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Cordes

Cordes

$2,449,367 Average Value
$1,257 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes 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.
Homes in Cordes come in a wide range of architectural styles.
Duplexes are common in Cordes.
Duplexes are common in Cordes.
Cordes was gradually developed in the last century.
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.
Arundel Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of San Carlos.
Carlmont High School is tucked into the hills.
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.
City Hall Park near Cordes has a dog park.
Cordes is next to City Hall Park and San Carlos City Hall.
Cordes is next to City Hall Park and San Carlos City Hall.
Cordes dogs mingle in City Hall Dog Park.
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 residents can make their way to downtown San Carlos for shopping and dining.
Cordes has many shopping and dining options.
Cordes has many shopping and dining options.
Cordes residents have a wide range of dining options downtown.
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.

Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
William Rittenhouse
Photography Contributed By
William Rittenhouse
Timothy Cerva
Video By
Timothy Cerva

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

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

Reviews

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Cordes Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$2,398,000
Median Sale Price
$2,496,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,653,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,233,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$938,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
22%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,257

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,730
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1954
Months of Supply
1.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,798
Below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,872
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,160
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
842
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Nov 2
    1:30 - 4pm

    560 El Camino Real Unit 206, San Carlos, CA 94070

    $1,298,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,265 Sq Ft
    • 560 El Camino Real
    • Unit 206
    • New 29 days ago

    Move-in ready! Twenty-four newly constructed condo homes located in the heart of Downtown San Carlos, steps away from dining, shopping and transit. Ten unique floor plans to choose from, all with private balcony! Elegant recessed lighting, engineered hardwood floors, and air conditioning creates a comfortable ambiance. The gourmet kitchen comes equipped with stylish finishes, quartz countertops,

    Mitch Wackerman Coldwell Banker Realty

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  • Saturday, Nov 1
    2 - 4pm

    151 Highland Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070

    $2,898,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,310 Sq Ft
    • 151 Highland Ave
    • New 1 day ago

    Flexible spaces abound -- this beautifully updated home is designed to meet your every need. Step inside to catch hillside glimpses, then continue to the heart of the home where the inviting kitchen-family room combo reveals jaw-dropping canyon vistas. Recently refreshed with a new roof, the residence blends sophistication, comfort, and versatility across three gracious levels. The main floor

    Lynn Wilson Roberts Compass

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  • Sunday, Nov 2
    1 - 3pm

    222 Laurel St Unit 109, San Carlos, CA 94070

    $709,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 702 Sq Ft
    • 222 Laurel St
    • Unit 109
    • New 3 days ago

    Experience refined living in the heart of San Carlos at 222 Laurel St #109. This quiet, beautifully updated 1-bed, 1-bath residence combines effortless style with unbeatable conveniencejust moments from the city's vibrant downtown, restaurants, boutiques, and Caltrain. The light-filled interior features fresh designer paint, beautiful wood look flooring, plush carpet, and a sleek modern kitchen.

    Emily Orloff eXp Realty of California, Inc.

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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

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®

30 / 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.

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
Cordes