San Mateo

🏙️ About the City

Founded in 1894, San Mateo is a vibrant city located in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula and is part of San Mateo County. Known for its diverse communities, excellent schools, and proximity to major tech hubs, San Mateo combines suburban charm with urban convenience. As of 2025, the city's population is estimated to be 98,441.

San Mateo's economy benefits from its strategic location near Silicon Valley, attracting a wide range of professionals and families. San Mateo's vibrant downtown, beautiful parks, and commitment to community engagement make it a great place to live and work.

🗺️ Neighborhood Map

San Mateo features a range of distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique living experience:

Baywood / Aragon – Upscale neighborhoods known for stately homes, top-rated schools, and tree-lined streets.
Hillsdale – A family-friendly area with a mix of residential homes, schools, and access to a newly renovated shopping and entertainment district.
Downtown San Mateo – A walkable, lively area with restaurants, boutiques, entertainment, and excellent public transportation.
North Shoreview – A quiet residential neighborhood near the Bay with parks and access to trails.
San Mateo Park – One of the city’s most prestigious areas, offering grand historic homes and curving, landscaped streets.
Laurelwood – Located in the hills with scenic views, newer homes, and proximity to Laurelwood Park and Crystal Springs trails.
Hayward Park – A charming, centrally located neighborhood with a mix of craftsman-style homes and access to Caltrain.
Beresford Park – A diverse and convenient area offering schools, parks, and shopping all within walking distance.

🎓 Schools

🏫 Elementary Schools

San Mateo is served by two primary elementary school districts depending on the property’s location:

San Mateo-Foster City School District (SMFCSD):

This is the main K–8 district serving the city of San Mateo and parts of Foster City. Elementary schools include:

Baywood Elementary
Beresford Elementary
Fiesta Gardens International School (Magnet – Dual Immersion)
Highlands Elementary
Hillsdale Elementary
Laurel Elementary
LEAD Elementary
Meadow Heights Elementary
North Shoreview Montessori (Magnet)
Parkside Montessori (Magnet)
San Mateo Park Elementary
Sunnybrae Elementary
George Hall Elementary
Foster City Elementary (serves Foster City but part of the district)
Brewer Island Elementary (Foster City)

📍 Use the official SMFCSD School Locator to confirm assignments:
https://www.smfcsd.net/district-departments/student-services/enrollment/school-locator

🏫 Middle Schools

San Mateo-Foster City School District (SMFCSD):

Middle schools (Grades 6–8) in the district include:

Abbott Middle School
Borel Middle School
Bayside Academy (Grades 6–8 only, with TK–5 elementary on same campus)
Bowditch Middle School (serves Foster City)

Middle school assignment depends on your elementary school and address. Use the same School Locator to confirm:
📍 https://www.smfcsd.net/district-departments/student-services/enrollment/school-locator

🏫 High Schools

San Mateo is served by the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD):

High schools serving San Mateo include:

San Mateo High School – Central and eastern San Mateo
Aragon High School – Western San Mateo (Baywood, Beresford, Hillsdale areas)
Hillsdale High School – Southern and southwestern San Mateo
Capuchino High School – Some northern San Mateo addresses (bordering Millbrae/Burlingame)

📍 Use the SMUHSD boundary map or address lookup tool to confirm assignments:
https://locator.pea.powerschool.com/?StudyID=85042

📍 Determine Your Assigned Schools

To accurately identify assigned public schools for a property in San Mateo:

SMFCSD School Locator (K–8):
📍 https://www.smfcsd.net/district-departments/student-services/enrollment/school-locator
SMUHSD High School Boundary Map (9–12):
📍 https://locator.pea.powerschool.com/?StudyID=85042

📈 Market Trends

San Mateo’s real estate market is consistently strong due to its location, schools, and overall lifestyle offerings:

Median Home Price (2025): Approximately $1.7 million
Price per Square Foot: Around $1,000
Average Time on Market: 10 to 15 days

Properties in neighborhoods such as Baywood, San Mateo Park, and Laurelwood remain especially competitive. The city offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos, appealing to a wide range of buyers.