When it comes to the best neighborhoods in the city of San Mateo, there are several appealing options for families, property investors, young professionals, and those seeking luxury living. The city sits at the tip of Silicon Valley, making it one of the hottest places to buy property.
Whether you’re a family looking for a nurturing community, an investor seeking promising opportunities, or a young professional looking to buy, San Mateo’s neighborhoods have something to fulfill your desires and provide a wonderful place to call home.
San Mateo Neighborhoods Interactive Map
Check out our San Mateo Neighborhood Guide for information on the real estate market, schools, interactive map, and property listings.
Every San Mateo Neighborhood
We’ve organized the neighborhoods into this handy table, so you can find the best areas to live for your specific situation.
San Mateo Neighborhood Homes
| Neighborhood | Typical Home Prices | Great For | Walking Distance to Caltrain | Architectural Styles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown San Mateo | $350,000 to $2 million | Young Professionals, Investors | Yes | Spanish Colonial, Art Deco, Tudor, Mediterranean, Urban Revival, townhomes, and apartments. |
| Baywood | $2 million to $5 million | Families, Luxury Homes | Yes | Mediterranean, Tudor, and Ranch homes |
| Aragon | $2 million to $5 million | Families, Luxury Homes | Yes | Spanish, Tudor, and English homes |
| Hillsdale/Sugarloaf | $1 million to $3 million | Families, Young Professionals | Yes | Single-family, Ranch homes, and apartments |
| Parkside | $1 million to $3 million | Young Professionals, Investors | No | Traditional, Contemporary, and Ranch homes |
| Harbortown | $900,000 to $15 Million | Luxury Homes | No | Traditional and Craftsman-style homes |
| Fiesta Gardens & Bay Meadows | $950,000 to $3.5 million | Young Professionals | Yes | Townhouses, single-family homes, and condominiums |
| Hayward Park | $700,000 to $2.5 million | Young Professionals, Investors | Yes | Post-modern townhouses, single-family homes, and condominiums |
| Sunnybrae & 19th Avenue Park | $1 million and $3 million | N/A | Yes | Bungalows, Cottages, French, and Tudor homes |
| Foothill Terrace | $2 million to $3 million | N/A | No | Single-family homes, Two-story homes |
| Baywood Park | $2 to $4 million | N/A | No | Mediterranean, Colonial, and Tudor style |
| Laurelwood | $500,000 to $3 million | Families | No | Traditional and modern townhouses, condominiums, single-family homes, and apartments |
| San Mateo Village and Glendale Village | $950,000 and $3.5 million | Families | Yes | Traditional single-family homes built mostly in the 1950s |
| Baywood Knolls | $550,000 and $3 million | N/A | No | French, Contemporary, and Traditional style homes |
| San Mateo Park & El Cerrito Park | $1 million to $10 million | Luxury Homes | No | Mediterranean and Traditional styles |
| South Shoreview | $500,000 to $10 million | Families, Luxury Homes, Investors | No | Ranch-style, Modern, and Traditional homes |
Best Neighborhoods for Families
For families, San Mateo offers a variety of family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools, parks, and community activities. These neighborhoods provide a safe and welcoming environment for children to grow up in, making them an ideal choice for families looking for a nurturing community.
1. Baywood-Aragon
This neighborhood is known for its attractive, tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes. It’s located close to top-rated schools, parks, and community centers, making it a popular choice for families. Aragon High School is one of the best in the entire peninsula.
2. San Mateo Village
This neighborhood is well-regarded for its friendly atmosphere and diverse community. It offers a range of housing options and is located close to schools and parks.
3. Shoreview
Shoreview is known for its family-oriented vibe and proximity to Coyote Point Recreation Area, a fantastic spot for outdoor activities and family outings.
4. Sugarloaf
This area boasts spacious homes and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s located near Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers hiking opportunities for nature-loving families.
5. Laurelwood
Laurelwood is a residential neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. It has easy access to schools, parks, and shopping centers.
Best Neighborhoods for Luxury Homes
Luxury home seekers will be delighted by the upscale San Mateo neighborhoods that offer elegant and luxurious living spaces. From charming estates with beautiful gardens to modern homes with cutting-edge amenities, San Mateo’s luxury neighborhoods cater to those seeking refined living experiences.
1. Baywood Park
Nestled near the Crystal Springs Reservoir, Baywood Park features prestigious homes with scenic views and large lots. This neighborhood is known for its privacy and tranquility, making it a preferred choice for those seeking an exclusive living experience.
2. Aragon
Aragon is a neighborhood renowned for its elegant, historic architecture and well-maintained properties. Many homes in this area boast classic designs, manicured lawns, and upscale finishes.
3. San Mateo Park
San Mateo Park is a prestigious neighborhood with a mix of architectural styles, including Tudor, Mediterranean, and Craftsman. The area offers luxurious estates with impressive curb appeal and spacious interiors.
4. Beresford Manor
This neighborhood features high-end homes with beautiful landscaping and a serene atmosphere. It’s located close to Beresford Country Club, which offers additional amenities for residents.
5. Baywood-Aragon
As mentioned earlier, this San Mateo Neighborhoods not only caters to families but also offers luxurious properties, including stylish mansions and upscale estates.
6. Hillsborough
While technically a separate town adjacent to San Mateo, Hillsborough deserves mention for its exclusivity and luxurious real estate offerings. The area is known for its grand mansions, scenic beauty, and high-profile residents.
7. Westwood Knolls
Westwood Knolls boasts a variety of luxury homes, including modern designs and traditional estates. The neighborhood’s strategic location provides both privacy and convenience.
Best for Young Professionals
For young professionals, the city of San Mateo also boasts several neighborhoods that perfectly align with their fast-paced and dynamic lifestyles. With easy access to public transportation and a lively social scene, these San Mateo neighborhoods cater to the needs of young professionals seeking a blend of career opportunities and a vibrant social life.
1. Downtown San Mateo
The heart of the city is bustling with shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle with easy access to public transportation and proximity to tech companies and startups. San Mateo Central Park is great for dogs and kids.
2. Bay Meadows
This newer development has become a popular choice for young professionals due to its modern housing options, nearby parks, and convenient retail spaces. It’s a transit-oriented neighborhood, making commuting to nearby tech hubs like Silicon Valley more accessible.
3. Hillsdale
Hillsdale offers a mix of residential areas and shopping centers, including the Hillsdale Shopping Center. The neighborhood provides a blend of suburban comfort and accessibility to amenities.
4. Hayward Park
This area features a mix of single-family homes and apartments, providing options for various living preferences. It’s located near the Hillsdale Caltrain station, making it a great choice for professionals commuting to San Francisco or Silicon Valley.
5. North Shoreview
North Shoreview is known for its friendly community and a variety of housing options. It offers a good balance between residential tranquility and easy access to downtown San Mateo.
6. Fiesta Gardens
With its tree-lined streets and proximity to parks, Fiesta Gardens attracts young professionals seeking a peaceful environment while still being close to the city’s action.
7. Parkside
Parkside is a popular San Mateo neighborhood with professionals due to its mix of townhomes and condominiums. It’s within walking distance to Central Park and downtown amenities.
Best Neighborhoods for Investment Properties
Property investors will find opportunities in San Mateo’s real estate market, which has experienced steady growth due to the city’s proximity to the booming tech industry. Investing in properties here can lead to favorable returns, making it an attractive option for those looking to build their investment portfolio.
1. Downtown San Mateo
The downtown area is a vibrant hub with a mix of residential and commercial properties. Its proximity to public transportation, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues makes it appealing to renters and ensures consistent demand for rental properties.
2. Hayward Park
Hayward Park is a well-established neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Its central location and easy access to transportation corridors like the Caltrain station add to its investment potential.
3. North Shoreview
This neighborhood offers a good selection of investment properties, including single-family homes and townhouses. Its relative affordability compared to other San Mateo neighborhoods may attract renters seeking quality housing at a slightly lower cost.
4. Parkside
Parkside is a sought-after neighborhood with a mix of townhomes and condominiums. Its proximity to Central Park, schools, and downtown San Mateo makes it an attractive option for renters.
5. Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf is a residential neighborhood with a tranquil ambiance and a mix of property types, including single-family homes. The neighborhood’s family-friendly atmosphere may appeal to long-term renters.
6. Shoreview
Shoreview’s proximity to the Coyote Point Recreation Area and the San Francisco Bay adds to its appeal. It’s a well-established neighborhood with a range of housing options that may attract renters looking for scenic surroundings.
7. Beresford Park
Beresford Park offers a mix of residential properties, and its access to the Beresford Recreation Center and nearby schools can make it an attractive option for families, leading to stable rental demand.
Finding a Home in San Mateo, CA
Pro Tip: If you’re considering Moving to San Mateo, be aware that many of the neighborhoods may have limited inventory. You can cross the entire city by car in 20 minutes, so residents can quickly reach any local amenity or location.
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Finally, check out these great resources if you want to buy a home here.
What is the nicest part of San Mateo?
These San Mateo neighborhoods are especially scenic and beautiful:
- Baywood-Aragon
- San Mateo Park
- Sugarloaf
- Hillsborough
- Baywood Park
- Aragon
- Beresford Park
- Shoreview
What is the richest neighborhood in San Mateo?
One of the wealthiest and most affluent neighborhoods in San Mateo is Hillsborough. While Hillsborough is technically a separate town adjacent to San Mateo, it is often associated with the broader San Mateo area due to its proximity and shared amenities.
Hillsborough is renowned for its exclusive estates, grand mansions, and luxurious properties. The neighborhood is characterized by large, beautiful homes, well-manicured gardens, and a prestigious reputation. Many high-net-worth individuals, executives, and prominent figures reside in Hillsborough, contributing to its reputation as one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the region.
Is San Mateo a good area to live in?
The city of San Mateo, CA is a fantastic place to live for these reasons:
- Proximity to Silicon Valley and San Francisco
- Transportation convenience
- Diverse housing options
- Parks and recreational opportunities
- Good schools
- Vibrant downtown
- Cultural diversity
Why is San Mateo so expensive?
San Mateo’s high cost of living and expensive real estate can be attributed to several factors:
- Location in Silicon Valley
- Limited Housing Supply
- Strong Economy
- Desirable Amenities
- Transportation Accessibility
- Historical Demand
