The Ultimate Guide to Hillsborough, CA
Is living in San Francisco better than Silicon Valley?
Both of these seem like great options if you’re moving to the Bay Area, so choosing between the two sounds like a lost cause...
Which is why I have a better alternative for you: Why not choose somewhere in between? Watch the full video on Youtube
Is living in San Francisco better than Silicon Valley? Both of these seem like great options if you’re moving to the Bay Area, so choosing between the two sounds like a lost cause...
Which is why I have a better alternative for you: Why not choose somewhere in between?
Hillsborough is the place to go if you’ve ever dreamed of luxury living in California. It’s just 20 minutes away from Palo Alto and half an hour south of San Francisco. Plus, you’re only a 5-minute drive from the San Francisco Airport!
Let’s look at one of the best cities in San Mateo County.
What Sets Hillsborough Apart
Hillsborough represents some of the best of San Mateo County, but many things make it like no other town around here.
First, Hillsborough values aesthetics more than any other town, which is why its utility lines are completely buried. Finding a visible utility pole is pretty hard around here, so an upscale and pleasing appearance is kept intact.
If you know anything about Hillsborough, you’ve probably heard about its lack of sidewalks already.
Well, the rumors are true!
While some people think this reduces the town’s walkability, it only gives it a more rural feel that locals love. To contribute to that look, street lighting is also very limited around here, so stargazing is a must!
Now, if you’re looking for the most walkable town in all of San Mateo County, this might help.
Overall, the town has a very “tucked-away” feel to it, with a small population of under 11,000 and less than 4,000 homes in the area. You won’t find any crowded places, so anyone looking to ditch the jammed city life is more than welcome.
Where to Live in Hillsborough
Hillsborough is completely residential, meaning there are no businesses or downtown areas. This means you’ll be guaranteed peace and quiet throughout town!
Here are some of the key factors that go into choosing your dream home in Hillsborough:
Budget: Hillsborough is one of the most exclusive towns in the Bay Area, so be prepared for high prices!
Lot size: Almost all lots in Hillsborough are at least half an acre, so space and privacy are a given.
Proximity to amenities: While Hillsborough itself is residential, being close to neighboring towns is great for shopping and dining!
Terrain: Do you prefer flatter areas or hillier regions? It’s hard to find a pancake flat area, and these tend to come at a premium.
Flatter Neighborhoods
Ryan Tract, Hillsborough Heights, Hillsborough Park, Brewer Subdivision, Homeplace, Hillsborough Oaks, Hillsborough Knolls, and Country Club Manor are perfect for those who prefer easier walking or biking.
These offer a more traditionally suburban feel with flatter terrains, but it’s important to remember that some of them have smaller rolling hills.
Hillier Neighborhoods
Lakeview, Skyfarm, Hillsborough Hills, Parrott Drive Area, and Tobin Clark Estate are all great places to visit if you’re looking for stunning views and dramatic landscapes. Carolands is way up the hill, but its surrounding area is flat.
These neighborhoods are great for those who love a bit of elevation and don't mind going up the hill—plus, homes are cheaper per square foot.
Best Schools in Hillsborough
One thing you might not know is that Hillsborough is known for its excellent public schools! The town has three public elementary schools:
North Hillsborough, right on the corner of Eucalyptus and Ralson, is bordered by New Place Road to the north
South Hillsborough, surrounded by El Cerrito Avenue, Stonehedge, and Bridge Road
and West Hillsborough, up in the Carolands neighborhood, at the corner of Barbara Way and Hayne Road
There’s also Crocker Middle School, kind of small at 411 students, at least compared to neighboring Burlingame schools.
Want to see the ultimate showdown between Burlingame and Hillsborough? You can’t skip giving this a read!
But that’s not it: Hillsborough has per capita funding of about $15,000 per student, which is actually the highest in the entire county! Not only that, but the Hillsborough School Foundation raises a little over $3 million a year, all going towards public education.
What if you want to go down the private route? Well, Crystal Springs Uplands School and Nueva are top choices. They come with a hefty price tag of over $50,000 per year, but their quality of education is worth the cost for some parents.
Things to Do in Hillsborough
Just because the town is residential, it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to enjoy!
These are some of my favorite things to do and top places to visit:
Outdoor activities: Ride your bike through town, enjoy large fields, or visit parks like Vista Park and Centennial Park. Centennial Park even has a community garden!
Recreation: Visit Burlingame Country Club - yes, that’s the name - for some of the finest golf in the Bay Area. Hillsborough Recreation is also great for activities and classes.
Events: Don’t miss the Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance, a massive car show every June celebrating great design and engineering. It's the longest-running concours in the world!
Another big community event is the Memorial Day festival, featuring an amazing parade and music
Nearby amenities: The northern part of lower Hillsborough is walkable to downtown Burlingame, which offers great shopping and dining options.
Delicious bakeries like Copenhagen Bakery, Backhaus, Maison Alyzee, and Caffe Central are just a short drive away.
Real Estate in Hillsborough
We’ve examined different neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and things to do… But one key question remains: What does housing look like in Hillsborough?
The median home price last year was $5.25 million, with the average at $6 million.
Key fact: Most homes sell in the mid-$4 million to $10 million range.
A teardown can cost you around $5 million in the flats and $4 million in the hills. For a home in the $6 million range, you can get an older or ranch-style house in a flatter area, halfway up the hill, or up in the Carolands.
Looking for more than 5 bedrooms? There are fewer of those. If you want to have a home remodeled, we’re now going into the $8 million price range
Prices in Hillsborough are quite high, but if you’re looking for affordable cities in San Mateo County, I think I have something useful.
On a separate note, I love the architecture around here! You’ll find everything from grand estates to modern mansions, usually set behind gates or away from the street. The town is also home to some notable properties:
The famous Flintstone House: A quirky domed building visible from the 280 freeway. It was designed by architect William Nicholson and built in 1976, and it looks like it came straight from a cartoon.
The Carolands Mansion: A 98-room private home built in 1916, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and a California State Landmark.
The Western White House: Located on El Cerrito Road, it recently sold for $15 million!
Getting Started With Your Journey
To find your dream home, focus on your lifestyle priorities - what kind of home fits your style and budget, how you want to spend your time, and where you're going to work.
Remember, Hillsborough can get pretty diverse. Whether you prefer flatter areas or hillier regions, there’s a perfect spot for you in this town.
If you want to kickstart your journey, make sure you email me at hello@burlingameproperties.com or text 650-822-7088. As a top realtor in San Mateo County, I’d be more than glad to help you out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hillsborough different from other towns in the Bay Area?
Hillsborough stands out for its luxurious, spacious living and privacy. With large lots, no businesses or downtown areas, and a residential-only environment.
The town is also known for its excellent schools, beautiful greenery, and proximity to major areas like San Francisco and Silicon Valley!
How is the commute from Hillsborough to major cities?
Hillsborough offers easy access to major freeways, like 101 and 280. This makes it super convenient for commuting to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
The town is also a short drive from Caltrain stations in neighboring towns and only five minutes from San Francisco Airport.
What is the weather like in Hillsborough?
To put it simply, it’s great! The town enjoys mild weather typical of the San Francisco Bay Area. However, because it's located away from the coast, it's generally sunnier and warmer than San Francisco.
How can I learn more about buying a home in Hillsborough?
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Hillsborough or anywhere in San Mateo County, my team and I are here to help. Reach out through hello@burlingameproperties.com or text 650-822-7088 to know more!
This article is copyrighted by Raziel Ungar and may not be reproduced or copied without express written permission.
