Shelter Creek is a San Bruno district made up entirely of one 1,296-unit condominium complex. It was created in the early 1970s and is located in the city’s western hills, just west of the 280 freeway and south of Crestmoor Canyon. It is known for its affordable studios, one- and two-bedroom units and for its lush grounds. Shelter Creek is situated on 46 acres of land and features, among its amenities, almost two miles of walking trails.

Despite its secluded location, Shelter Creek’s verdant location is convenient for both commuting and day-to-day living. The complex is only a few blocks from the Bayhill Shopping Center, with its Starbucks and Molly Stone’s Market, equally close to Youtube’s corporate headquarters and convenient to the nearest 280 on-ramp. Also, South Bay commuters will find their drive from Shelter Creek lasts only 30 minutes (without traffic).

The complex offers amenities like multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, an on-site fitness center and a clubhouse, but a large part of the attraction of Shelter Creek real estate is its affordability. Units are small (studios have just under 500 square feet of interior living space) but some can be had for less than $300,000. Two-bedroom units with 1,000 square feet have been selling for at or around $500,000. That affordability, along with its attractive, secluded setting combined with its convenient location, is what has made Shelter Creek popular with entry-level buyers and renters since its 1972 debut. Note, however, that while Shelter Creek rentals are also inexpensive — recent listings show one-bedroom units renting for between $2,300 and $2,400 monthly — the Shelter Creek HOA limits rentals to 30 percent of total units, creating a challenge for individuals seeking to purchase homes for use as income properties.