Hillsborough, CA, one of the wealthiest towns in the country, is famous for its mansions and historic homes.
Aside from having one of the most affluent and prestigious zip codes in the Bay Area, Hillsborough is also unique because it has no commercial zoning and is entirely residential.
Considering moving to one of San Mateo County’s most coveted communities? Read on to learn more about the best Hillsborough neighborhoods so you can choose the one that suits your lifestyle, budget, and preferences.
Hillsborough Heights
Highly esteemed and one of the best neighborhoods in Hillsborough, Hillsborough Heights is home to vintage residences, some dating back to the 1920s. These homes feature intricate details that evoke old-world charm and modern amenities that provide a comfortable and stylish living experience.
Key Features
The architectural styles of Hillsborough Heights residences include Tudor, Mediterranean-style, and English Country designs.
Homes are situated in generous lots ranging from 0.14 to 0.69 acres, with living spaces spanning from 1,700 to 5,200 square feet. These luxurious properties offer ample space for entertainment patios, a large pool, a spa, a fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen.
Why Live Here
This neighborhood is ideal for those who want to come home to a tranquil and secluded enclave yet have access to essential amenities and enjoy a vibrant city life.
Hillsborough Heights is also a great option for those with growing families, providing access to well-regarded learning institutions like the Crystal Springs Uplands School which empower students to thrive in academically rigorous, nurturing, and safe learning environments.
Ryan Tract
Ryan Tract, also called ‘lower Hillsborough’ by locals, is home to many of the town’s large original estates. Combined with new properties, this neighborhood offers a delightful mix of past and present-day luxury living.
Key Features
Some of the prominent architectural styles homes in Ryan Tract include Mid-century Modern, California Rancher, Spanish, Tudor, Traditional, and Custom Modern.
The neighborhood is mainly comprised of historical residences built from the 1900s to 1970s. Many homes in Ryan Tract can have 1,200 to 2,300 square feet of living space, with two to three bedrooms and one to three bathrooms.
Why Live Here
Neighboring highways are easily accessible from the neighborhood, making it convenient for residents to go from one location to another. The Burlingame Caltrain station, the Burlingame Avenue, and El Camino Real shopping and dining districts are just a few minutes away from Ryan Tract.
Residents who have children of school age have access to a diverse selection of reputable schools, such as North Hillsborough Elementary School, Crocker Middle School, and Burlingame High School.
Sky Farm
Sky Farm is one of the newer large subdivisions in Hillsborough, CA. Luxurious homes sitting on larger lot sizes boast a scenic lifestyle with lush surroundings and exquisite landscaping.
Key Features
Many homes in Sky Farm were built from the 1970s to the 1980s. Most properties come with grounds full of shade trees, with some featuring grand views.
Lot sizes range between 0.50 to almost 1 acre and interior living spaces range between 5,000 to 6,400 square feet. Floor plans typically feature four to six bedrooms and five to seven bathrooms.
Why Live Here
Sky Farm is an excellent choice for those seeking larger executive homes with modern amenities. The neighborhood is also coveted for its winding hillside roads and magnificent bay views.
Sky Farm is also an ideal community for families, with excellent public schools, low crime rate, and owner-occupied single-family houses.
Hillsborough Knolls
Located near the border of Hillsborough, Hillsborough Knolls is a relatively small neighborhood that connects the higher and lower areas of the city. This community features enclaves on quiet streets, fine landscaping, and custom homes.
Key Features
The most common home style in Hillsborough Knolls is Tudor architecture. The neighborhood has a long history of high society and luxury dating to the late 1800s, and it continues to retain its distinct charm and tradition.
Residences typically have four to six bedrooms and three to nine bathrooms. Most properties offer interior living space ranging from 2,800 to almost 7,200 square feet.
Why Live Here
If you’re looking for a place that’s peaceful and secluded, this neighborhood is an excellent choice. It is exclusively residential, so residents are able to relax in the quiet of their own space.
Beautiful parks in the neighborhood and recreational activities provided by the Hillsborough Recreation Department, Sawyer Camp Trail, and Crystal Springs Golf Course offer many opportunities for residents to maintain an active lifestyle.
Lakeview
A sprawling upper residential community tucked away in Hillsborough, Lakeview is known for its rustic charm and sophisticated environment. The neighborhood boasts breathtaking views, surrounded by natural beauty.
Key Features
If you’re looking for affordable neighborhoods in Hillsborough, Lakeview is an excellent option. Ranch-style homes and Neo-traditional multi-story homes are prominent in this neighborhood, with smaller properties relative to those in the nearby communities.
Most dwellings in Lakeview offer ample interior living space ranging from 3,000 to 5,200 square feet, with lot sizes between 0.40 acres and 0.71 acres. Typical floor plans feature room configurations with four to six bedrooms and four to eight bathrooms.
Why Live Here
Living in Lakeview provides convenient access to various amenities, including the grocery store, bakery, school, doctor’s office, and café. Highway 280 is also easily accessible from the neighborhood.
Lakeview is an ideal place for young families. This kid-friendly community has several daycare options as well as urgent care facilities.
Tobin Clark Estate
Tobin Clark Estate, also known as “House-on-Hill,” was originally built for bank heiress Celia Tobin Clark in the 1930s. This luxurious mansion with a rich historical significance was once the area’s only house.
Today, the neighborhood is home to relatively larger properties in Hillsborough that feature modern conveniences.
Key Features
Homes for sale in Tobin Clark Estate range from single-family homes to condominiums. Most of these properties feature exceptional finishing and outstanding interior and exterior amenities.
The average square footage of properties in Tobin Clark Estate is 5,009 square feet. Most of these properties date back to the 1950s, but you’ll also find residences built in the 1970s to the early 2000s that are larger and equipped with more modern appliances.
Why Live Here
Tobin Clark Estate boasts some of Hillsborough’s most breathtaking Bay views. This is a great place to live for those who prefer high altitudes.
In Hillsborough, family-friendly neighborhoods like Tobin Clark Estate are just a few minutes away from recreational places, including Crystal Springs Golf course, Burlingame, and Coyote Point Recreational Area.
Parrot Drive Area
Parrot Drive Area is one of the best neighborhoods in the town of Hillsborough, boasting mesmerizing high-altitude Bay views. It has an impressive collection of real estate options, from antique Ranch-style homes to modern single-family homes and condos.
Key Features
Many residences in the Parrot Drive Area are ranch and mansion styles from the 1950s and 1960s. Other properties for sale include single-family homes and condominiums.
This neighborhood is a safe and tranquil haven suitable to a diverse range of homebuyers, from successful individuals seeking a quiet place to go home to after a hectic day at work to retirees who prefer to spend their golden years in a luxurious community that offers convenient access to amenities.
Why Live Here
Situated near downtown San Mateo, Highway 92, and South School assignments, Parrott Drive Area residents enjoy easy access to schools, healthcare, shops, and recreational sites.
Families will love going to children-friendly, enjoyable, and adventure-packed sites, such as the historic Carolands mansion, Sawyer Camp Trail, Bayside Park, and San Mateo Central Park.
Carolands
Carolands, commonly referred to as “The Chateau,” is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the area. It boasts a housing supply dominated by expansive ranch-style homes developed in the 1950s and 1960s on lots averaging at least half an acre.
Key Features
French, Ranch, Contemporary, and Modern styles are just some of the architectural styles in Carolands. Most homes feature a library, storage area, attic, laundry room, office area, and basement.
Lot sizes typically range from 0.50 acres to 2 acres, with internal space ranging from 2,100 to 10,500 square feet. Floor plans commonly consist of three to six bedrooms and two to seven bathrooms.
Why Live Here
Carolands is an ideal home for growing families, particularly because the neighborhood features large properties that can accommodate large households.
Conclusion
Hillsborough is an amazing town where luxurious neighborhoods offer a diverse range of real estate options to suit homebuyers with different lifestyles, preferences, and budgets.
Planning to buy a home in Hillsborough? Our team of professional real estate agents will be more than happy to help you choose the best property for you!
Please contact us today at (650) 629-9898 or at teamtapper@gmail.com for inquiries or if you wish to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hillsborough a good place to live?
Yes, Hillsborough is comprised of luxurious neighborhoods that offer safety, privacy, and convenient access to amenities that make it a great place to live in.
What is Hillsborough known for?
Hillsborough is famous for its mansions and historic homes, including the Sidney Bazett Residence and Carolands.
Are there parks or recreational areas in Hillsborough?
There are many unique places to visit in Hillsborough, including the historic Carolands mansion, Sawyer Camp Trail, Bayside Park, and San Mateo Central Park.
What makes Hillsborough unique compared to other Bay Area towns?
Another unique factor about Hillsborough is it has no commercial zoning. That means it’s entirely residential.
