San Mateo is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a place to settle down. With its diverse population and wide-ranging amenities, it’s no wonder people keep moving there.
While many aspects of the city make it attractive to potential residents, there are also things to consider before taking the plunge and making a move. Here’s what you need to know about this corner of California.
Real Estate Overview of San Mateo CA
If you’re considering moving to San Mateo CA, you should know that it is a city and county seat in San Mateo County, California. The city is on the San Francisco Bay Area Pacific Coast and has 105,661 residents.
San Mateo has a land area of 15.98 square miles (40 km2). In addition to San Mateo’s vibrant and dynamic traits, the city is known for its affluence, natural beauty, high standard of living, and excellent schools. Here are some quick facts from the US Census Bureau:
- Owner-Occupied Housing Unit Rate: 52.7%
- Median Home Value: $1,186,400
- Median Cost of Rent: $2,658
- Median Household Income: $126,102
- Poverty Rate: 7.85%
Real estate investing can be lucrative in this city. To start investing in real estate, you’ll need money and a lot of research to begin. Regarding research, you can start by reading articles online about commercial real estate investing or any type of property investment.
Cost of Living in San Mateo CA
It’s not surprising that the cost of living in San Mateo CA is higher than in other California cities. Neighboring cities like Redwood City, Palo Alto, and Mountain View have much lower living costs than San Mateo.
In fact, San Mateo has a higher cost of living than most Bay Area cities. However, it’s still within reach for many professionals who work at companies with large paychecks. Therefore, before moving to San Mateo, it’s essential to know the costs involved.
- Overall Costs: 250.6 vs 149.9 (CA)
- Grocery: 116.7 vs 105.1 (CA)
- Health: 117.4 vs 98.3 (CA)
- Housing Costs: 537.6 vs 234.8 (CA)
- Median Home Cost: $1,186,400 vs $684,800 (CA)
- Utilities: 91.9 vs 102.4 (CA)
- Transportation: 143.4 vs 133.1 (CA)
San Mateo Living
San Mateo is a great city to live in and enjoy. The city has many things to do and see, as well as plenty of friendly people who will be happy to help you out. There are also numerous things that make San Mateo living great for families, including its proximity to the beach and quick access to public transportation. But, is moving to San Mateo a wise choice? Let’s find out below.
Weather
San Mateo County has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperatures range from 55°F in January to 71°F in July. This means if you’re moving to San Mateo, you can enjoy Moss Beach and other fun outdoor activities during your stay here.
Food
San Mateo CA is a melting pot of food. The Bay Area is known for its diversity. San Mateo is no different, with an abundance of restaurants offering all types of cuisine. No matter what kind of food your palate craves, there will be something for everyone.
Residents
Most people living in San Mateo are families, and the city is a cultural melting pot. However, it still has a reasonably urban-suburban mix feel. The city is also home to many young professionals who enjoy its large variety of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and cafes.
- Median Age: 38.2 years
- White: 43.6%
- Hispanic: 24.0%
- Black: 1.9%
- Asian: 23.1%
- Native American: 0.3%
- Other: 7.2%
Due to its diverse population, housing in San Mateo is very much in demand. While some areas have more affordable housing options, home prices have steadily risen over time.
That said, if you’re moving to San Mateo for business, you may want to check the multi-family real estate investment website to jump-start your journey.
Neighborhoods
San Mateo has many family-friendly neighborhoods, each with its feel and vibe. These include Hillsdale, San Mateo Highlands, San Mateo Park, South San Francisco, and many more that border El Camino Real. To give you an idea, here are the median home value of these best neighborhoods:
- Hillsdale: $1.6M
- San Mateo Highland: $3M
- San Mateo Park: $2.9M
- South San Francisco: $1.2M
Transportation
If you’re moving to San Mateo, you’ll be close to many other places in the Bay Area. It is easy to get around San Mateo via public transportation; you can access BART, Caltrain, SamTrans buses, and more.
The traffic in San Mateo CA can get pretty bad during rush hour because it’s so close to all three major cities (San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose). However, if you’re willing to drive every day, this won’t be an issue for you.
Crime Rate
San Mateo’s crime rate is low, which is lower than in other municipalities of the same size. The crime rate is also lower than the national average and California’s overall average. In fact, San Mateo’s overall crime rate is lower than that of surrounding areas like Palo Alto, Hayward, and Oakland. Therefore, if you’re moving to San Mateo, you won’t worry about safety at all.
- Violent Crime: 17.4 vs 22.7 (USA)
- Property Crime: 30.7 vs 35.4 (USA)
Job Opportunities
You’re probably wondering what jobs are available if you’re moving to San Mateo. Well, the city is home to many high-paying jobs in the tech, biotech, and healthcare industry. If you’d like some variety from your day-to-day routine, Redwood City and Palo Alto are just a short trip away.
Schools in San Mateo County
Knowing your school options is crucial if you’re moving to San Mateo County with kids. The county has many public schools for students from kindergarten through college.
Many families living in San Mateo chose this city because it offers top-rated schools. Plus, there are also charter and private schools with sports teams that are available throughout the county.
- Average Student To Teacher Ratio: 6.22:1
- Public High School Average Graduation Rate: 89%
- Proficiency: 56% (Math), 63% (Reading)
College Park Elementary School
College Park Elementary School is a highly-rated public school in the San Mateo-Foster City School District. Located at 1425 College Avenue, this school serves grades K-5 and currently has 445 students.
Borel Middle School
Borel Middle School is another public school in San Mateo, California that serves grades 6-8. This school was founded in 1980 and currently has about 10,500 students. The school is also part of the San Mateo School District, which operates several other schools throughout the area.
Aragon High School
If you’re looking for a public high school in San Mateo, Aragon High School is a great option. It’s located at 900 Alameda De Las Pulgas and serves grades 9-12. The school was founded in the 1960s and has over 1,675 students from all over the county.
Things to do in San Mateo
Before moving to San Mateo, it’s essential to know what the place has to offer. Here are a few things worth checking out:
Picnicking at San Mateo Central Park
There are many picnic areas throughout the county, but one of the best parks to visit is San Mateo Central Park. This park is full of activities for everyone and has plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy their meals.
You can bring your food or buy it from local vendors. Aside from that, this place also hosts events such as live music under the stars, carnivals, and more.
Enjoy the Japanese Tea Garden with the Whole Family
The Japanese Tea Garden is conveniently located in the center of the downtown area of San Mateo. This tea house is a must-see for any visitor and is great for families with kids.
The Japanese gardens are beautiful, the restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine, and the place is relaxing. If you’re interested in taking your children or grandchildren on an educational adventure about Japanese culture, this is the perfect place to start.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Coyote Point
San Mateo offers a variety of outdoor recreation for the entire family to enjoy. Coyote Point is one of the most popular destinations for residents and visitors alike. The park features hiking trails, bird-watching, and kayaking opportunities. There are also beaches for swimming or sunbathing in Coyote Point. What’s more, there are grocery stores and restaurants on-site if you’d like to dine with your family post-hike.
Shopping at Hillsdale Mall or Hillsdale Shopping Center
Hillsdale Mall is the largest shopping center in San Mateo. So if you’re looking for something to do or want to find an excuse to pick up some new clothes, this mall has you covered.
Located in Hillsdale, a suburb of San Mateo in Silicon Valley, this mall is well-equipped. If you think that’s not enough for your needs, don’t worry. Just take a short trip to San Jose and visit Santana Row.
Bring Your Furry Friend to Seal Point Dog Park
If your dogs are like those average San Mateo residents, he or she probably spends a lot of time in the house. But when you’re ready to get out and explore with your furry friend, there’s no better place than Seal Point Dog Park. It’s free and open from sunrise to sunset daily.
Watch Locally Produced Shows at Hillbarn Theatre
One of the best ways to get into the spirit of San Mateo is by checking out some local productions at Hillbarn Theatre. Located in Foster City (sometimes considered part of Silicon Valley), this community theatre has been around since 1936. The theatre is home to many classic local productions, usually written by residents.
Have Some Fun at San Mateo County Fair
There’s nothing quite like the San Mateo County Fair. It’s a time-honored tradition in San Mateo and one of the most awaited events in the county.
The fair is held every year, usually in June and July. This year (2022) was no exception; the fair lasted from June 14 to 12 at the Saratoga Drive. San Mateo.
Although most people attend this annual event just because it’s fun, there are some educational aspects too! If you want to learn more about agriculture and farming practices. In that case, this is your chance.
They have a wide variety of activities, including food science demonstrations, arts and crafts competitions, animal showmanship contests, and much more. You’ll also see plenty of delicious food trucks and live entertainment throughout each day’s festivities.
Take a Selfie at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Bay Area
Do you love a good selfie? If so, you’ll love this idea for a day trip in the City by the Bay.
The world-famous landmark Golden Gate Bridge attracts thousands of tourists yearly, and it’s just a quick drive from San Mateo CA. Get up close to this historic landmark by taking a selfie at it.
Fun Fact: ROBLOX
Roblox is an online platform for creating and playing games with their friends. The company was founded in 2004, and it has been growing ever since. Today, the company has more than 203 million monthly players.
Roblox is headquartered in San Mateo CA. This location makes sense because it’s near Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. You might wonder why a tech company like Roblox would locate itself in such an area.
Well, there are many reasons, but one key reason is the talent pool. Many tech companies nearby can help Roblox grow into the powerhouse it has become today.
The proximity also means that employees can travel easily between their offices and home without too much hassle (or cost). And finally, there are many colleges in the area that provide graduates with the skills they need to participate in today’s digital economy.
So, is San Mateo a Good Place to Live?
If you’re planning to move to this city, the question that may be holding you back is: Is San Mateo a good place to live? The short answer is YES.
The long answer? Well, the quality of life in San Mateo is excellent, as the area has some of the great weather in California and offers many outdoor activities.
The residents are friendly and welcoming, making it a good place for families to raise children. Additionally, plenty of jobs are available in San Mateo, meaning you can find employment quickly if you move there.
The main complaint about San Mateo CA is its high cost of housing compared to other best cities within Cali and the Silicon Valley region. However, this should not be an issue if you have access to high-paying job opportunities.
Conclusion
Moving to San Mateo can be a significant lifestyle change. There are many things to consider, but you must take your time deciding whether this move will work for you. It may seem like an easy process at first glance.
However, many details need to be considered before moving day arrives. If you have been thinking about doing this, now is the time to take action and start planning.
That said, if you need help finding properties in San Mateo and nearby areas, contact us today! With our experience in the real estate industry, we’ll ensure that you’ll have a positive experience in your near buying or selling journey.
