San Carlos, CA
At a glance
San Carlos has 7 ranked neighborhoods on Houseberry, with a citywide overall score of 3.7/5. Neighborhood overall scores range from 4.1/5 in Cordes to 3.0/5 in East Belmont. San Carlos scores 3.1/5 for safety, 4.4/5 for schools and 3.3/5 for amenities. The median home price across its priced neighborhoods is $2.68M.
City Reviews & Questions
San Carlos, CA, known as the "City of Good Living," is a welcoming and vibrant city in San Mateo County. Nestled between Belmont and Redwood City along the San Francisco Peninsula, San Carlos offers a perfect balance of small-town charm and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike. The heart of San Carlos is its downtown area along Laurel Street, a bustling and walkable hub lined with boutique shops, cafés, and diverse dining options. Residents gather here for events like the San Carlos Farmers' Market and the Hometown Days Festival, which foster a strong sense of community. The downtown area is also home to the historic San Carlos Theatre, adding a touch of cultural heritage to the city. San Carlos boasts a wealth of outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities. Burton Park, a favorite among families, offers sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. For those seeking more active pursuits, Pulgas Ridge Preserve and Big Canyon Park provide scenic trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the nearby Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve offers a serene escape into nature. Education is a priority in San Carlos, with the San Carlos School District highly regarded for its strong academic programs and innovative learning environments. The city is home to several excellent elementary and middle schools, and high school students typically attend schools in the neighboring Sequoia Union High School District. San Carlos features a mix of architectural styles, from charming mid-century homes to modern townhouses and luxury estates, all set against a backdrop of tree-lined streets and beautifully maintained neighborhoods. Housing demand remains strong due to the city's excellent location, quality of life, and proximity to major tech hubs. With easy access to Caltrain, Highway 101, and Interstate 280, San Carlos is a commuter-friendly city that provides convenient connections to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and beyond. The San Carlos Airport, primarily for private aviation, adds another layer of accessibility. San Carlos combines its small-town appeal with a progressive outlook, offering a vibrant community, top-notch schools, and a lively downtown, making it one of the most desirable places to live on the Peninsula.
Top Neighborhoods in San Carlos, CA(7 ranked)
City Amenities
Near good merchants2.6
Public Spaces3.5
Curb Appeal3.5
Overall Amenities score: 3.3
City Weather
City Photos
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Schools serving this City
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arundel Elementary | Primary | K-3 | |
| Heather Elementary | Primary | K-3 | |
| Clifford Elementary | Primary | K-8 | |
| Bayside Academy | Primary | K-8 | |
| Central Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| Tierra Linda Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| John F. Kennedy Middle | Middle | 5-8 | |
| Ralston Intermediate | Middle | 6-8 | |
| Sequoia High | High | 9-12 | |
| Carlmont High | High | 9-12 |
Click links for school listing
info at GreatSchools.org
Houseberry School Score Data
from CA Dept. of Education
Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.
Median Price
San Carlos FAQs8 answers
Is San Carlos safe?
San Carlos has a citywide safety score of 3.1/5 on Houseberry. Across its ranked neighborhoods safety scores run from 2.4/5 to 3.9/5, with Alder Manor the highest-scoring.
How much does a home cost in San Carlos?
The median home price across San Carlos's priced neighborhoods is $2.68M. Neighborhood medians run from $1.44M to $3.03M across the 7 neighborhoods with a recorded price.
What are school scores like in San Carlos?
San Carlos has a citywide school score of 4.4/5 on Houseberry. Neighborhood school scores run from 3.9/5 to 4.9/5, with Cordes the highest-scoring. 6 of its 7 ranked neighborhoods score 4.0/5 or higher for schools.
Which San Carlos neighborhoods rank highest overall?
By overall score the highest-ranked San Carlos neighborhoods on Houseberry are Cordes (4.1/5), Beverly Terrace (4.0/5), Alder Manor (3.8/5), El Sereno (3.7/5) and Howard Park (3.5/5).
Which San Carlos neighborhoods have the lowest median prices?
The lowest neighborhood medians recorded in San Carlos are Clearfield Park ($1.44M), Howard Park ($2.58M), Alder Manor ($2.59M), El Sereno ($2.68M) and Cordes ($2.76M).
Is San Carlos more or less expensive than nearby cities?
San Carlos's median of $2.68M sits alongside Belmont $2.48M, Redwood City $2.26M, Foster City $2.18M, San Mateo $2.07M, Woodside $6.06M and Atherton $7.68M among nearby cities on Houseberry.
How does San Carlos rank among cities in San Mateo County?
Houseberry ranks San Carlos #9 of the 20 places it scores in San Mateo County for overall score. It is #5 of 20 for schools and #15 of 20 for safety.
What amenities does San Carlos have?
San Carlos scores 3.3/5 for amenities on Houseberry. That is made up of 2.6/5 for nearby merchants, 3.5/5 for public spaces and 3.5/5 for curb appeal.
City Photos
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Top Neighborhoods in San Carlos, CA(7 ranked)
City Map
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Scores updated September 2026
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