Overview

Introduction to Pacifica, California

Pacifica, California, in San Mateo county, is 5 miles SW of South San Francisco, California (center to center) and 11 miles S of San Francisco, California. It's bordered by the scenic Pacific Ocean and bluffs on the west and Sweeney Ridge to the east. The municipality features several scenic valleys. 50% of the city is dedicated open space. The community consists of numerous distinct neighborhoods. Residents can easily commute to San Francisco. The residents have majestic views.

Pacifica History

The area was inhabited by the Ohlone and Costanoan Indians. Beginning in 1603 Mexican settlers created ranches in the area. In 1842 the Sanchez Adobe was constructed. Limestone removed from the Rockaway Beach area was transported by the Ocean Shore Railroad to help rebuild San Francisco after the devastating 1906 earthquake. The city was incorporated in 1957 by combining nine unincorporated communities.

Pacifica Attractions

  • The Sanchez Adobe is a good example of Spanish era architecture and is a National Register Historic District.
  • The Shelldance is a prominent bromeliad nursery.
  • Fog Fest includes arts and crafts, a variety of entertainment and attracts a large crowd.
  • Prime Time Pacifica.
  • The Pacifica Spindrift Players perform a variety of plays.
  • Sanchez Art Center.
  • Coastside Farmer's Market.

Pacifica Activities

Pacifica is a well known surfing location with Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar Beach attracting a large number of surfers. The beautiful Rockaway Beach is popular for outdoor activities, dining and shopping. Nick's Seafood Restaurant is regarded as a Pacifica landmark. The city is a great place for mountain biking due to the numerous trails that traverse through the hillsides. Sweeney Ridge, located in the Golden Gate National Recreational Area is a major location for mountain bike riders. The beaches and Pacifica Pier are excellent fishing locations.

Hiking along the scenic beach areas is a popular activity. The hiking trails along the hillsides offer great views of the Pacific Ocean. Mori Point, San Pedro Valley County Park, the Milagra Ridge and Sanchez Adobe are recommended areas for hiking. Bean Hollow State Beach offers fishing, tide pools, areas for picnicking and a nature trail. The Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park is located in a scenic valley and includes a variety of wildlife.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach includes a sheltered cove surrounded by cliffs. Often visitors are fortunate enough to see whales passing by. Half Moon Bay State Beach is a scenic destination and is popular for sunbathing, picnics, fishing and camping. Montara State Beach features tide pools and provides opportunities for surf fishing.

Pescadedro State Beach has scenic coves, tide pools and includes fishing areas. Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve attracts bird watching enthusiasts. Pomponio State Beach, Portola Redwoods State Park and San Gregorio State Beach are notable destinations in the area. The Sharp Park Golf Course is popular with golfers.

Demographics

People

Total Population39,065
Male Share of the Population49.4%
Female Share of the Population50.6%
Senior Citizens16.1%
Employed Population 16+21,345
Age of the Population43

Families

% of people married51.3%
Average household size3

Education and Earnings

Population % with Bachelor Degree or Higher46%
Median Earnings25+$62,288
Median Earnings Without High School Qualification$29,100
Median Earnings With High School Degree$45,873

Wealth

Median Family Income$132,654
% Above Poverty Level95.6%
% Below Poverty Level4.4%

Commute & Sprawl

Average Commute Time32 minutes
% Working from Home4.1%
% Walking and Biking to Work2.1%
% Using Public Transportation9.2%

Housing

People Living Alone21.9%
Median Gross Rent$2,248
Median House Value$818,100

Ancestry

Other(often includes Hispanic and African American)46.4%
Irish13.2%
German11.6%
Italian8.5%
English7%
French Except Basque2.5%
Russian2.2%
Polish2%
Scottish1.9%
Norwegian1.6%
Swedish1.5%
Portuguese1.3%
Dutch1.1%
Welsh0.7%
Czech0.7%
Swiss0.6%
Hungarian0.6%
Greek0.5%
Arab0.5%
Danishn0.4%
Ukrainian0.4%
Austrian0.3%
Brazilian0.3%
Lithuanian0.3%
Finnish0.3%
African0.3%
Canadian0.3%
US/American0.3%
Serbian0.2%
Romanian0.2%
Maltese0.2%
Croatian0.2%
Iranian0.2%
West Indian0.1%
Turkish0.1%
Lebanese0.1%
Basque0.1%
Bulgarian0.1%
Latvian0.1%
Belgian0.1%
Australian0.1%
Slovak0.1%
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Pacifica Almanac

CategoryValue
CountySan Mateo County
Standard Zip Codes94044
Phone Area Codes650
Time ZoneAmerica/Los_Angeles
Approximate Latitude37.61
Approximate Longitude-122.48

Pacifica Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

Notes:

  • Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
  • Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

StationPACIFICA 4 SSE
Distance1.4 miles
Jan Temp45 to 56 F
Apr Temp46 to 63 F
Jul Temp52 to 70 F
Oct Temp52 to 68 F
Annual Precip29.5 inches
StationSAN FRANCISCO INTL AP
Distance4.7 miles
Jan Temp43 to 56 F
Apr Temp48 to 64 F
Jul Temp55 to 71 F
Oct Temp52 to 70 F
Annual Precip20.1 inches
StationRICHMOND
Distance6.5 miles
Jan Temp43 to 57 F
Apr Temp48 to 66 F
Jul Temp55 to 71 F
Oct Temp53 to 72 F
Annual Precip23.3 inches

Nearby Cities and Towns

LocationPopulationMedian Family Income
Brisbane4,692$130,441
Colma1,450$110,000
Hillsborough11,439$250
Millbrae22,703$135,888
San Bruno43,114$118,201
South San Francisco67,294$105,637

Pacifica Public Schools

Cabrillo Elementary
601 Crespi Dr.
ZIP: 94044
Primary
Total Enrollment 554
Ingrid B. Lacy Middle
1427 Palmetto Ave.
ZIP: 94044
Middle
Total Enrollment 559
Linda Mar Educational Center
830 Rosita Rd.
ZIP: 94044
Primary
Total Enrollment 43
Ocean Shore Elementary
411 Oceana Blvd.
ZIP: 94044
Primary
Total Enrollment 414
Oceana High
401 Paloma Ave.
ZIP: 94044
High
Total Enrollment 628
Ortega Elementary
1283 Terra Nova Blvd.
ZIP: 94044
Primary
Total Enrollment 513
Sunset Ridge Elementary
340 Inverness Dr.
ZIP: 94044
Primary
Total Enrollment 544
Terra Nova High
1450 Terra Nova Blvd.
ZIP: 94044
High
Total Enrollment 1037
Vallemar Elementary
377 Reina Del Mar Ave.
ZIP: 94044
Primary
Total Enrollment 521

Pacifica Private Schools

Alma Heights Christian Schools
1295 Seville Dr
ZIP: 94044
Combined Elementary And Secondary
Total Enrollment 327
Good Shepherd Elementary School
909 Oceana Blvd
ZIP: 94044
Elementary
Total Enrollment 203
Montessori School Of Linda Mar
1666 Higgins Way
ZIP: 94044
Elementary
Total Enrollment 20
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