Why Live in Downtown San Mateo
Downtown San Mateo is a vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula. This bustling area spans five square blocks and features a mix of contemporary mid-rise condos, colorful residential streets and thriving businesses, including tech start-ups and Michelin-star restaurants. At the center of it all is Central Park, a major gathering spot with playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, an ice‑skating rink and the serene San Mateo Japanese Garden. The neighborhood is highly walkable and bikeable, with excellent public transportation options, including SamTrans bus service and a nearby train station. Dining is one of downtown’s biggest draws, with an impressive range of options that includes Michelin‑starred Sushi Yoshizumi, Brazilian steakhouse Espetus and the popular beer‑hall‑style Wursthall. Restaurant patios spill onto sidewalks, adding to the neighborhood’s social, community‑oriented feel. Locals markets have groceries and The Shops on the Court is a popular retail destination. Housing in the area includes a mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, with architectural styles ranging from Eichler homes to Spanish California homes and bungalows. Condominiums often come with amenities like clubhouses, fitness centers, pools and spas. Local kids can attend the highly rated Aragon High School and the area is always bustling with community events, including the San Mateo Fall Fest, SummerFest and the Central Park Music Series. Downtown San Mateo is the epicenter of the city, ideal for buyers looking to live with vibrant dining, green spaces and excellent transit options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown San Mateo a good place to live?
Downtown San Mateo is a good place to live. Downtown San Mateo is considered very walkable and very bikeable with good transit options. Downtown San Mateo is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Downtown San Mateo has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 19.5 people per acre and a median age of 44. The average household income is $141,950 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 60.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown San Mateo are renters, with 59.2% of residents renting and 40.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown San Mateo can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown San Mateo neighborhood guide.
Is Downtown San Mateo, CA a safe neighborhood?
Downtown San Mateo, CA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown San Mateo?
The median home price in Downtown San Mateo is $995,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $199,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.36%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $4,960 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $213K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown San Mateo. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Downtown San Mateo is $142K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown San Mateo?
The best public schools that serve Downtown San Mateo are:
- San Mateo High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 18:1 and an average review score of 4.1.
- Aragon High School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 22:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Baywood Elementary School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 23:1 and an average review score of 3.5.
What are the best private schools in Downtown San Mateo?
The best private schools that serve Downtown San Mateo are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Downtown San Mateo?
Yes, home prices in Downtown San Mateo are down 15% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Downtown San Mateo, CA
On average, homes in Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo sell after 235 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo over the last 12 months is $809,500, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$809,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,725,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,338,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$895,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$190,357
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$668
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Last 12 months Home Sales
58
Median List Price
$995,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-15%