San Mateo County It’s Becoming the Top Choice for Families
Leaving San Francisco for San Mateo County: Why It’s Becoming the Top Choice for Families
If you’ve been thinking about leaving the Golden City behind, you’re not alone. Nearly 30,000 people have left the city over the past two years.
And guess what? A big chunk of them are heading just a short drive south… To San Mateo County!
If you're thinking about making the move yourself, let’s dive into the top reasons why more people are leaving San Francisco and choosing to settle on the Peninsula instead.
1. More Space, Less Stress
It’s simple: Living in San Mateo County gives you the suburban feel many crave after years of city living.
In San Francisco, the stress of finding parking can drive anyone crazy —just circling the block a few times can feel like an Olympic sport. In contrast, moving to the Peninsula feels like a breath of fresh air.
You can just pull up, park in front of your house, and walk right in. It might sound simple, but it's one of those little things you appreciate after leaving the city.
Plus, if you're lucky enough to get a garage, you'll realize parking on the street is so easy that you might not even use it! If you’ve spent years in Noe Valley or North Beach, this is life-changing.
2. You’re Still Close to the City (But Without the Chaos)
One of the biggest concerns people have when leaving San Francisco is the fear of missing out on city life.
But here’s the thing: when you live in Burlingame, Hillsborough, or San Mateo, you’re just a quick 10-40 minute drive back into the city for a date night or a work meeting.
If you need to commute, living in the northern part of the county makes it a breeze to get into San Francisco without all the stress.
It’s a win-win: You get a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle without cutting yourself off from all that the city has to offer.
3. It’s Ideal for Families
The truth is, San Francisco is great for the younger crowd. But when it’s time to settle down and start a family, San Mateo County is the place to be.
There’s more space, less noise, and a stronger focus on family-friendly living. You’ll find highly ranked public schools throughout the Peninsula, which makes it a top choice for parents who want to make sure their kids get a great education.
Also, places like Burlingame, San Carlos, and Hillsborough have that tight-knit community vibe. There are parks, farmer’s markets, and plenty of family events year-round.
And don't even get me started on the trick-or-treating scene: Neighborhoods like Baywood in San Mateo or Easton Addition in Burlingame go all out for Halloween.
4. Walkability and World-Class Dining?!
One of the biggest things people love about San Francisco is being able to walk everywhere. But guess what? You can still find that on the Peninsula.
Walkable towns like Burlingame and San Mateo have vibrant downtowns full of shops, restaurants, and cafés. Plus, in the last 5 to 10 years, many top restaurants have expanded into San Mateo County.
You’ll find all your favorites like Delarosa and Little Star Pizza, and new spots like Backhaus Bakery are giving San Francisco a run for its money.
So, if you’re a foodie worried about leaving your culinary scene behind, don’t sweat it — you’ve got plenty of options right here.
5. Housing: More Space for Your Dollar
We’re not going to sugarcoat it: the Peninsula isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s home to the highest median home prices in the Bay Area.
But compared to what you get in San Francisco, it’s a lot more bang for your buck. Homes tend to be larger, with more space between neighbors, and you’ll often get a yard, something that’s pretty rare in the city.
For example, you can find a house in Daly City for around $1.2 million, which is way less than a comparable condo in SF, and it’ll come with an actual yard.
If you’re looking for even more space, places like San Mateo Park and Hillsborough have homes with larger lots and lots of character, though prices can range from $2 to $5 million or more.
6. The Weather is So Much Better
One of the sneaky perks of leaving San Francisco? The weather. The further south you go, the warmer and sunnier it gets.
If you're tired of the city’s fog, you're in for a treat. Burlingame, San Mateo, and San Carlos are all about those sunny, warm days that feel like a completely different world compared to San Francisco’s chilly mornings.
Imagine waking up, seeing the sun, and not worrying about layering up. It’s a game-changer.
7. Flexible Work-from-Home Options
With the rise of remote work, many people don’t need to be in the city every day anymore. Living on the Peninsula gives you more space to create that perfect home office. Many people have been converting their garages or building ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) to use as offices, flex spaces, or even home gyms.
And if you're working in tech, San Mateo County is the perfect spot to be in between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. This gives you tons of flexibility in case your office shifts locations. Whether you work in Mountain View or the city, you're never too far away!
8. Tight-Knit Communities Everywhere
If you're worried about leaving behind San Francisco’s sense of community, don't be. San Mateo County has a bunch of cities with that same tight-knit, community-driven feel.
Towns like Burlingame, San Carlos, Belmont, and Foster City are known for their parks, farmer's markets, and events that bring neighbors together. People actually know each other here, which is just not something you get from the big city.
Plus, the schools are excellent, which makes these areas even more attractive for families. You could start out by hanging out at a local coffee shop or walking through downtown, and you’ll quickly feel like you’re part of the community.
Leaving San Francisco for San Mateo County
Deciding to leave San Francisco is no small decision, but if you're looking for a quieter, more spacious lifestyle without losing access to everything you love about the city, San Mateo County is such a great option.
Ready to make the move? I’d love to help you out! Just email me at hello@burlingameproperties.com, or text 650-822-7088 to find out how to move forward!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still feel connected to San Francisco after moving?
Yes! One of the perks of moving to the Peninsula is that you’re still close enough to the city to enjoy its perks (without the daily grind, of course).
If you live in places like Burlingame or Millbrae, it’s just a quick drive or Caltrain ride into San Francisco. You can still enjoy the restaurants, events, and nightlife whenever you want.
What about public transportation? Is it easy to get around San Mateo County?
San Mateo County is well-connected with Caltrain and BART stations, especially in cities like Millbrae and San Bruno. If you’re a frequent commuter, these options make it easy to get into San Francisco or down to Silicon Valley without relying on a car.
Are there any downsides to leaving San Francisco for the Peninsula?
While San Mateo County offers a quieter, more spacious lifestyle, you might miss some of the cultural aspects of San Francisco, like its vibrant nightlife and diverse museums.
However, if the lifestyle around here is the kind of pace you’re looking for, don’t hesitate! You’ll always be just a short drive away from all the city amenities while living in a place that matches the lifestyle you’ve dreamed of.
