$1,144,336Average Value$635Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
Booming city center in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula
Located within five square blocks, Downtown San Mateo offers residents a thriving city center scene in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula. “Downtown San Mateo is pretty vibrant, from the stores to the restaurants and even the movie theaters,” says Joan Wachter, a resident and President’s International Elite realtor at Coldwell Banker for over 35 years. “There are tons of things to do, and it’s all very walkable.” As the centerpiece of downtown, the district’s bustling Central Park connects everything together – from contemporary mid-rise condos to colorful side residential streets and booming businesses, including tech start-ups and Michelin-star restaurants. It’s an area that mixes big urban appeal with a touch of suburbia. “There are very nice schools, good public transportation and you can walk around freely at any time at night and feel at ease,” Wachter says. “Downtown is its own enclave, and it’s close to everything.”
Welcome to the neighborhood of Downtown San Mateo, where historic streets meet modern delights.
Restaurants often have gorgeous expanded seating areas that allow residents to spread out.
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International flavors and Michelin-star dining
The range of dining cuisine in Downtown San Mateo is incredibly diverse, with world-renowned restaurants like Sushi Yoshizumi. With just one 8-seater table, this Michelin-star restaurant lets residents enjoy an intimate dining experience with award-winning Chef Yoshizumi, tasting some of his most artfully crafted Japanese sushi dishes. Other favorite hotspots include Espetus San Mateo, a deep, dark wood-paneled Brazilian restaurant offering a tableside service of meat skewers cooked up on a mesquite open flame. Going another international route, Wursthall, owned by famous food writer Kenji Lopez, is another go-to downtown spot. The restaurant exudes a classic beer hall setting in an open industrial space, with long community-style tables set up for locals to enjoy a cold stout with German and New American food. When opting to eat at home, residents can grab grocery items from a variety of specialty stores. Drager’s Market on 4th Avenue is an upscale food market known for its meat, cheese and baked goods options. For other selections, locals can find Asian and Japanese grocery essentials at Takahashi Market or Suruki Supermarket. While downtown has many small pockets of retail, lifestyle and service stores, the Shops on the Court, located on Franklin Court, is one of the most packed shopping destinations.
Izakaya Ginji is famous for their delicious Tapas in Downtown San Mateo.
Chef Sha's Hot Pots is a great place to grab fresh, authentic meals in Downtown San Mateo.
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A mix of urban and suburban residential living
The housing landscape in downtown San Mateo blends urban and suburban flare, where residential properties typically don’t sell for under $1 million. “The starting price for a home is $1,000,000, but at that level, it usually needs a lot of fixing, although you can probably get a condo or a townhouse in that million-dollar price range if it’s smaller,” says Wachter. While the area is highly populated with condos and townhomes, subdivisions of single-family homes are lined along extra-wide residential streets that corner the main central district hub. These properties sit close together on small lots with paved sidewalks, surrounded by clusters of native trees like small California buckeyes and Bay trees. “The architecture is very mixed, you’ll have Eichler homes in one section, then there are a lot of your typical old Spanish California homes and some bungalows,” says Wachter. “A lot of homes were constructed in the 1950s and now people will buy them and make them what they want them to be, so the styles change.” Single-family home prices typically range from $1.3 million for fixer-uppers and up to $3 million for new custom homes. Most of the area’s condominiums are around downtown Central Park, offering beautiful forestry views. One-bedroom condos can start around 1 million and over $2 million for four-bedroom condos. Most condominiums offer amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, pool and spa.
The east side of the neighborhood is filled with gorgeous and historic craftsman style homes.
Even the smallest of homes in Downtown San Mateo offer plenty of character.
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Bringing the community together at Central Park
The bulk of the downtown outdoor recreation can be found at San Mateo Central Park. This 16-acre park sits centrally at the heart of downtown, with paved walking trails winding along the site, shaded by lush, well-manicured rose gardens and stately mature California live oak trees. Central Park features numerous amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas, an ice-skating rink, tennis courts and green spaces for various recreational purposes. “You can participate in Thai Chi out in the park or other group activities,” says Wachter. “There’s a lot to participate in, and it’s usually put on by the recreation department.” The park is also home to the San Mateo Japanese Garden, a quiet, hidden oasis designed by Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo. Locals can admire the garden’s intricate pagoda and teahouse or escape the hustle and bustle of the city to rest amongst the peaceful koi pond and bamboo grove.
Sitting benches line the pathed walking paths in Central Park in Downtown San Mateo.
Downtown San Mateo's central park is always full of locals.
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A central haven for walkers and bikers
Downtown San Mateo residents benefit from multiple public transportation options and highly walkable and bikeable streets. Busgoers can utilize the area’s SamTrans public bus service, which runs throughout San Mateo County and stops at parts of San Francisco and Palo Alto. The San Mateo train station is less than a mile from downtown. The San Francisco International Airport is conveniently located just 7 miles north of San Mateo, and El Camino Real Road runs directly through the downtown, connecting locals to Highway 82, which travels into nearby San Francisco and San Jose. “You are close enough to drive to Bay Area sports from the San Jose Sharks to the Levi Stadium," Wachter says.
Welcome to the neighborhood of Downtown San Mateo, where historic streets meet modern delights.
Central Park apartments offer Downtown San Mateo residents living space right in the action.
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Annual summer festivals and outdoor music concerts
Residents don’t have to travel far to take part in popular community gatherings. During the autumn season, locals enjoy the San Mateo Fall Fest. The event annually brings in over 5,000 patrons together for an outdoor block party on the Peninsula with local music, entertainment, family-friendly activities, specialty food and fall-inspired craft beer and cider. Another main event is SummerFest, taking over seven blocks of downtown with arts and crafts activities, food vendors, beer and wine gardens and live entertainment. For more summer fun, residents can sit out on the lawn for the Central Park Music Series, featuring a variety of musical acts from local artists and bands.
Advanced public schools and innovative biotechnology programs
Public students in Downtown San Mateo are zoned for Sunnybrae Elementary School, which gets a C-plus score and Abbott Middle School, which gets a B rating. Aragon High School, which receives an A-plus rating, is ranked as the #1 best public high school in San Mateo County. The school offers advanced dual enrollment classes and a unique Biotechnology program. Along with providing elective biotechnology classes, the program partners with local medical institutions and biotech companies, so far placing at least 1000 students in mentored lab internships.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Claire Haggarty,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Shoreview Park
DeAnza Historical Park
Ryder Park
Martin Luther King Community Park
Sunnybrae Park
Playground
San Mateo Central Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Transit
Airport
San Francisco International
11 min drive
Bus
1st Ave & B St.
Bus
E 4th Ave & S Grant St
Bus
E 4th Ave & S Ellsworth Ave
Bus
S San Mateo Dr & 2nd Ave
Bus
El Camino Real & 2nd Ave
Bus
El Camino Real & 9th Ave
Bus
El Camino Real & E 5th Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown San Mateo
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo sell after 120 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo over the last 12 months is $1,087,215, up 16% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 1-Bedroom Retreat Near Downtown San Mateo: This well-maintained 1-bedroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in a prime location near downtown San Mateo. Featuring a beautifully maintained patio, it’s move-in ready and full of potential. The patio is perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying your morning coffee in a quiet, outdoor space. Situated in a small
Are you looking for a beautifully updated property where you can walk to anything you ever want or need? Look no further than 50 North San Mateo Unit 101! This first-floor unit has hardwood floors, in-unit laundry, an updated kitchen and bathroom and even a bonus room that can be used as a second bedroom or home office. The home comes with one dedicated parking space in the underground garage
Welcome to Gramercy on the Park. Discover this newly renovated 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit located across from Central Park in San Mateo. This spacious condominium features brand new hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, freshly painted interiors, and updated bathrooms with beautifully tiled floors. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer & dryer and a covered patio offering expansive
Beautiful retirement community with first class amenities. This unit is an 'H' model unit, 2 bedrooms | 2 baths, recently updated throughout with laminate wood flooring and updated tile in the foyer, The kitchen was also recently renovated with blue cabinets and white quartz type countertop. The primary bath offers a walk in shower, beautiful tile and glass shower doors. A professional
Just one block to all things downtown San Mateo, this tastefully remodeled, first floor unit is a great place to call home! This condo welcomes you into a spacious floor plan with an open dining area and kitchen with stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting and shaker cabinetry. Oversized windows in the living room and bedroom create a bright, airy atmosphere, blending nature with the
Experience the Best of Downtown Living at Gramercy on the Park! Welcome to this bright and inviting 1BR+1 Den BR with 2BA condo on the 5th floor of the highly sought-after Gramercy on the Park - a perfect blend of comfort and convenience! This spacious unit features a grand living and dining area, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, a sunroom, and stunning bay views. Enjoy wood flooring in the
Welcome to De Sabla!Tucked away near one of the Peninsula's most exclusive neighborhoods, De Sabla Residential Apartments is conveniently adjacent to the charming community of San Mateo, California. Scenic gardens, quality schools, parks and shops are all within walking distance, and the fabulous restaurants and lively arts of San Francisco just 35 minutes away. Distinctive style
$3000 monthly rent. $3000 security deposit. Minimum 1 year lease. Bright and spacious apartment. Newly finished hardwood floors. New paint. Electric stove/oven in kitchen. 2 bedroom 1 bath. 1 car covered parking garage. 700 approximate square feet (unverified). Located on the 2nd floor of a 4 unit building. Exclusive washer and dryer hook ups for the apartment. Close distance to San Mateo
Welcome to Two50 Downtown, an upscale apartment community. Wake up to spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the western foothills. Settle into stylish comfort in your Downtown San Mateo apartments with the finest amenities, including direct access garage parking, on-site laundry facility, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, stainless steel appliances with built-in microwave and spacious
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Claire Haggarty,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,184
Median Age
44
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$96,278
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$141,950
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.5%
College Graduates
60.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
83/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
50/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
