Homes in San Carlos, CA
San Carlos offers family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools and charming downtown, making it a premier Peninsula community.
Why San Carlos?
Family-Friendly Community
San Carlos offers family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools, community parks, and strong neighborhood connections. The city's focus on families creates a welcoming environment for parents and children.
Excellent Schools & Educational Excellence
San Carlos offers strong public schools including Arundel, Brittan Acres, White Oaks, and Heather Elementary, plus Tierra Linda Middle and Carlmont High. The strong school system attracts families seeking quality education in the Peninsula.
Charming Downtown & Shopping
Laurel Street offers charming downtown shopping district with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and services creating vibrant community gathering place. The downtown serves as a hub where neighbors connect and celebrate together.
Interactive Map
Neighborhoods in San Carlos
Discover the unique character and charm of San Carlos's diverse neighborhoods.
Downtown San Carlos
Charming downtown with shops, restaurants, and walkable character.
Learn More
Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Laurel Street shopping district with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
Caltrain station provides convenient transit access.
Downtown serves as community gathering place.
Arundel
Family-friendly area with parks, schools, and community feel.
Learn More
Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Arundel Elementary and strong schools create excellent educational opportunities.
Community parks and recreation facilities provide gathering spaces.
Convenient access to Caltrain and Highway 101.
Brittan Acres
Established neighborhood with mature homes and strong community.
Learn More
Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Brittan Acres Elementary and strong schools create excellent educational opportunities.
Community parks and programs bring families together.
Quiet streets and active neighborhood associations maintain safety.
Showing 3 of 6 neighborhoods
Schools in San Carlos
Quality education is a cornerstone of San Carlos's appeal to families.
| School Name | Level | School Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arundel Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Brittan Acres Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| White Oaks Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Heather Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Tierra Linda Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating | |
| Central Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating |
Showing 3 of 6 schools
Showing 5 of 6 schools
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
San Carlos offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.
Major Employment Hubs Near San Carlos
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 3 minutes north on Highway 101.
Top Employers in San Carlos
San Carlos City Government
Municipal government operations including city administration, public works, and community services employing local residents in various departments.
San Carlos School District
School district operating Arundel, Brittan Acres, White Oaks, and Heather Elementary Schools, plus Tierra Linda Middle, employing educators, administrators, and support staff in comprehensive educational programs.
Sequoia Union High School District
School district operating Carlmont High School, employing educators, administrators, and support staff serving San Carlos and surrounding communities.
Commute Times
San Carlos offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.
Commute to Major Job Centers
Airports
Regional Hotspots
Lifestyle & Amenities
Discover what makes San Carlos a special place to live.
Daily rhythms in San Carlos blend family-friendly living with convenient Peninsula access. Residents start mornings with coffee at downtown cafes before boarding Caltrain to San Francisco or Silicon Valley, arriving in 25-35 minutes. Evenings bring neighbors to Laurel Street restaurants, community parks, or school events 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 Carlmont High offers comprehensive programs. Neighborhoods like Arundel, Brittan Acres, and White Oaks provide community parks and programs that bring families together.
Outdoor culture thrives thanks to community parks, recreation facilities, and proximity to regional parks. Residents enjoy hiking trails, sports facilities, and nature access just minutes from home, while the Peninsula setting provides scenic beauty year-round. The natural setting means outdoor recreation is central to daily life.
Showing 3 of 7 highlights
Weather & Climate
Quick-hit visuals that show how San Carlos feels throughout the year.
Temperature Story
Quick look at the seasonal swing in San Carlos
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
San Carlos'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 San Carlos
San Carlos maintains over 3 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.
Burton Park
Community Park
Community park with sports fields, playground, and gathering spaces serving San Carlos neighborhoods.
Heather Park
Community Park
Community park with recreation facilities, walking paths, and gathering spaces serving San Carlos community.
White Oaks Park
Neighborhood Park
Neighborhood park with playground, sports facilities, and gathering spaces serving San Carlos neighborhoods.
Natural Hazards & Fault Lines
Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in San Carlos.
Major Fault Lines Near San Carlos
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
Low to moderate risk in low-lying areas; 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 San Carlos may fall within fault zone areas; geological reports required for new construction in designated zones.
FEMA Flood Zones
Zone Type
Zone X in most areas; low flood risk.
Flood Risk Notes
Most homes are in low-risk flood zones. Flash flooding possible in creek corridors during heavy winter storms.
Additional Notes
San Carlos participates in regional earthquake preparedness programs. Many older homes may need seismic retrofitting. The city has strict building codes for new construction.
What Locals Say
Hear from residents about living in San Carlos.
"Living in San Carlos gives us excellent schools, charming downtown, and convenient Caltrain access. The community feel is amazing, and we love the Laurel Street shopping district."
— Downtown San Carlos 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."
— Arundel Parent
Local Favorites
Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in San Carlos.
Johnston's Saltbox
Rustic-chic eatery serving seasonal, garden-fresh dishes and craft beers.
The Refuge
Famous for its navel-cut pastrami, Belgian beers, and classic deli fare.
Elia
Modern Greek cuisine featuring fresh seafood, grilled meats, and mezes.
Showing 3 of 10 restaurants
What Makes San Carlos Special
Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of San Carlos.
Family-Friendly Community
San Carlos offers family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools, community parks, and strong neighborhood connections creating a welcoming environment for families.
Excellent Schools
San Carlos offers strong public schools including Arundel, Brittan Acres, White Oaks, and Heather Elementary, plus Tierra Linda Middle and Carlmont High.
Charming Downtown
Laurel Street offers charming downtown shopping district with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and services creating vibrant community gathering place.
Convenient Caltrain Access
Downtown San Carlos Caltrain station provides easy access to San Francisco, San Jose, and Peninsula employment centers.
Central Peninsula Location
San Carlos's central Peninsula location provides easy access to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and regional amenities.
Showing 3 of 5 points
Showing 4 of 5 points
Insider Tips
What to know and what to be aware of when considering San Carlos.
What to Know
Commute Considerations
Caltrain access in downtown San Carlos makes commuting to San Francisco and San Jose convenient. Silicon Valley commutes are typically 20-35 minutes via Highway 101 or I-280.
School District Excellence
San Carlos School District and Sequoia Union High School District are highly rated; students attend schools in these districts.
Showing 2 of 3 tips
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.
Showing 2 of 3 tips
Homes for Sale in San Carlos
Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.
Coming Soon
We're working on bringing you real-time listings for San Carlos. 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 San Carlos
Common questions about living and buying in San Carlos.
Showing 6 of 24 FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for in this city?
Have questions about homes, neighborhoods, schools, or listings in this area? We’re happy to help.
Ready to tour homes in San Carlos?
Let Marina's local expertise guide you through finding the perfect home in San Carlos. With 16+ years of experience in the San Mateo County area, she knows every neighborhood and market trend.