City

San Mateo, CA

Neighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood RatingNeighborhood Rating
3.5 /5

Neighborhood Factors

Market Conditions

  • Neighborhood Factors
    Price
    $2.07M
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Undervalued
    $29k
  • Neighborhood Factors
    Appreciation
    10%

At a glance

San Mateo has 23 ranked neighborhoods on Houseberry, with a citywide overall score of 3.5/5. Neighborhood overall scores range from 4.4/5 in Aragon to 2.7/5 in Downtown San Mateo. San Mateo scores 3.5/5 for safety, 3.4/5 for schools and 3.7/5 for amenities. The median home price across its priced neighborhoods is $2.07M.

City Reviews & Questions

City Review
Key Words: Diverse Community, Urban and Suburban Blend, Recreational Opportunities

San Mateo, CA, with its central Bay Area location, strikes a delightful balance between suburban relaxation and urban convenience. It's a city where the promise of Californian living — complete with a diverse community, thriving downtown, and scenic outdoor spaces — is fully realized. Drive through San Mateo and you'll be greeted by a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character. From the historic charm of Central San Mateo with classic homes to the more secluded, upscale enclaves like San Mateo Park, the city offers a range of living experiences. Architecturally, the city is a feast for the eyes, with Spanish villas nestled alongside modern townhomes and quaint Victorians. The city's heart beats strongest in its vibrant downtown, a stretch rich with global cuisines, independent retailers, and entertainment venues that mirror the community’s diversity. But the urban allure doesn't overshadow the city's natural beauty. San Mateo boasts numerous parks, like the Japanese Tea Garden in Central Park, which provide serene escapes and recreation opportunities. There are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained in San Mateo, like watching a performance at one of the largest performing arts venues on the Peninsula, the San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Or if you are craving outdoors, the Coyote Point Recreation Area won’t dissapoint. This park offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and a variety of outdoor activities. It includes a marina, a playground known as Magic Mountain, and the CuriOdyssey science and wildlife center. Education is a cornerstone of the San Mateo experience, with the city's public schools consistently ranking well, reflecting a community's commitment to learning and development. The presence of the College of San Mateo adds to the academic atmosphere, serving as a hub of education and community events. While San Mateo enjoys the benefits of its Silicon Valley adjacency, it also contends with the region's familiar challenges, including housing affordability and commuter traffic. Still, the city is proactive in maintaining a high quality of life, fostering a community-centric approach that makes it a magnet for families and professionals alike. San Mateo stands out for its blend of accessibility, diversity, and community focus. It's a city that invites you to live, learn, and play in a setting that celebrates the best of Bay Area living. For those considering a move to San Mateo, it promises a dynamic lifestyle amidst a backdrop of both urban energy and suburban tranquility.

Top Neighborhoods in San Mateo, CA(23 ranked)

1st
Neighborhood Iamge
Aragon, San Mateo, CA
Overall Score : 4.4
Aragon stands out in San Mateo for its well-preserved historical homes. The stre... See Full Page
2nd
Neighborhood Iamge
Baywood, San Mateo, CA
Overall Score : 4.3
Baywood stands out in San Mateo with its stately homes and well-kept gardens, ra... See Full Page
3rd
Neighborhood Iamge
Mariner's Isle, San Mateo, CA
Overall Score : 4.0
Mariner's Isle is unique in Foster City in that it offers abundant housing, but ... See Full Page

City Amenities

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Near good merchants

    3.0

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Public Spaces

    3.8

  • Neighborhood Amenities
    Curb Appeal

    3.8

Overall Amenities score: 3.7

City Weather

78%
of possible sunshine
Of all the daylight San Mateo gets in a year, 78% arrives as sunshine - clouds and fog block the rest.
That is around the 32nd percentile for sunshine in the Bay Area.
Average daily high and low temperature
80°65°50°35°JFMAMJJASONDSep 75°
Avg highAvg low
Across the Bay Area
32nd percentile
Rain per year
21 in
Warmest month
September
Summer day
55° → 73°F
Winter day
44° → 59°F
Averaged across the 23 neighborhoods in San Mateo we hold 30-year climate averages for.

City Photos

Schools serving this City

School NameTypeGradesHouseberry School Score
George Hall Elementary PrimaryK-5
Baywood Elementary PrimaryK-5
Highlands Elementary PrimaryK-5
Bayside Academy PrimaryK-8
Crocker Middle Middle6-8
Tierra Linda Middle Middle6-8
Bowditch Middle Middle6-8
Borel Middle Middle6-8
Abbott Middle Middle6-8
Hillsdale High High9-12
San Mateo High High9-12
Aragon High High9-12
Carlmont High High9-12

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 Mateo FAQs8 answers

Is San Mateo safe?

San Mateo has a citywide safety score of 3.5/5 on Houseberry. Across its ranked neighborhoods safety scores run from 1.7/5 to 4.9/5, with Aragon the highest-scoring. 9 of its 23 ranked neighborhoods score 4.0/5 or higher for safety.

How much does a home cost in San Mateo?

The median home price across San Mateo's priced neighborhoods is $2.07M. Neighborhood medians run from $1.25M to $3.25M across the 23 neighborhoods with a recorded price.

What are school scores like in San Mateo?

San Mateo has a citywide school score of 3.4/5 on Houseberry. Neighborhood school scores run from 2.3/5 to 4.4/5, with Baywood Park the highest-scoring. 7 of its 23 ranked neighborhoods score 4.0/5 or higher for schools.

Which San Mateo neighborhoods rank highest overall?

By overall score the highest-ranked San Mateo neighborhoods on Houseberry are Aragon (4.4/5), Baywood (4.3/5), Mariner's Isle (4.1/5), Laurelwood & Sugarloaf (4.0/5) and Baywood Park (3.9/5).

Which San Mateo neighborhoods have the lowest median prices?

The lowest neighborhood medians recorded in San Mateo are Downtown San Mateo ($1.25M), South Shoreview ($1.26M), Parkside ($1.33M), San Mateo Village ($1.43M) and Lakeshore ($1.5M).

Is San Mateo more or less expensive than nearby cities?

San Mateo's median of $2.07M sits alongside Hillsborough $6.11M, Belmont $2.48M, Foster City $2.18M, Burlingame $3.25M, San Carlos $2.68M and Millbrae $2.12M among nearby cities on Houseberry.

How does San Mateo rank among cities in San Mateo County?

Houseberry ranks San Mateo #13 of the 20 places it scores in San Mateo County for overall score. It is #15 of 20 for schools and #10 of 20 for safety.

What amenities does San Mateo have?

San Mateo scores 3.7/5 for amenities on Houseberry. That is made up of 3.0/5 for nearby merchants, 3.8/5 for public spaces and 3.8/5 for curb appeal.

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City Photos

Top Neighborhoods in San Mateo, CA(23 ranked)

1st
Neighborhood Iamge
Aragon, San Mateo, CA
Overall Score : 4.4
Aragon stands out in San Mateo for its well-preserved historical homes. The stre... See Full Page
2nd
Neighborhood Iamge
Baywood, San Mateo, CA
Overall Score : 4.3
Baywood stands out in San Mateo with its stately homes and well-kept gardens, ra... See Full Page
3rd
Neighborhood Iamge
Mariner's Isle, San Mateo, CA
Overall Score : 4.0
Mariner's Isle is unique in Foster City in that it offers abundant housing, but ... See Full Page

City Map

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Contact Houseberry's 2026 Agent Pick for San Mateo
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Scores updated September 2026