Homes in Foster City, CA
Foster City offers waterfront living with excellent schools and planned community design, making it a premier Peninsula destination.
Why Foster City?
Waterfront Living & Lagoon Access
Foster City offers waterfront living with extensive lagoon system, marina access, and scenic views. The planned community design creates unique waterfront lifestyle unmatched in the Peninsula.
Excellent Schools & Educational Excellence
Foster City offers strong public schools including Beach Park, Brewer Island, Foster City, and Audubon Elementary, plus Bowditch Middle. The strong school system attracts families seeking quality education in the Peninsula.
Planned Community Design
Foster City's planned community design creates walkable neighborhoods, extensive parks, and community amenities. The city's design supports active lifestyles and community connections.
Interactive Map
Neighborhoods in Foster City
Discover the unique character and charm of Foster City's diverse neighborhoods.
Beach Park
Waterfront neighborhood with parks, schools, and community feel.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Beach Park Elementary and strong schools create excellent educational opportunities.
Waterfront location with lagoon access and scenic views.
Community parks and recreation facilities provide gathering spaces.
Brewer Island
Island neighborhood with waterfront access and community feel.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Brewer Island Elementary and strong schools create excellent educational opportunities.
Island location with lagoon access and waterfront views.
Community parks and recreation facilities provide gathering spaces.
Foster City Center
Central neighborhood with parks, schools, and community feel.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Foster City Elementary and Bowditch Middle create strong educational community.
Community parks and recreation facilities provide gathering spaces.
Convenient access to Caltrain and Highway 101.
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Schools in Foster City
Quality education is a cornerstone of Foster City's appeal to families.
| School Name | Level | School Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Park Elementary | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Brewer Island Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Foster City Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Audubon Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Bowditch Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating |
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Note: Verify current ratings and boundaries with official district resources. School assignments may change based on enrollment and boundary adjustments.
Major Employment Hubs & Local Employers
Foster City offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.
Major Employment Hubs Near Foster City
San Francisco Financial District & Embarcadero - Finance, legal, and tech headquarters reachable in 25-35 minutes via Caltrain.
Silicon Valley Core (Palo Alto / Mountain View / Cupertino) - Technology headquarters and campuses 20-35 minutes away via Highway 101 or I-280.
San Mateo Business District - Professional services, retail, and technology employers 5 minutes north on Highway 101.
Top Employers in Foster City
Foster City Government
Municipal government operations including city administration, public works, and community services employing local residents in various departments.
San Mateo-Foster City School District
School district operating Beach Park, Brewer Island, Foster City, and Audubon Elementary Schools, plus Bowditch Middle, employing educators, administrators, and support staff in comprehensive educational programs.
Commute Times
Foster City offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.
Commute to Major Job Centers
Airports
Regional Hotspots
Lifestyle & Amenities
Discover what makes Foster City a special place to live.
Daily rhythms in Foster City blend waterfront living with convenient Peninsula access. Residents start mornings with lagoon views and waterfront recreation before commuting to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, or local employment via Caltrain. Evenings bring neighbors to waterfront parks, community events, or nearby restaurants that keep the community engaged throughout the year.
Family life centers around excellent schools, community parks, and strong neighborhood connections. Parents appreciate the ability to choose from multiple strong elementary schools, while Bowditch Middle offers comprehensive programs. Neighborhoods like Beach Park, Brewer Island, and Foster City Center provide community parks and programs that bring families together.
Outdoor culture thrives thanks to extensive lagoon system, waterfront parks, and proximity to regional parks. Residents enjoy lagoon access, waterfront recreation, and nature access just minutes from home, while the Peninsula setting provides scenic beauty year-round. The waterfront setting means water-based activities are central to daily life.
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Weather & Climate
Quick-hit visuals that show how Foster City feels throughout the year.
Temperature Story
Quick look at the seasonal swing in Foster City
Winter Comfort Band
45–55°F
Typical overnight lows from December through February.
Summer Warmth Band
75–85°F
Afternoon highs during peak summer months.
Climate Type
Mediterranean
Overall pattern
Days of Sunshine
260+ days
Bright days/year
Annual Rainfall
20-25 inches
Nov–Mar showers
Foster City's Peninsula location creates mild summers and cool winters.
Mild summers with occasional warm days; cool, wet winters with most rainfall occurring December thro...
Year-round outdoor living is possible thanks to mild temperatures.
Parks & Recreation in Foster City
Foster City maintains over 4 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.
Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park
Community Park
Large community park with lagoon access, sports fields, playground, and gathering spaces serving Foster City neighborhoods.
Beach Park
Community Park
Waterfront park with lagoon access, playground, and gathering spaces serving Foster City neighborhoods.
Foster City Lagoon
Waterfront
Extensive lagoon system with waterfront access, recreation, and scenic views throughout Foster City.
Showing 3 of 4 parks
Natural Hazards & Fault Lines
Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in Foster City.
Major Fault Lines Near Foster City
San Andreas Fault
Runs through western Peninsula, approximately 5 miles west
Type: Right-lateral strike-slip
Hayward Fault
Located roughly 15 miles east across the Bay
Type: Right-lateral strike-slip
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Low to moderate; most areas are low risk with proper defensible space.
CalFire Classification
Seismic Hazard Zones
Liquefaction Zones
Moderate to high risk in low-lying areas near lagoon and bay fill; minimal risk in most neighborhoods on stable ground.
Landslide Zones
Low to moderate susceptibility; most areas are stable with proper site evaluation.
Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone Status
Portions of Foster City may fall within fault zone areas; geological reports required for new construction in designated zones.
FEMA Flood Zones
Zone Type
Zone AE along lagoon and low-lying areas; Zone X in most neighborhoods.
Flood Risk Notes
Homes near lagoon may require flood insurance. Storm surge and high tides can impact waterfront properties during severe weather.
Additional Notes
Foster City participates in regional earthquake preparedness programs. Many older homes may need seismic retrofitting. The city has strict building codes for new construction. Lagoon system requires maintenance and monitoring.
What Locals Say
Hear from residents about living in Foster City.
"Living in Foster City gives us waterfront living with excellent schools and planned community design. The lagoon system is amazing, and we love the waterfront lifestyle."
— Beach Park Resident
"The schools are outstanding, and the community parks provide great spaces for families. Plus, we're so close to San Francisco and Silicon Valley for work."
— Brewer Island Parent
Local Favorites
Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in Foster City.
Bellini Bistro
Cozy neighborhood favorite in Foster City serving fresh local flavors.
Toast In Town
High-energy spot for steaks, seafood, and cocktails in a stylish space.
Waterfront Pizza
Cozy neighborhood favorite in Foster City serving fresh local flavors.
Showing 3 of 10 restaurants
What Makes Foster City Special
Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of Foster City.
Waterfront Living
Foster City offers waterfront living with extensive lagoon system, marina access, and scenic views creating unique Peninsula lifestyle.
Excellent Schools
Foster City offers strong public schools including multiple elementary schools and Bowditch Middle.
Planned Community Design
Foster City's planned community design creates walkable neighborhoods, extensive parks, and community amenities.
Lagoon System
Extensive lagoon system with waterfront access, recreation, and scenic views throughout Foster City providing unique recreation opportunities.
Convenient Peninsula Location
Foster City's central Peninsula location provides easy access to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and regional amenities.
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Insider Tips
What to know and what to be aware of when considering Foster City.
What to Know
Commute Considerations
Caltrain access in nearby San Mateo makes commuting to San Francisco and San Jose convenient. Silicon Valley commutes are typically 20-35 minutes via Highway 101 or I-280.
Waterfront Living
Foster City's lagoon system creates unique waterfront lifestyle; homes near lagoon may require flood insurance.
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What to Avoid
Ignoring Traffic Patterns
Highway 101 can be congested during commute hours; factor in traffic when considering commute times.
Skipping Seismic Checks
Older homes may need seismic retrofitting; have inspections done before purchase.
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Homes for Sale in Foster City
Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.
Coming Soon
We're working on bringing you real-time listings for Foster City. In the meantime, contact us to get personalized information about available homes in this area.
Nearby Cities
Explore other areas we serve in the San Mateo County region.
Questions About Foster City
Common questions about living and buying in Foster City.
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