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Why Live in Hillsborough

Hillsborough, California, is a tranquil town of 11,000 residents in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, south of San Francisco. Known for its high-end homes and historic mansions, the area features properties averaging around 4,000 square feet, with some estates reaching up to 14,000 square feet. The town is characterized by its peaceful, residential atmosphere, with no commercial businesses within its borders. Residents often visit nearby Burlingame and San Mateo for shopping, dining, and entertainment, where notable restaurants like RASA and Pausa Bar & Cookery are recognized in the Michelin Guide. Hillsborough is home to several small parks with sports facilities and playgrounds, and outdoor activities include golfing at the Burlingame Country Club or hiking the Sawyer Camp Trail in the Crystal Springs area. The town is served by highly rated schools, including the Hillsborough City School District, San Mateo Union High School District, Nueva School, and Crystal Springs. Hillsborough is conveniently located 20 miles from both San Francisco and Palo Alto, with San Francisco International Airport just 6 miles away. The town has taken steps to address wildfire risks and promote evacuation preparedness, and it has relaxed restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units to meet state housing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Hillsborough, CA?
The median rent for a home in Hillsborough, CA is $68,000 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of July 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Hillsborough, CA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Hillsborough, CA, a household needs to earn roughly $2,720,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $68,000 per month in Hillsborough, CA, renters typically need to show $204,000 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Hillsborough, CA?
In Hillsborough, CA, the price-to-rent ratio is 7.4, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Median Rent
$68,000
Median Single Family Home Rent
$9,850
Median Condo Rent
$4,800
How to Rent a Home