Burlingame Hills offers options for buyers looking for something outside the Burlingame norm. With its hilly terrain and secluded homes it often feels like a part of neighboring Hillsborough and its housing market often mimics that higher-profile address. In 2020, that meant homes that took a bit longer to sell — 34 average DOM, highest in Burlingame but down 4% year-over-year — and the city’s lowest sales-to-list-price ratio (96.2%). Burlingame Hills homes, however, are among Burlingame’s most expensive, coming in at the city’s fourth-highest average home price in 2020, $2.65 million. They are among the best values in Burlingame, however. Homes here sold for $907 per square foot in 2020, $318 below the citywide average.

The closest public elementary schools are Hoover Elementary. Nueva Elementary is nearby down the road on Skyline, and is a private elementary and middle school focusing on the arts for gifted and talented children.

To view a detailed google map of the Burlingame Hills neighborhood, click here. The MLS area is 471.

Favorable

• Ability to purchase a larger home on a larger lot, possibly with a view
• Close to 280 which makes commuting to the Valley or San Francisco nice and convenient
• Better value than a comparably sized home in Easton Addition

Adverse

• Not walking distance to a park, Burlingame Ave, or Broadway
• Though a large lot is a possibility, it can be challenging to find one with a level yard
• The neighborhood is unincorporated San Mateo County

Schools

The elementary school for the neighborhood is Hoover Elementary, which is just down the hill on Trousdale. It is a 5-10 minute walk depending on where you are in the hills.

There is one public middle school, Burlingame Intermediate School, which is located in the Ray Park neighborhood. It’s a 5-10 minute drive from the Burlingame Hills neighborhood.

There is one public high school, Burlingame High, which is a 7-10 minute drive across town.

History

Fiercely independent, these neighborhoods represent the last vestiges of unincorporated Burlingame. Having declined the invitation to join the city of Burlingame each time it has been put to a vote, residents here live in unincorporated County of San Mateo. For most practical purposes, however, Hills residents are part of the Burlingame community, including being a part of the Burlingame School District. The area occupies the western edges of the former Easton Black Hawk Ranch. In the 1950s, the westernmost homes were threatened by the construction of Interstate 280 until the residents raised such a ruckus that the new freeway was rerouted farther west. At that time, one resident put a huge billboard sign in his yard that read: “Take a Tip From This Illegal Sign and Don’t be Frightened Away, These Homes are Well Built and Here They’re Going to Stay.” And indeed, stay they have. The area is perfect for the commuter who wants both a home with country atmosphere and one with easy access to I-280.