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The Islands

The Islands

$1,542,828 Average Value
$890 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Life by the water in Foster City

The Islands is a waterfront neighborhood in Foster City, about 23 miles south of downtown San Francisco. The aptly-named area, surrounded by the still, blue waters of manmade canals, has most of its homes on the mainland, though residents can walk or drive over bridges to its two all-residential islands. With 1970s-era homes, The Islands is one of the older neighborhoods in Foster City, a master-planned municipality known for its canals connecting to Central Lake. Linked to the San Francisco Bay via a pump station, the canals act as a drainage system, safeguarding Foster City from flooding. The Islands offers a quiet home base with a top-rated elementary school and a waterfront park within walking distance of homes.

Condos, townhouses and 1970s-era homes

Sidewalks and streetlamps line neighborhood roadways. Some contemporary single-family homes in The Islands have waterfront views and private docks. Homes cost between $2 million and $2.6 million; prices rise as square footage increases. Low-rise townhouses and condos range from $1 million to $1.7 million, and monthly HOA fees typically cover maintenance and electricity for community spaces and pools.

Sunlit waterfront townhomes in The Islands define Foster City's coastal charm.
Sunlit waterfront townhomes in The Islands define Foster City's coastal charm.
Kayaks and boats line the docks of The Islands’ contemporary waterfront homes in Foster City.
Kayaks and boats line the docks of The Islands’ contemporary waterfront homes in Foster City.
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Top-rated schools in San Mateo County

Beach Park Elementary, rated A on Niche, is the only school in the neighborhood. Students may advance to Bowditch Middle School, rated A, and Hillsdale High, rated A-plus. Hillsdale High’s academic programs include English Language Development and Career Technical Education classes, which prepare students for careers available in San Mateo County.

Bowditch Middle School is a public middle school.
Bowditch Middle School is a public middle school.
The American flag proudly waves at the front of Hillsdale High School's campus.
The American flag proudly waves at the front of Hillsdale High School's campus.
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Playing sports by the waterfront at Catamaran Park

Residents can walk dogs along the paved pathways in the center of the neighborhood or head to Catamaran Park. This clean, well-kept waterfront park has a playground, a soccer field encircled by a track, and courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis. Outdoorsy residents also take advantage of the surrounding water for recreation. Kayakers can use the boat launch at Leo J. Ryan Park; this large recreational area on the other side of Central Lake has many facilities, including a bocce court and a skate park. The amphitheater at Leo J. Ryan Park allows for prime views of the annual Fourth of July fireworks, but residents of The Islands can watch just as well from their homes. However, the fireworks have been temporarily paused while a new, expanded recreation center is under construction.

The modern-designed recreation center near The Islands hosts community activities.
The modern-designed recreation center near The Islands hosts community activities.
Families bond at Catamaran Park.
Families bond at Catamaran Park.
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A short drive for groceries

Most shopping and dining lie on the other side of Central Lake. For example, Edgewater Place includes Lucky for groceries, Nina’s Café for empanadas and Waterfront Pizza for Mediterranean fare overlooking the water. Big box stores like Petco, Target and CVS are clustered at Bridgepointe Shopping Center.

Bridgepointe Shopping Center near The Islands offers major retailers and dining options.
Bridgepointe Shopping Center near The Islands offers major retailers and dining options.
Lucky California near The Islands in Foster City offers fresh groceries with easy parking.
Lucky California near The Islands in Foster City offers fresh groceries with easy parking.
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Commuting up the 101

Beach Park Boulevard borders the neighborhood and encircles much of Foster City. The Islands is minutes from the 101, a main freeway used by those employed at the Bay Area’s many major tech companies. Alternatively, the Hillsdale commuter rail station is 3 miles away. SamTrans buses stop along neighborhood’s periphery, transporting passengers throughout Foster City. The Islands is 7 miles from Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital and 11 miles south of San Francisco International Airport.

Laura Copan
Written By
Laura Copan
Eli Tye
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Taylor Gilbert
Video By
Taylor Gilbert

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Francisco International

17 min drive

Bus

Beach Park Blvd & Farragut Blvd

Bus

Beach Park Blvd & Catamaran St

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Islands US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
690
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1974
Months of Supply
1.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,744
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,640
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,500
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,271
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,178

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 26
    1:30 - 4pm

    830 Balboa Ln, Foster City, CA 94404

    $1,600,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,140 Sq Ft
    • 830 Balboa Ln
    • New 26 days ago

    Resort living in stunning 3BR waterfront beauty in award winning signature community in Foster City! Drenched with sunlight in every room of this primely located largest floor plan E on The Islands. Open floor plan filled with amazing natural light, 3BR/2.5BA, 2140sqft. Tastefully remodeled with granite countertops, stainless steel kitchen appliances, elegant floor, marble fireplace. Soaring high

    Andy Gan Intero Real Estate Services

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  • Sunday, Apr 26
    1 - 4pm

    614 Portofino Ln, Foster City, CA 94404

    $1,198,888

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,300 Sq Ft
    • 614 Portofino Ln

    Welcome to 614 Portofino, a rare opportunity to own in one of the Peninsulas most desirable waterfront communities at an incredible price point! This well-appointed condo offers a functional layout, abundant natural light, and the perfect canvas for both move-in living or future customization. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to enter Foster City or a savvy buyer seeking long-term

    Ashley Rose Compass

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$5,072
Median Single Family Home Rent
$5,000
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,000
Median Condo Rent
$4,300
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$4,250

Demographics

Total Population
1,864
Median Age
44
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
24.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$209,863
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$210,419

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.9%
College Graduates
71.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

70 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®

40 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
The Islands
Guillean Arradaza
Kinetic Real Estate
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