The descriptions of the various bayside cities of the county follow in the order of their distance from San Francisco, Daly City, Colma, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Lomita Park, Millbrae, Easton, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos Park, Redwood City, Atherton, Menlo Park and Ravenswood.
There are seven incorporated municipalities in San Mateo County, all of which are located on the bayside. Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo and Redwood City the county seat.
The rapid growth of San Mateo County has been centered mainly in her cities. San Mateo and Redwood City were the first two towns whose growth and size first commanded attention. San Bruno, one of the first communities of the county, early attained some degree of importance, being situated upon the intersection of two county roads, the old Mission Road leading out of San Francisco down the peninsula, and another county road from the city following more closely the bay shore.
Burlingame of later origin, sprang up almost adjacent to San Mateo. Today the two towns have grown together; and with Easton, which is really an addition to Burlingame, form one well knit civic unit. Hillsborough, adjacent both to San Mateo and Burlingame on the west, is a distinct and separate community, although it might be considered an off shoot from Burlingame.
The various towns of the county enjoyed a steady growth until about ten years ago when the stirring influence of a building boom was felt throughout the peninsula. This was the direct result of the San Francisco fire of April 18, 1906, when many of the former residents of the city decided to come to San Mateo County to live. This resulted in an increased population of several thousands, with correspondingly augmented business activity. In 1906, the population of San Mateo was about 2,000. Its expansion to a figure three times this, at the present day, illustrates the general growth of all the towns of the county.
Daly City
Daly City is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the county, due to its proximity to San Francisco and the rapid transportation facilities. Its inhabitants are industrious mechanics who own their own homes. Because of this, the community is well governed. The town has a pretty school house and municipal building where the city offices are housed. There are two newspapers and a number of churches, fraternal orders, clubs and other organizations. The city conducts its own water works and is carrying on a comprehensive plan of street work and general improvements.
Daly City is served by the United Railroads and the Peninsula Rapid Transit Company. It is located 7.7 miles along the State Highway from Fifth and Market Streets, San Francisco. The estimated population is 3,651.
Colma, one of the oldest towns in the county, lies southwest of Daly City.
Colma
The recently completed coast road to Pescadero passes through Colma on its way to the ocean. Colma is served by the United Railroads and the Peninsula Rapid Transit Company, which pass through Daly City, from which Colma is only a few minutes walk. It is located 8.9 miles along the State Highway from Fifth and Market Streets, San Francisco. The estimated population is 1,557.
Towns and Cities of San Mateo County California