Most Affordable Cities
Do you want to live near the pulse of innovation without breaking the bank? Did you know that there are three hidden gems in San Mateo County that are not only budget-friendly but also offer affordability, convenience, and opportunity? In this video, I'm going to share with you three different towns: South San Francisco, Daly City, and San Bruno. They are the three most budget-friendly towns in the whole county. So let's dive in.
South San Francisco is a town of about 60,000 people. It's two and a half miles south of San Francisco, bordered by San Bruno Mountain to the north, San Francisco Bay to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and San Bruno to the south. Known as the Industrial City, South San Francisco has a lot of light industry and a diverse collection of awesome neighborhoods. The weather can be a bit cloudy, but some neighborhoods enjoy plenty of sun. Today, we have fantastic weather, making it a great place to live. It's also very convenient if you work in biotech, as there are over 200 biotechnology companies in South City, including Genentech, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and 23andMe. With over 11.5 million square feet of space and office space, plus another 5 million approved and yet to be built, South City is continuously growing. Proximity to SFO, just a ten-minute drive, adds to its convenience. If you're looking to buy a home here, affordability is a key advantage, with an average and median sale price of about $1,230,000 in 2023, well below the county average of about $1.8 million. Condos start at $600,000-$700,000, offering exceptional value close to San Francisco and biotech hubs.
Our second stop for the most affordable cities in San Mateo County is San Bruno. San Bruno is a cute little town of about 42,000 people, located 12 miles south of San Francisco and known as the Airport City due to its proximity to SFO. Bordered by Millbrae to the north, South San Francisco to the south, the water to the east, and mountains to the west, San Bruno offers a mix of weather with occasional clouds and fog, but also beautiful sunny days. Downtown San Bruno on San Mateo Avenue features cool shops and restaurants, creating a strong community feel. Notable places include Artichoke Joe’s Casino, Caltrain access, and the major shopping center Tanforan. Business-wise, San Bruno is home to YouTube and Walmart.com. Real estate prices average around $1,375,000, with a range from $700,000 to $2.4 million. The city boasts parks like San Bruno Park and Commodore Park, educational institutions like Skyline College, and recreational facilities such as the upcoming San Bruno Aquatic Center.
Last but not least, our third most affordable city in San Mateo County is Daly City. With a population of 106,000, Daly City is the second most populous city in the county and primarily residential. The largest employer is Seton Medical Center. Daly City is bordered by San Francisco to the north, Pacifica to the south, and San Bruno Mountain to the east. Notable spots include Fort Funston and Thornton State Beach. While Daly City lacks a central downtown, it has major shopping areas like Serramonte and Westlake Village. The city offers multiple libraries, parks like Marchbank Park and Mussel Rock State Beach, and recreational spots like Lake Merced Park. The Cow Palace hosts various events and the local farmers market is one of the oldest in the county. Daly City is the most affordable town in San Mateo County with an average and median sales price just under $1,170,000 in 2023. Condos range from $400,000-$500,000 up to $1 million, offering diverse housing options across hilly and flatter areas.
When considering the weather in South San Francisco, San Bruno, and Daly City, these places are still relatively expensive due to their nuanced climates. While we are fortunate to have beautiful weather today, these areas often experience fog and wind. Despite this, they offer better value compared to other parts of the Bay Area. For those with a higher budget, consider my videos on Burlingame, San Mateo, and the three most expensive cities in San Mateo County. If you'd like to see why I love living in San Mateo, check out my video on 14 reasons why. My name is Raziel Ungar, and I'm a Realtor working with nice people like you every day who are thinking about buying or selling within San Mateo County.
