$2,512,710Average Value$1,277Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Laidback, small-town living between Silicon Valley and San Francisco
With a walkable downtown district, community parks and well-established neighborhoods, it’s no wonder San Carlos is known as the “City of Good Living.” Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, its streets stretch from Bayside flats to wooded, brush-laden hillsides dotted with midcentury homes. It’s in a prime spot for commuting, as it sits just north of Silicon Valley and is a 45-minute drive to San Francisco. “It’s an old, established town that’s stayed a small town. It doesn’t feel like a suburb, which you can’t say for some of the other cities in this area,” says Realtor David Young of Coldwell Banker Realty, who’s lived in the city for 35 years and sold hundreds of homes there. “We’ve got this quaint, Mayberry-like downtown that’s filled with independent shops and restaurants. You’re not going to see many chains here.”
Hillside homes with sweeping views define Alder Manor’s serene suburban charm.
Boutique shopping on Laurel Street in San Carlos, showcasing unique gifts below Alder Manor.
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Independent shops and restaurants in Downtown San Carlos
Downtown San Carlos spans about 10-square blocks along El Camino Real. It’s home to a handful of cozy cafes, local restaurants, boutique shops and independent grocers. The dining scene is quite diverse and has everything from Parisian-style bakeries and cafes to authentic Burmese cuisine. Bianchini’s Market is a family-run favorite in town for groceries and deli sandwiches, but there are also major chains nearby like Trader Joe’s and Safeway.
Graffeo Leather on Laurel Street, below Alder Manor, offers handcrafted goods in San Carlos.
The Devonshire Little store is a historic hidden gem in Beverly Terrace.
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Flat streets close to downtown, winding roads in the foothills
The median home price in San Carlos is $2.4 million, putting it on par with nearby Silicon Valley cities but well above the Bay Area median. There are a variety of neighborhoods in the San Carlos — Howard Park 's flat, gridded streets are within walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants, while neighborhoods like Beverly Terrace and Alder Manor are perched in the hills with winding roads etched into slopes and forests. It’s not uncommon for homes in the hills to shaded by dense tree canopy or to have wide views of the Peninsula and the Bay stretching out below.
Autumn colors brighten the residential streets of Alder Manor, San Carlos.
Beverly Terrace also has larger homes for bigger families.
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Community parks and sprawling hillside hikes
There are nine parks in San Carlos nestled along residential streets with a variety of sports fields, playgrounds and green space. Burton Park is a favorite community gathering spot, just south of downtown. “It’s a real hangout for kids and parents. If you’ve just moved here, it’s a great place to meet new friends and neighbors,” Young says. The southwestern edge of the city is dominated by rolling hills where residents will find hiking, biking and other outdoorsy adventures. Rugged trails crisscross the slopes and canyons at Eaton Park, Edgewood Park & Natural Reserve and Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. San Carlos is also known for its excellent weather, Young says. “If you go too far north, it chillier and foggy. South can get really hot in the summer. We’re in a nice pocket where you have solid, consistent weather throughout the year,” he says. The city is home to the Hiller Aviation Museum, which has more than 40 aircraft on display as well as flight simulators and an indoor are for people to fly drones.
Burton Park features a playground for families in the neighborhood of San Carlos
Explore Redwood City's Stafford Park—playful adventures await at the vibrant playground.
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Highly rated Silicon Valley schools
San Carlos is known for its stellar public schools. The San Carlos Elementary School District gets an A rating from Niche. The district has six elementary schools and two middle schools, all of which earn A grades. Older students attend either A-rated Sequoia High School or A-plus-rated Carlmont High School.
Clifford School is a great place for new students in San Mateo.
Sequoia High School provides education in the neighborhood of
Roosevelt, Redwood City, CA.
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Getting around the San Francisco Peninsula
San Carlos has long been sought-after for its location between Silicon Valley and San Francisco, making it an ideal place to commute from. It has its own Caltrain station, which shuttles passengers from Downtown San Francisco to south of San Jose. Drivers also have easy access to State Route 101 and Interstate 280. The nearest hospital is just a few miles away at Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center, a highly rated 149-bed hospital.
Low crime rates in San Mateo County
San Carlos doesn't have its own police force, partnering instead with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office for its law enforcement needs. The county’s violent and property crime rates are slightly lower than the national average and have steadily improved over the past decade, according to FBI stats.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Eli Tye
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steven Wen,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in San Carlos, CA sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in San Carlos, CA over the last 12 months is $2,200,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous 4-bedroom home in the heart of San Carlos awaits you! This home boasts an open, light-filled living room, dining area, spacious kitchen with quartz counter tops and stainless-steel appliances. One level up you will find 3 spacious bedrooms (one currently being used as an office) and a full bathroom. Tucked away upstairs is the private primary suite/retreat with a balcony. Included in the
Welcome to your idyllic retreata stunning 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that epitomizes cozy charm and thoughtful updates. This residence offers a perfect blend of comfort and character, along with a backyard sanctuary that feels like your very own private farmers market. As you step inside, youll be greeted by a warm and inviting layout accentuated by new flooring that complements its timeless appeal.
Welcome to effortless California living in this light-filled modern retreat. Thoughtfully rebuilt with premium finishes and clean, contemporary design, this single-level stunner is perfect for indoor-outdoor living. At the heart of the home is a spacious great room with electric fireplace and chefs kitchen featuring vaulted ceilings, wide-plank hardwood, a massive island, porcelain countertops,
Gorgeous 4-bedroom home in the heart of San Carlos awaits you! This home boasts an open, light-filled living room, dining area, spacious kitchen with quartz counter tops and stainless-steel appliances. One level up you will find 3 spacious bedrooms (one currently being used as an office) and a full bathroom. Tucked away upstairs is the private primary suite/retreat with a balcony. Included in the
Perched above it all in San Carlos sought after Crestview Park community, this beautiful, updated end unit townhouse offers views of the bay and great privacy! Come enjoy the resort-like amenities that Crestview Park has to offer with pool, spa, tennis courts and clubhouse! Updated kitchen and bathrooms with granite/quartz counter tops, laminate flooring throughout living area, dual pane windows,
Welcome to your idyllic retreata stunning 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that epitomizes cozy charm and thoughtful updates. This residence offers a perfect blend of comfort and character, along with a backyard sanctuary that feels like your very own private farmers market. As you step inside, youll be greeted by a warm and inviting layout accentuated by new flooring that complements its timeless appeal.
Bright & Spacious 3-Bedroom Condo in Brittan Heights San Carlos Welcome to 3316 Brittan Avenue #12, a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo nestled in the highly desirable Brittan Heights community of San Carlos. This street level unit, offers 1,239 square feet of comfortable living space, with an open and airy layout thats perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Enjoy the peace
Nearly 200 years ago train travel put El Camino Real on the map. Today, Trestle takes inspiration from the area's past and uses it in the gorgeous design details throughout. But that doesn't mean we skimped on the modern conveniences. Everything from a saltwater pool, to a fully-stocked strength studio, to an Insta-worthy rooftop deck are ready and waiting for you. Boasting a very respectable
Fantastic spacious home in a top location, view, natural setting, walkable to downtown San Carlos and near top schools. Three bedrooms upstairs with a spacious living room-dining room combination with views. Downstairs includes a large family room and 4th bedroom. Additional wet bar area, 3rd full bathroom and access to the 2-car garage with freezer & Laundry machines. Backyard patio, raised bed
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