Homes in San Mateo, CA
San Mateo offers diverse neighborhoods with good schools and vibrant downtown, making it a desirable Peninsula community.
Why San Mateo?
Vibrant Downtown & Shopping
B Street offers vibrant 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.
Good Schools & Educational Options
San Mateo offers good public schools including multiple elementary schools, Abbott and Borel Middle, and Aragon, Hillsdale, and San Mateo High. The school system provides quality education for families seeking Peninsula living.
Convenient Caltrain Access
Downtown San Mateo Caltrain station provides easy access to San Francisco, San Jose, and Peninsula employment centers. The transit system makes commuting convenient while maintaining residential character.
Interactive Map
Neighborhoods in San Mateo
Discover the unique character and charm of San Mateo's diverse neighborhoods.
Downtown San Mateo
Vibrant downtown with shops, restaurants, and walkable character.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
B Street shopping district with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
Caltrain station provides convenient transit access.
Downtown serves as community gathering place.
Baywood
Established neighborhood with mature homes and strong community.
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Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Baywood Elementary and strong schools create excellent educational opportunities.
Community parks and programs bring families together.
Quiet streets and active neighborhood associations maintain safety.
College Park
Family-friendly area 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
College Park Elementary and strong schools make it ideal for families.
Community parks and recreation facilities provide gathering spaces.
Convenient access to Caltrain and Highway 101.
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Schools in San Mateo
Quality education is a cornerstone of San Mateo's appeal to families.
| School Name | Level | School Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Hall Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| College Park Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| North Shoreview Montessori Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Meadow Heights Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Baywood Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Fiesta Gardens International Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Highlands Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Beresford Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Laurel Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| San Mateo Park Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Sunnybrae Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Parkside Montessori | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Abbott Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating | |
| Borel Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating | |
| Aragon High School | High | ViewView Rating | |
| Hillsdale High School | High | ViewView Rating | |
| San Mateo High School | High | 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
San Mateo offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.
Major Employment Hubs Near San Mateo
San Francisco Financial District & Embarcadero - Finance, legal, and tech headquarters reachable in 20-30 minutes via Caltrain.
Silicon Valley Core (Palo Alto / Mountain View / Cupertino) - Technology headquarters and campuses 25-40 minutes away via Highway 101 or I-280.
Foster City Business District - Professional services, retail, and technology employers 5 minutes south on Highway 101.
Top Employers in San Mateo
San Mateo 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 multiple elementary schools including George Hall, College Park, North Shoreview Montessori, Meadow Heights, Baywood, Fiesta Gardens International, Highlands, Beresford, Laurel, San Mateo Park, and Sunnybrae Elementary, plus Abbott and Borel Middle, employing educators, administrators, and support staff in comprehensive educational programs.
San Mateo Union High School District
School district operating Aragon High School, Hillsdale High School, and San Mateo High School, employing educators, administrators, and support staff serving San Mateo and surrounding communities.
Commute Times
San Mateo 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 Mateo a special place to live.
Daily rhythms in San Mateo blend diverse community living with convenient Peninsula access. Residents start mornings with coffee at downtown cafes before boarding Caltrain to San Francisco or Silicon Valley, arriving in 20-30 minutes. Evenings bring neighbors to B Street restaurants, community parks, or school events that keep the community engaged throughout the year.
Family life centers around good schools, community parks, and strong neighborhood connections. Parents appreciate the ability to choose from multiple strong elementary schools, while Aragon High, Hillsdale High, and San Mateo High offer comprehensive programs. Neighborhoods like Baywood, College Park, and Laurel 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.
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Weather & Climate
Quick-hit visuals that show how San Mateo feels throughout the year.
Temperature Story
Quick look at the seasonal swing in San Mateo
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 Mateo'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 Mateo
San Mateo maintains over 3 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.
Central Park
Community Park
Large community park with sports fields, playground, and gathering spaces serving San Mateo neighborhoods.
Laurelwood Park
Community Park
Community park with recreation facilities, walking paths, and gathering spaces serving San Mateo community.
Bayside Park
Community Park
Community park with sports facilities, playground, and gathering spaces serving San Mateo neighborhoods.
Natural Hazards & Fault Lines
Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in San Mateo.
Major Fault Lines Near San Mateo
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 Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo.
"Living in San Mateo gives us good schools, vibrant downtown, and convenient Caltrain access. The community feel is amazing, and we love the B Street shopping district."
— Downtown San Mateo Resident
"The schools are good, and the community parks provide great spaces for families. Plus, we're so close to San Francisco and Silicon Valley for work."
— College Park Parent
Local Favorites
Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in San Mateo.
Pausa Bar & Cookery
Modern Italian plates, house-cured salumi, and craft cocktails in a sleek space.
The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar
Seasonal European-inspired dishes and an extensive, global wine selection.
Prime BBQ
Traditional wood-smoked BBQ meats and classic American sides.
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What Makes San Mateo Special
Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of San Mateo.
Vibrant Downtown
B Street offers vibrant downtown shopping district with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and services creating vibrant community gathering place.
Good Schools
San Mateo offers good public schools including multiple elementary schools, Abbott and Borel Middle, and Aragon, Hillsdale, and San Mateo High.
Convenient Caltrain Access
Downtown San Mateo Caltrain station provides easy access to San Francisco, San Jose, and Peninsula employment centers.
Central Peninsula Location
San Mateo's central Peninsula location provides easy access to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and regional amenities.
Diverse Neighborhoods
San Mateo offers diverse neighborhoods from vibrant downtown to established neighborhoods like Baywood, College Park, and Laurel.
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Insider Tips
What to know and what to be aware of when considering San Mateo.
What to Know
Commute Considerations
Caltrain access in downtown San Mateo makes commuting to San Francisco and San Jose convenient. Silicon Valley commutes are typically 25-40 minutes via Highway 101 or I-280.
School Districts
San Mateo-Foster City School District and San Mateo Union High School District serve the city; verify attendance zones when considering neighborhoods.
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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 San Mateo
Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.
Coming Soon
We're working on bringing you real-time listings for San Mateo. 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 Mateo
Common questions about living and buying in San Mateo.
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