San Mateo County’s Best and Worst Cities
Living in San Mateo County means you get to enjoy the #1 healthiest place in California - and believe me when I tell you that you don’t want to miss out on that.
This Bay Area county is packed with amazing cities, charming amenities, and tech hubs that'll make you wonder why you didn't move here sooner!
But let's keep it real - not all cities are created equal.
I'm about to rank the 11 cities from worst to best based on everything from lifestyle and location to real estate prices. Having lived here my entire life, I know all of them inside and out.
Let's dive into the good, the bad, and the pricey of San Mateo County.
Tier 5: The More Affordable Picks
In a place like San Mateo County, affordability tends to be the elephant in the room. While every city here has its own range, some are easier on the wallet than others.
This is where cities like South San Francisco, Daly City, and San Bruno enter. These spots might not have all the charm of their pricier neighbors, but they're solid options if you want to live in this sought-after county.
South San Francisco: Known as the "Industrial City," it’s also the birthplace of biotech and a mix of homes and businesses. You get amazing views and outdoor spots like Oyster Point Park and Sign Hill. For home prices, we see around $750k for smaller digs and condos, climbing to over $1 million for bigger homes.
Daly City: There is no downtown to speak of, but hey, you can visit the popular Westlake shopping center. Homes here range from $800k to $1.5 million.
San Bruno: San Mateo Ave is cool, but I wouldn't call it a prime date-night spot. Typical homes here cost around $1.3 to $1.5 million.
Tier 4: Charming but Not Top-Tier
Moving up the ladder, we have Millbrae and Redwood City. These cities have their charm, but they also come with their downsides.
Millbrae is all about that friendly community feel, tree-lined streets, and super convenient BART and Caltrain stations. Redwood City has a great, revitalized downtown with a rich history.
However, both cities have drawbacks, like steeper real estate prices and some amenities that might leave you wanting more.
Redwood City: Tech job heaven with big names like Oracle and Electronic Arts. The downtown had a serious glow-up with excellent restaurants and a remarkable historical museum. Stanford even has a satellite campus here. Home prices start around $1.7 million for decent square footage.
Millbrae: Think friendly neighbors and streets straight out of a movie. The BART and Caltrain stations are top-notch. But brace yourself - the median home price is a high $1.9 million.
Tier 3: Suburban Paradises in California
Next up, we have two unique towns if you love the suburbs: Redwood Shores and Foster City.
If you enjoy nature and open spaces, these spots are for you. Both are master-planned communities with parks, trails, and lots of green space. They offer a quiet, family-friendly
environment with top-notch schools and a strong sense of community.
But fair warning - all that peace and quiet comes at a price. You might be far from the action and missing out on a more lively lifestyle.
Redwood Shores: It's family-central with great schools and parks. The whole place feels like it was designed by a nature lover. Be ready to shell out about $2.4 million for a home here.
Foster City: Picture Redwood Shores, but add waterways and a stronger community feel. Their Fourth of July fireworks are legendary. Homes here go for around $2 million.
Tier 2: Balanced Living in the Bay Area
Now we're talking! San Mateo and San Carlos hit the jackpot between urban and suburban living.
San Mateo has a vibrant downtown, diverse neighborhoods, and weather that'll make you want to live outside. It’s also home to dozens of huge tech companies. San Carlos is all about that small-town charm with a laid-back feel that'll make you feel right at home.
Both cities have many amenities, good schools, and beautiful homes. It's like having your cake and eating it, too.
San Mateo: A lively downtown with killer restaurants and neighborhoods for every taste. The Mediterranean climate and tree-lined streets are fantastic. Home prices are all over the map, from $1.1 million to $8 million, with most people landing around $1.8 million.
San Carlos: Small-town charm that feels 100% genuine. Laurel Street downtown is where you can spend the day hanging out, and you can pretty much walk anywhere. Houses here start at $1.5 million and can go up to $2.8 million, with most people paying around $2.7 million.
Tier 1: The Best Cities in San Mateo County
We've reached the top of the mountain, and if you know me, you probably saw these ones coming.
The best cities in San Mateo County are… Hillsborough and Burlingame!
These two cities are the best for living in San Mateo County. Hillsborough is where the rich and famous come to stay, with massive, luxurious homes, hardly any businesses, and all the privacy you could want.
Burlingame, on the other hand, is the poster child for walkability, with charming downtown areas that'll make you never want to leave. Its downtown is also full of tech companies, so this is a great option if you’re looking into tech-buying.
Hillsborough: Lush, affluent, and exclusive. It's all residential here, so privacy is key. Homes start at $5-6 million and can skyrocket to $8-9 million if you want the best views and amenities.
Burlingame: It is walkable for days, not one, but with two charming downtowns. Burlingame Ave and Broadway are packed with restaurants and boutiques that'll keep you entertained for days. Home prices range from $2.6 million to $8 million, with most people buying around $3 million.
Every single city in San Mateo has its own charm and feel—it’s about knowing what type of lifestyle you’re looking for and searching for it.
If you're thinking about moving to San Mateo County—or maybe just switching things up within the county—make sure you reach out! I'm a top agent in San Mateo County and I'd love to help you during your process.
All you have to do is email me at hello@burlingameproperties.com or text 650-822-7088, and I’ll get to you right away!
