$2,346,195Average Value$1,256Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Historic homes, contemporary new builds and top-tier schools in San Carlos
With everything from barely updated early 20th-century homes to contemporary apartments slated for completion in 2024, Cordes is a snapshot of the past, present and future in San Carlos. In fact, it’s believed to be the site of the first home in the city, an adobe structure built in the early 1800s at the corner of present-day Magnolia Avenue and Cedar Street. “Cordes is an older but super strong community. It’s very welcoming and really caters toward families,” says Mariana Pappalardo, a real estate agent and team lead of the Pappalardo Group at Compass, as well as a member of the prestigious Top Agent Network.
Having raised her own kids in San Carlos, Pappalardo says that access to top-tier schools is the biggest draw for buyers. “This is one of the few neighborhoods in the city zoned for Carlmont High, which is a huge benefit,” she says. Proximity to San Carlos’ culinary corridor of Laurel Street is also a plus, and Pappalardo says some residents may even be able to walk to the downtown area, “depending on if they live in the flats or the hills,” she says. Access to downtown also means access to major thoroughfares like Highway 101 and public transportation via Caltrain, which makes it easy to get to employment centers in San Francisco to the north and Silicon Valley to the south.
An illustration of housing history in San Carlos
Because many of the neighborhood’s original homes still stand, Cordes’ housing stock often features reduced square footage and eclectic style choices ranging from Pueblo Revival to modern minimalism. “Back then, San Carlos didn’t have the affluence that neighboring cities had. That’s why the homes are smaller,” Pappalardo says, noting that buyers do “remodel quite a bit.” But single-family homes aren’t the only structures to grace these hilly streets: Housing stock also includes renovated duplexes, luxury condos and high-rise apartments, some of which are still in construction. While hilltop homes with views of the Bay usually command higher prices close to $3 million, buyers can expect to find single-family options listed between $1.7 million and $2.6 million, while condos are generally priced under a million.
Homes in Cordes come in a wide range of architectural styles.
Duplexes are common in Cordes.
Cordes was gradually developed in the last century.
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Students benefit from Carlmont enrollment zone
Students can attend Arundel Elementary before moving on to Mariposa Upper Elementary in fourth grade and Tierra Linda Middle in sixth grade, all of which maintain grades of A on Niche. Many students will then attend Carlmont High, which boasts a grade of A-plus on Niche and offers a competitive Biotechnology Institute for teens interested in science careers.
Arundel Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of
San Carlos.
Carlmont High School is tucked into the hills.
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Local sports at Arguello Park
After a busy day at Arundel Elementary, kids often appreciate a trip to Arguello Park’s playground right next door. At more than 23 acres, Arguello is the largest park in the community and hosts local baseball and tennis matches. Natural trails also provide space for calm walks, while the neighboring Santa Cruz Mountains invite hikers looking for a challenge. Dogs and their owners also enjoy making new friends at City Hall Dog Park, where trainers can utilize on-site agility equipment.
City Hall Park near Cordes has a dog park.
Cordes is next to City Hall Park and San Carlos City Hall.
Cordes dogs mingle in City Hall Dog Park.
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Good eats on Laurel Street
With proximity to downtown San Carlos, residents of Cordes enjoy easy access to some of the best shopping and dining options in the city. Walkable Laurel Street is the local culinary hub, with international cuisines ranging from Burmese to Georgian and everything in between. Across El Camino Real, the San Carlos Marketplace is a popular center for retail shopping, and there’s even a Lucky grocery store a few blocks away.
Cordes residents can make their way to downtown San Carlos for shopping and dining.
Cordes has many shopping and dining options.
Cordes residents have a wide range of dining options downtown.
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Caltrain connects to SF and Silicon Valley
From downtown San Carlos, residents can easily get to major employment centers like San Francisco and Silicon Valley via Caltrain, the local light rail. Highway 101 also provides a convenient route up the coast to the San Francisco International Airport, which is less than 15 miles away.
San Carlos knows how to throw a party
Often dubbed the biggest fall festival on the San Francisco Peninsula, the San Carlos Art & Wine Faire has attracted visitors from all over the Bay Area for 30 years. Weekly farmers markets also bring a crowd to Laurel Street, as does the annual Hometown Days parade.
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
Jason Born,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Arguello Park
Hillcrest Circle Park
McDougal Park
Rosek park
Twin Pines Park
Cedar Street Park
Transit
Airport
San Francisco International
21 min drive
Bus
San Carlos Ave & Wellington Dr
Bus
El Camino Real & 5th Ave-Belmont
Bus
San Carlos Ave & Laurel St
Bus
San Carlos Ave & Dartmouth Ave
Bus
Chula Vista Dr & Fernwood Way
Bus
El Camino Real & Oak St
Bus
El Camino Real & Hull Dr
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cordes
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cordes, San Carlos sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Cordes, San Carlos over the last 12 months is $2,364,178, up 15% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
View Lovers be Aware...Welcome to 70 Ensenada Road, a stunning 5,145 sq ft residence on one of San Carlos most desirable streets. With 3 ensuite bedrooms, a 3 cars garage and an expansive wine cellar, this exceptional home offers unobstructed Bay views from nearly every room. Recently updated with wide-plank white oak engineered floors throughout, the interiors blend refined sophistication with
Hillside Elegance with Sweeping Views!!! Welcome to 141 Hillcrest Rd, a beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home perched on a tranquil hillside in one of San Carloss most desirable neighborhoods. Situated on a quiet, low-traffic street, this home offers gorgeous panoramic views and a versatile layout ideal for modern living. With a master suite on each level, this home provides rare
Welcome to 'Athens', a collection of newly constructed condominiums in Downtown San Carlos. This stunning condominium offers 2 bedroom / 2 bathrooms and approximately 1,216 sq ft of comfortable living space with another approximate 100 sq ft balcony. Elegant recessed lighting, engineered hardwood flooring throughout, a gourmet kitchen with modern finishes, private balcony and in-unit laundry. The
Luxurious Contemporary Townhome in the Heart of San Carlos Welcome to this bright, spacious contemporary townhome featuring thoughtfully designed living spaces, high-quality construction, and soaring ceilings throughout. The 1st floor offers an oversized two-car garage w/ extra storage. Upstairs, the light-filled living room with a cozy gas fireplace flows seamlessly into the dining area and
Nestled in a highly desirable area between San Carlos and Belmont, 1320 Hull Drive offers the perfect blend of charm, functionality, and modern upgrades - all set against a backdrop of sweeping views & walkable convenience. Districted for the coveted Carlmont High School! Updated kitchen with stone counters and stainless appliances! Living and dining areas offer a comfortable setting for
Laura BertolacciChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Welcome to a delightful and rare, two-level condo in the heart of San Carlos! A tucked away 1,191-square-foot end-unit offering one of the larger floor plans in this cozy six-unit complex. Enjoy a convenient half-bath on the main floor where you can entertain with modern features such as quartz kitchen counters, a stylish backsplash, newer flooring, and updated dual-pane windows. Then discover
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
The advertised rate of $4,350/month is the lowest available price, based on a 12 month(s) and 0 day(s) stay with a move-in date of May 17, 2025. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates.Additional pricing info: (1) price quoted is for rent only, (2) this rate is
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jason Born,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
6,706
Median Age
42
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$195,081
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$202,087
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.4%
College Graduates
65%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
20''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
13/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
22/ 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.