mission Road and bordering El Camino Real, were long admired by travelers and locals alike. Folklore says early settlers and workers at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery nicknamed the ridge “the cypress hill,” a moniker that stuck when the community’s first businesses and homes clustered along Cypress Avenue and adjoining streets.
The neighborhood’s unofficial name became formalized in the postwar era, as development increased and residents pressed for better recognition from the Town of Colma. The moniker not only paid homage to the environment, but also to the people—hardy, welcoming, and rooted in tradition.
Key Historical Milestones
Cypress Hills’ transformation mirrors Colma’s own journey from pastoral outskirts to a bustling, interconnected town. Some milestones that shaped the neighborhood include:
- 1914: The incorporation of Colma, which set the groundwork for distinct neighborhoods like Cypress Hills to evolve within a supportive town government.
- 1925: Establishment of Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery’s grand entrance on Mission Road, cementing Cypress Hills as a gateway to Colma’s heritage.
- 1940s-1950s: Postwar suburbanization brought returning veterans and young families to Cypress Hills, sparking construction booms along Lawndale Boulevard and D Street.
- 1960s: Civic leaders and residents advocated for parks and green spaces, leading to street beautification efforts and the planting of new cypress saplings in vacant lots.
- 1990s: Completion of new retail corridors on El Camino Real and improved public transit access, making Cypress Hills more connected and vibrant.
Throughout these changes, the neighborhood maintained its residential core, aided by its strategic yet tranquil boundaries away from major traffic veins.
Landmarks and Points of Pride
Cypress Hills may appear unassuming, but a walk through its streets reveals layers of heritage. Among the landmarks and gathering spots cherished by locals are:
- Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery: While not technically part of Cypress Hills’ residential grid, its proximity defines the neighborhood. Its historic mausoleum and rolling lawns offer poignant reminders of Colma’s unique place in Bay Area history.
- Cypress Avenue: The heart of the neighborhood, where longtime homes display a range of architectural styles—from postwar ranches to charming mid-century bungalows.
- F Street Playground: Tucked within the neighborhood, this pocket park has served generations of local children as a site for picnics, birthdays, and little league celebrations.
- The Old Cypress Trees: Several mature cypresses still line the western edge of the community, protected by local ordinances to honor the area’s origins.
- Colma Historical Association Museum (just beyond the area’s border): A short stroll down Mission Road, this treasure trove of local artifacts and stories is a weekend destination for those keen on a deeper understanding of the community.
Evolution and Enduring Spirit
Change has come gradually to Cypress Hills, often with the consent and stewardship of its devoted residents. While neighboring districts sometimes lost their cohesion to rapid urban expansion, Cypress Hills maintained a strong sense of community—hosting annual block parties, neighborhood clean-ups, and cherished holiday displays along Cypress Avenue.
Over the decades, the area has welcomed a more diverse population. Generations-old Italian and Irish families are now joined by newcomers drawn to Cypress Hills’ warmth and accessibility. While the cypresses themselves have weathered storms, so too has the community—adapting to modern needs without surrendering its historic identity.
Institutions like the Colma Community Center, found nearby on Hillside Boulevard, support intergenerational programs and local arts, further cementing Cypress Hills as a vibrant, family-friendly hub within the town.
What Makes Cypress Hills Special Today
Ask any longtime Cypress Hills resident, and you’ll hear proud stories of neighborly help—of meals shared, gardens tended together, or storm debris cleared before sunrise on blustery winter days. These values still thrive today, buoyed by a low-key atmosphere and connection to Colma’s lush history. Proximity to San Bruno Mountain State Park and serene walking trails means that urban convenience is always balanced with the peace of nature.
Ultimately, Cypress Hills endures as one of Colma’s greatest treasures—not only for its leafy streets and historic ties, but for its genuine, open-hearted community. Whether greeting a neighbor on Cypress Avenue or reflecting amid towering cypresses, everyone here is part of an ongoing legacy: a neighborhood standing strong, ever rooted, and always ready to welcome the next chapter.