4 Best Neighborhoods in San Mateo (2024)

San Mateo, located in San Mateo County, is among California’s best places to stay. Its climate is moderate, meaning temperatures are cooler in summer than in neighboring San Jose and San Francisco, and it maintains warmth in winter. San Mateo has a thriving downtown scene and some of California’s finest outdoor recreation.

The Caltrain and highway options available make it easy to commute. San Mateo has multiple suburbs, making it a handful to choose one to live in. Here are the four best neighborhoods in San Mateo.

1. Hillsborough

Hillsborough, an agricultural community in a sprawling metroplex’s proximity, is an enticing destination for single professionals and families who wish to enjoy a rural lifestyle as they work in the city. However, you shouldn’t mind longer commutes. Staying near Jersey City, Newark, New York City, and other key metropolitan regions gives Hillsborough residents access to many diverse amenities, including a robust job market, quality healthcare, and many things to do.

Hillsborough is close to several premier educational centers like the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and Princeton University. The township has multiple parks like Sour Mountain Preserve, Ann Van Middlesworth Park, and Duke Parks. If you’re planning a move in San Mateo, Hillsborough would be an excellent place to live.

2. Burlingame

Burlingame is an attractive city in San Francisco. It’s a great location for people who wish to enjoy Burlingame’s small-town feel with the convenience of living near a major city. Natural beauty, including hiking trails and parks, surrounds the city. The neighborhood is known for its Victorian homes and tree-lined streets.

The city is clean and safe and has a Mediterranean climate, making it a good neighborhood for raising a family. Also, Burlingame is on the coast, allowing residents to enjoy the Pacific Ocean and Bay Area’s beautiful views. It houses some of the best California schools, like Burlingame High School.

3. Foster City

Foster City, a San Francisco waterfront suburb, is an excellent place to live. The city’s atmosphere is tranquil and calm, the streets are pleasant and clean with many trees, and a lagoon wraps around the city. As a Foster City resident, you’ll enjoy the many swimming beaches and parks, plus windsurfing and kayaking in the lagoon all year round. If you love the outdoors, the San Francisco Bay Trail is a favorite of joggers, dog walkers, and bikers.

This neighborhood has unique landmarks, including San Mateo Hayward Bridge and San Francisco Bay. It has a bus station, tram station, rail station, metro station, and car and bike rentals, ensuring good transportation. Foster City has several parks, including Edgewater Park, Gull Park, and Leo J Ryan Memorial Park, where you can relax.

4. Belmont

Belmont is located halfway between San Jose and San Francisco in San Mateo County. The city is known for its views of open stretch spaces, the San Francisco Bay, and the wooded hills. This neighborhood has several landmarks, including the Ralston Hall Mansion, Notre Dame de Namur University, and William Chapman Ralston.

Belmont has several walking and cycling trails, golf courses, and cultural attractions like the Swan River, the Belmont Museum, and the Belmont Park Racecourse. Belmont has many great schools to pick from, such as Belmont Secondary College and Belmont Primary School. As a commuter, you’ll be served by the regular train and bus service and the Perth Airport.

Endnote

San Mateo has good suburbs to live in. Familiarize yourself with the best neighborhoods in San Mateo to choose a suitable one.