Despite experiencing dizzying increases in total sales, average and median price, and price per square foot, in a way Burlingame Hills remains Burlingame’s best housing value. In 2021, the average home in the hilly, rural neighborhood that often feels more like Hillsborough than it does Burlingame cost $1,178 per square foot — least expensive in Burlingame by a fairly wide margin. Of course, the average house sold in Burlingame Hills in 2021 clocked in at 2,720 square feet, pushing its average sale value to $3.225 million (22% higher than in 2020). Still, buyers recognized the value of Burlingame Hills in 2021. 34 of them purchased homes in the neighborhood this year, an increase of 162% from 2020 and second-most of any Burlingame neighborhood.

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.