$1,176,877Average Value$223Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Booming city center in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula
Located within five square blocks, Downtown San Mateo offers residents a thriving city center scene in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula. “Downtown San Mateo is pretty vibrant, from the stores to the restaurants and even the movie theaters,” says Joan Wachter, a resident and President’s International Elite realtor at Coldwell Banker for over 35 years. “There are tons of things to do, and it’s all very walkable.” As the centerpiece of downtown, the district’s bustling Central Park connects everything together – from contemporary mid-rise condos to colorful side residential streets and booming businesses, including tech start-ups and Michelin-star restaurants. It’s an area that mixes big urban appeal with a touch of suburbia. “There are very nice schools, good public transportation and you can walk around freely at any time at night and feel at ease,” Wachter says. “Downtown is its own enclave, and it’s close to everything.”
Welcome to the neighborhood of Downtown San Mateo, where historic streets meet modern delights.
Restaurants often have gorgeous expanded seating areas that allow residents to spread out.
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International flavors and Michelin-star dining
The range of dining cuisine in Downtown San Mateo is incredibly diverse, with world-renowned restaurants like Sushi Yoshizumi. With just one 8-seater table, this Michelin-star restaurant lets residents enjoy an intimate dining experience with award-winning Chef Yoshizumi, tasting some of his most artfully crafted Japanese sushi dishes. Other favorite hotspots include Espetus San Mateo, a deep, dark wood-paneled Brazilian restaurant offering a tableside service of meat skewers cooked up on a mesquite open flame. Going another international route, Wursthall, owned by famous food writer Kenji Lopez, is another go-to downtown spot. The restaurant exudes a classic beer hall setting in an open industrial space, with long community-style tables set up for locals to enjoy a cold stout with German and New American food. When opting to eat at home, residents can grab grocery items from a variety of specialty stores. Drager’s Market on 4th Avenue is an upscale food market known for its meat, cheese and baked goods options. For other selections, locals can find Asian and Japanese grocery essentials at Takahashi Market or Suruki Supermarket. While downtown has many small pockets of retail, lifestyle and service stores, the Shops on the Court, located on Franklin Court, is one of the most packed shopping destinations.
Izakaya Ginji is famous for their delicious Tapas in Downtown San Mateo.
Chef Sha's Hot Pots is a great place to grab fresh, authentic meals in Downtown San Mateo.
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A mix of urban and suburban residential living
The housing landscape in downtown San Mateo blends urban and suburban flare, where residential properties typically don’t sell for under $1 million. “The starting price for a home is $1,000,000, but at that level, it usually needs a lot of fixing, although you can probably get a condo or a townhouse in that million-dollar price range if it’s smaller,” says Wachter. While the area is highly populated with condos and townhomes, subdivisions of single-family homes are lined along extra-wide residential streets that corner the main central district hub. These properties sit close together on small lots with paved sidewalks, surrounded by clusters of native trees like small California buckeyes and Bay trees. “The architecture is very mixed, you’ll have Eichler homes in one section, then there are a lot of your typical old Spanish California homes and some bungalows,” says Wachter. “A lot of homes were constructed in the 1950s and now people will buy them and make them what they want them to be, so the styles change.” Single-family home prices typically range from $1.3 million for fixer-uppers and up to $3 million for new custom homes. Most of the area’s condominiums are around downtown Central Park, offering beautiful forestry views. One-bedroom condos can start around 1 million and over $2 million for four-bedroom condos. Most condominiums offer amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, pool and spa.
The east side of the neighborhood is filled with gorgeous and historic craftsman style homes.
Even the smallest of homes in Downtown San Mateo offer plenty of character.
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Bringing the community together at Central Park
The bulk of the downtown outdoor recreation can be found at San Mateo Central Park. This 16-acre park sits centrally at the heart of downtown, with paved walking trails winding along the site, shaded by lush, well-manicured rose gardens and stately mature California live oak trees. Central Park features numerous amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas, an ice-skating rink, tennis courts and green spaces for various recreational purposes. “You can participate in Thai Chi out in the park or other group activities,” says Wachter. “There’s a lot to participate in, and it’s usually put on by the recreation department.” The park is also home to the San Mateo Japanese Garden, a quiet, hidden oasis designed by Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo. Locals can admire the garden’s intricate pagoda and teahouse or escape the hustle and bustle of the city to rest amongst the peaceful koi pond and bamboo grove.
Sitting benches line the pathed walking paths in Central Park in Downtown San Mateo.
Downtown San Mateo's central park is always full of locals.
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A central haven for walkers and bikers
Downtown San Mateo residents benefit from multiple public transportation options and highly walkable and bikeable streets. Busgoers can utilize the area’s SamTrans public bus service, which runs throughout San Mateo County and stops at parts of San Francisco and Palo Alto. The San Mateo train station is less than a mile from downtown. The San Francisco International Airport is conveniently located just 7 miles north of San Mateo, and El Camino Real Road runs directly through the downtown, connecting locals to Highway 82, which travels into nearby San Francisco and San Jose. “You are close enough to drive to Bay Area sports from the San Jose Sharks to the Levi Stadium," Wachter says.
Welcome to the neighborhood of Downtown San Mateo, where historic streets meet modern delights.
Central Park apartments offer Downtown San Mateo residents living space right in the action.
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Annual summer festivals and outdoor music concerts
Residents don’t have to travel far to take part in popular community gatherings. During the autumn season, locals enjoy the San Mateo Fall Fest. The event annually brings in over 5,000 patrons together for an outdoor block party on the Peninsula with local music, entertainment, family-friendly activities, specialty food and fall-inspired craft beer and cider. Another main event is SummerFest, taking over seven blocks of downtown with arts and crafts activities, food vendors, beer and wine gardens and live entertainment. For more summer fun, residents can sit out on the lawn for the Central Park Music Series, featuring a variety of musical acts from local artists and bands.
Advanced public schools and innovative biotechnology programs
Public students in Downtown San Mateo are zoned for Sunnybrae Elementary School, which gets a C-plus score and Abbott Middle School, which gets a B rating. Aragon High School, which receives an A-plus rating, is ranked as the #1 best public high school in San Mateo County. The school offers advanced dual enrollment classes and a unique Biotechnology program. Along with providing elective biotechnology classes, the program partners with local medical institutions and biotech companies, so far placing at least 1000 students in mentored lab internships.
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
Mary Murphy,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Shoreview Park
DeAnza Historical Park
Ryder Park
Martin Luther King Community Park
Sunnybrae Park
Playground
San Mateo Central Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Transit
Airport
San Francisco International
11 min drive
Bus
1st Ave & B St.
Bus
E 4th Ave & S Grant St
Bus
E 4th Ave & S Ellsworth Ave
Bus
S San Mateo Dr & 2nd Ave
Bus
El Camino Real & 2nd Ave
Bus
El Camino Real & 9th Ave
Bus
El Camino Real & E 5th Ave
Downtown San Mateo Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo over the last 12 months is $480,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on an expansive 7,000 +/- square foot R2, level lot, this property offers incredible potential for future expansion or the addition of an ADU. Whether you envision creating a multi-generational living space, generating rental income, or simply designing your dream backyard retreat, the possibilities are endless. Located in one of San Mateo's most enticing and charming neighborhoods, this
Welcome to this bright and beautifully updated corner unit! Perched on the fourth floor, with spectacular views flooded with natural light; This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo is a corner unit. The kitchen features elegant granite countertops, while both bathrooms are finished with marble. Washer and Dryer inside the unit which makes it easy to get laundry done. Enjoy the fresh feel of
Stunning Corner Ground-Floor Downtown San Mateo Condo with Private Entrance! Experience luxury living in this beautifully appointed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom corner unit located in the heart of downtown. This ground-floor Nazareth Plaza condo offers the rare convenience of a private entrance and is move-in ready with high-end finishes throughout. The gourmet kitchen is a chefs dream, featuring
Welcome to this charming end-unit 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the heart of San Mateo. The kitchen is a standout feature, equipped with modern appliances including a dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, oven range, and refrigerator, all set against elegant granite countertops. Enjoy your meals in the cozy breakfast nook or the dining area, adding convenience to your daily routine.
Experience refined living in one of the most coveted locations in downtown: Gramercy on the Park, directly overlooking beautiful Central Park. This spacious, thoughtfully designed residence offers a seamless floor plan and breathtaking park views that create a true sense of serenity and connection to nature. Extensively remodeled in 2017, the home features elegant hardwood flooring, designer
Excellent Opportunity Reposition or Redevelop 2 Transit-Oriented Apartment Home Units (Walk to San Mateo Cal-Train Station / Walk Score: 97). 2 Existing 2 BR/1 1⁄4 Bath Townhouse Units To Be DELIVERED VACANT at COE. 4 Options to Add Value: (1) Build 14 Apartment Units Up to 6-Stories, 19,080 SF (FAR: 3.0 / R-5 Zoning); (2) Build 2 Single Family Homes; (3) Renovate Interior to (2) 3 BR/3 BA
Welcome to De Sabla!Tucked away near one of the Peninsula's most exclusive neighborhoods, De Sabla Residential Apartments is conveniently adjacent to the charming community of San Mateo, California. Scenic gardens, quality schools, parks and shops are all within walking distance, and the fabulous restaurants and lively arts of San Francisco just 35 minutes away. Distinctive style
Charming San Mateo Bungalow Vibes 1BD 1BA Garage Private Yard -Tucked into one of San Mateos most walkable pockets, this adorable 1-bed, 1-bath home is the perfect blend of cozy and convenient. With sunny vibes throughout, it lives like a mini housenot your average duplex! Enjoy your own attached garage, spacious private backyard (hello, weekend BBQs), and easy strolls to local cafes,
Welcome to Two50 Downtown, an upscale apartment community. Wake up to spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the western foothills. Settle into stylish comfort in your Downtown San Mateo apartments with the finest amenities, including direct access garage parking, on-site laundry facility, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, stainless steel appliances with built-in microwave and spacious
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mary Murphy,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,184
Median Age
44
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$96,278
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$141,950
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.5%
College Graduates
60.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
83/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
50/ 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.
