Montevista | Colma California: The Cemetery City Guide
Colma California: The Cemetery City Guide
Colma, California holds a unique distinction: this small San Mateo County town has more dead residents than living ones—by a ratio of nearly 1,000 to 1. With 17 cemeteries occupying most of its 1.9 square miles, Colma has earned the nickname “City of the Silent.” This comprehensive guide explains Colma’s history, explores its cemeteries, and helps Bay Area families choose the right final resting place.
For San Francisco, Daly City, South San Francisco, and Peninsula families, Colma represents the primary burial option due to San Francisco’s 1900 ban on burials within city limits.
The History of Colma: How a Town Became a Necropolis
Understanding Colma’s transformation from rural farmland to cemetery city explains its current role.
San Francisco’s Burial Ban
In 1900, San Francisco banned burials within city limits due to:
- Land scarcity: Valuable real estate needed for living residents
- Public health concerns: 19th-century fears about groundwater contamination
- Cemetery capacity: Existing cemeteries reaching capacity
- Urban expansion: Growing city encroaching on cemetery land
The Great Cemetery Migration
Between 1912 and 1940, San Francisco relocated the dead:
- 150,000+ remains moved from SF cemeteries to Colma
- Major cemeteries relocated: Laurel Hill, Calvary, Odd Fellows, Masonic
- Cemetery development in Colma: Rural land south of SF transformed
- Current result: 1.9 square miles with 17 cemeteries and 1.5+ million burials
Why Colma?
Colma was selected for practical reasons:
- Proximity to SF: Just 2 miles south of SF border
- Available land: Rural area with cheap farmland
- Transportation: Railroad and road access from SF
- San Mateo County: Outside SF jurisdiction
- Topography: Rolling hills suitable for cemeteries
Modern Colma
Statistics: – Population (living): Approximately 1,700 residents – Population (deceased): 1.5+ million interred – Land use: 73% devoted to cemeteries – Cemeteries: 17 active cemeteries – Annual burials: Thousands of new interments each year
Economy: – Cemetery industry drives local economy – Monument companies, flower shops – Restaurants and services – Property taxes from cemeteries fund town services
Culture: – Town motto: “It’s great to be alive in Colma” – Civic pride in unique role – Professional cemetery management – Welcoming to visitors from throughout Bay Area
Colma’s 17 Cemeteries
Each cemetery serves different communities and traditions.
Cypress Lawn Memorial Park
Type: Non-sectarian, premier memorial park Established: 1892 Size: 150+ acres
Features: – Elaborate monuments and mausoleums – Beautiful landscaping with lakes and rolling hills – Colonnade architecture – Historic significance (many prominent San Franciscans) – Meticulously maintained grounds
Services: – Ground burial – Mausoleum entombment (indoor and outdoor) – Cremation niches and gardens – Pre-planning assistance – On-site chapel
Notable Interments: – Wyatt Earp (lawman) – William Randolph Hearst Jr. (publisher) – Numerous San Francisco mayors and civic leaders
Sections: – Non-denominational main sections – Jewish section (Eternal Home) – Chinese section – Various themed gardens
Pricing: – Ground burial: $8,000-$20,000+ – Mausoleum: $12,000-$35,000+ – Cremation niches: $3,000-$6,000
Why Families Choose Cypress Lawn: Prestige, beauty, comprehensive options, historic significance, professional management
Contact: www.cypresslawn.com | 650-755-0580
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
Type: Roman Catholic Established: 1887 Size: Large multi-section cemetery
Features: – Traditional Catholic symbols and design – Religious statuary, grottos – Multiple sections – Perpetual care
Services: – Ground burial for baptized Catholics – Mausoleum crypts – Cremation niches (Church now permits cremation) – Coordination with Catholic funeral services
Requirements: – Proof of Catholic baptism typically required – Catholic funeral rites usually expected – Archdiocese oversight
Sections: – Various sections including historic areas – Mausoleum – Newer garden sections
Pricing: – Ground burial: $7,000-$14,000 – Mausoleum: $10,000-$25,000 – Cremation niches: $2,500-$5,000
Why Catholic Families Choose Holy Cross: Religious tradition, Church blessing, Catholic community, sacred ground
Contact: 650-756-2060
Hills of Eternity Memorial Park
Type: Jewish Established: 1889 Affiliation: Reform and Conservative Judaism
Features: – Beautiful hilltop location with SF Bay views – Traditional Jewish cemetery practices – Respectful of Jewish law and customs – Well-maintained grounds
Services: – Ground burial following Jewish law – Coordination with Chevra Kadisha – Prompt burial as required by tradition – Perpetual care
Sections: – Reform section (allows more elaborate monuments) – Orthodox section (simpler monuments) – Congregation-specific sections
Requirements: – Proof of Jewish heritage – Following Jewish burial customs – Proper orientation and practices per Jewish law
Pricing: – Ground burial: $8,000-$18,000 – Opening/closing: $2,000-$3,200
Why Jewish Families Choose Hills of Eternity: Jewish tradition, proximity to SF, established Jewish community, proper Jewish burial
Home of Peace Cemetery
Type: Jewish (Orthodox) Established: 1889 Affiliation: Orthodox Judaism
Features: – Strictly Orthodox practices – Traditional Jewish monuments – Separate sections maintaining Orthodox customs – Rabbinical oversight
Services: – Orthodox Jewish burials only – Coordination with Orthodox Chevra Kadisha – Traditional tahara facilities – Perpetual care
Requirements: – Orthodox Jewish affiliation – Adherence to Orthodox burial law – Rabbinical approval may be required
Pricing: – Ground burial: $7,000-$15,000
Why Orthodox Families Choose Home of Peace: Orthodox standards, rabbinic supervision, traditional practices
Olivet Memorial Park
Type: Non-sectarian Established: 1887
Features: – Peaceful garden setting – Diverse community – Well-maintained grounds – Various garden themes
Services: – Ground burial – Mausoleum – Cremation options – Pre-need planning
Pricing: – Ground burial: $6,000-$12,000 (more affordable than some Colma options) – Mausoleum: $9,000-$20,000 – Cremation niches: $2,500-$5,000
Why Families Choose Olivet: Non-denominational, good value, comprehensive services, established presence
Woodlawn Memorial Park
Type: Non-sectarian Established: 1890s
Features: – Large cemetery with spacious grounds – Various garden sections – Traditional and contemporary options
Services: – Ground burial – Lawn crypts – Mausoleum – Cremation gardens
Pricing: – Ground burial: $5,000-$10,000 (among more affordable Colma options) – Mausoleum: $8,000-$18,000 – Cremation niches: $2,000-$4,500
Why Families Choose Woodlawn: Affordability, spacious grounds, variety of options
Italian Cemetery
Type: Cultural (Italian-American) Established: Early 1900s (relocated from SF’s North Beach)
Features: – Preserves Italian cultural heritage – Elaborate Italian-style monuments – Community-focused – Historic Italian-American families
Services: – Ground burial (primarily Italian-American families) – Traditional Italian funeral customs honored
Requirements: – Italian heritage (historically, though sometimes flexible) – May require membership or family connection
Why Italian-American Families Choose: Cultural preservation, community, traditional Italian customs
Chinese Cemetery
Type: Cultural (Chinese-American) Established: Early 1900s
Features: – Traditional Chinese cemetery design – Feng shui considerations in layout – Chinese architectural elements – Qingming observances
Services: – Ground burial following Chinese customs – Traditional Chinese funeral coordination – Cultural practices respected
Cultural Significance: – Annual Qingming (Tomb Sweeping Day) in April – Burning of joss paper and offerings – Proper feng shui orientation – Chinese inscriptions and symbols
Why Chinese-American Families Choose: Cultural tradition, feng shui, community, specific customs honored
Greek Orthodox Memorial Park
Type: Greek Orthodox Christian Established: Early 1900s
Features: – Orthodox Christian symbols – Greek cultural traditions – Community cemetery
Services: – Ground burial for Orthodox Christians – Coordination with Greek Orthodox funeral rites
Requirements: – Greek Orthodox affiliation typically required
Why Greek Orthodox Families Choose: Religious tradition, Greek culture, Orthodox customs
Serbian Cemetery
Type: Serbian Orthodox Christian
Features: – Serbian cultural heritage – Orthodox Christian traditions
Services: – Ground burial for Serbian community – Orthodox funeral coordination
Why Serbian Families Choose: Cultural preservation, Orthodox tradition, community
Additional Colma Cemeteries
Japanese Cemetery: Serves Japanese-American community Eternal Home Cemetery: Non-sectarian Sunset View Cemetery: Non-sectarian Golden Gate National Cemetery: Veterans (technically in San Bruno, near Colma border)
Getting to Colma from Bay Area Cities
Colma’s location makes it accessible from throughout the Bay Area.
From San Francisco
Distance: 2-8 miles depending on SF neighborhood Time: 15-30 minutes depending on traffic and starting point
Routes: – I-280 South: From most of SF, take 280 South, exit Hickey Blvd or Serramonte – El Camino Real (Highway 82): Direct route from SF through Daly City to Colma – BART: Colma BART station provides public transit access
Funeral Processions: – Typical SF-to-Colma procession: 25-40 minutes – Funeral homes coordinate procession route and timing
From East Bay
Distance: 20-30 miles Time: 30-50 minutes
Routes: – Bay Bridge to I-280 South: Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda – San Mateo Bridge to I-280 North: From southern East Bay
From Peninsula
Distance: 5-20 miles Time: 15-35 minutes
Routes: – I-280 North: From San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, etc. – El Camino Real: Accessible from all Peninsula cities
From South Bay
Distance: 30-45 miles Time: 40-70 minutes depending on traffic
Routes: – I-280 North: Most direct from San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale
Choosing a Colma Cemetery
With 17 cemeteries, Colma offers options for every tradition and budget.
Consider Your Priorities
Religious/Cultural Requirements: – Catholic: Holy Cross – Jewish Reform/Conservative: Hills of Eternity – Jewish Orthodox: Home of Peace – Greek Orthodox: Greek Orthodox Memorial Park – Italian heritage: Italian Cemetery – Chinese heritage: Chinese Cemetery – Non-denominational: Cypress Lawn, Olivet, Woodlawn, others
Budget: – More affordable: Woodlawn, Olivet – Mid-range: Holy Cross, Olivet, Hills of Eternity – Premium: Cypress Lawn
Features: – Beautiful grounds: Cypress Lawn – Historic significance: Cypress Lawn, Holy Cross, Hills of Eternity – Modern facilities: Most offer contemporary services – Mausoleum options: Cypress Lawn, Holy Cross, Olivet, Woodlawn
Questions to Ask
When visiting Colma cemeteries:
- What is the total cost? (plot, opening/closing, endowment, marker)
- What does perpetual care cover?
- What are monument restrictions? (upright vs. flat, size limits, material)
- What are decoration policies? (fresh flowers, artificial, seasonal items)
- What are visiting hours?
- Religious requirements or restrictions?
- Can I select exact plot location?
- Are there additional fees? (transfer fees, administrative costs)
- What payment options exist? (financing, payment plans)
- What happens if cemetery closes? (perpetual care protections)
Visit Multiple Cemeteries
Recommended approach: – Visit 2-3 cemeteries in one trip (they’re all in small area) – Walk the grounds, assess maintenance and beauty – Meet with cemetery representatives – Compare pricing and policies – Trust your feelings about atmosphere
Colma Cemetery Costs
Understanding full burial costs helps with budgeting.
Average Total Costs (Ground Burial)
Budget Range ($9,000-$15,000): – Cemetery plot: $5,000-$8,000 – Opening/closing: $1,600-$2,200 – Grave liner: $1,200-$1,800 – Flat marker: $1,200-$3,000
Mid-Range ($15,000-$22,000): – Cemetery plot: $7,000-$12,000 – Opening/closing: $2,000-$2,800 – Vault: $2,000-$2,800 – Upright monument: $3,000-$5,000
Premium Range ($22,000-$40,000+): – Premium plot location: $12,000-$20,000 – Opening/closing: $2,500-$3,500 – Premium vault: $3,000-$5,000 – Elaborate monument: $5,000-$15,000+
Mausoleum Costs
Columbarium (Cremation) Niches: $2,500-$6,000 Mausoleum Crypts (Casket): $10,000-$35,000+
Alternatives to Colma for Bay Area Families
While Colma is the traditional choice, alternatives exist.
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens (Livermore)
Distance from SF: 45 minutes via I-580 Distance from Peninsula: 50-60 minutes
Why Bay Area Families Choose Monte Vista:
- Cost savings: 20-30% less than Colma
- Staff coordination: Our team can help arrange funeral, cremation, and burial services
- Cultural inclusivity: All traditions welcomed
- Open setting: Developing grounds in the Livermore area
- Convenient: No SF-to-Colma procession needed
Services: – Ground burial: $4,500-$7,500 – Cremation plots available – Contact for current pricing and availability
Contact: 510-299-1174
SF National Cemetery (Presidio)
Eligibility: Veterans and eligible family only Cost: Free for eligible veterans Availability: Limited for new burials
Other Bay Area Cemeteries
- East Bay cemeteries (Oakland, Hayward)
- South Bay cemeteries (San Jose area)
- North Bay cemeteries (Marin, Napa)
The Future of Colma
Colma continues evolving while maintaining its unique cemetery role.
Capacity Concerns: – Some cemeteries approaching capacity – Limited land for new cemetery development – Increasing emphasis on cremation – Creative use of space (columbariums, garden crypts)
Economic Impact: – Cemetery industry remains vital to Colma economy – Property taxes from cemeteries fund municipal services – Supporting businesses (monuments, flowers, etc.)
Community Identity: – Embrace of unique “City of the Silent” identity – Civic pride in serving Bay Area families – Professional cemetery management standards – Welcome environment for visitors
Visiting Colma Cemeteries
Plan Your Visit: – Most cemeteries open daily during daylight hours – Office hours typically Monday-Friday, limited weekend hours – Call ahead to schedule appointment with cemetery representative – Bring questions and take notes – Allow time to walk grounds
What to Bring: – ID and contact information – Notebook for comparing cemeteries – Camera if helpful for remembering locations – Questions list – Checkbook if making deposit (optional)
Multiple Cemetery Visits: – Colma’s small size allows visiting several in one trip – Compare pricing, policies, and atmosphere – Take time to feel each cemetery’s character
Colma’s Continuing Role
For over a century, Colma has served Bay Area families with dignity, respect, and professionalism. The City of the Silent provides a final resting place for generations of San Franciscans and Bay Area residents, maintaining beautiful grounds and honoring diverse traditions.
Whether you choose Cypress Lawn’s historic grandeur, Holy Cross’s Catholic tradition, Hills of Eternity’s Jewish heritage, or any of Colma’s other fine cemeteries, you’ll find professional management and perpetual care.
For Bay Area families seeking alternatives, Monte Vista Memorial Gardens in Livermore offers burial plots and staff who can help coordinate arrangements, with cost savings compared to many Colma options, all without the SF-to-Colma journey.
Explore your options and choose the final resting place that honors your loved one and serves your family’s needs. Call Monte Vista at 510-299-1174 to learn about our Livermore option, or visit Colma’s cemeteries to compare services and pricing.