Section Image

North Central

North Central

$1,081,800 Average Value
$263 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

San Mateo’s oldest and most diverse neighborhood

California sun and bay breezes greet residents of this San Francisco Peninsula suburb. Located a few minutes from the Bay shoreline, North Central’s residential streets offer walkability to local parks, shoreline trails and an abundance of dining and shopping in San Mateo’s bubbly downtown district. “North Central is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood in San Mateo that has an authentic flavor,” says local broker Joseph Stein, owner of Realty World Peninsula. “It’s a denser neighborhood but has a largely suburban feel, even though it’s so close to Downtown San Mateo.”
As a testament to that diversity, North Central is home to a historic African American church, an Islamic center, a synagogue and the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center, the latter of which has been a gathering place for social and civic activities since the late 1960s.
North Central offers scenic views of the bay and a blend of residential and recreational spaces.
North Central offers scenic views of the bay and a blend of residential and recreational spaces.
Magic Mountain Playground is it a wonderful place to date your family in North Central.
Magic Mountain Playground is it a wonderful place to date your family in North Central.
1/2

Eclectic eateries in Downtown San Mateo

Locals can get a taste of North Central’s unique flavor at an array of eateries in the area. “Restaurants in North Central and San Mateo rival what you’d find in San Francisco,” Stein says. “It’s a foodie haven – from authentic Latin American taquerias to a dozen different sushi places reminiscent of the historic Japanese heritage.” European-style bakeries, Asian flavors and authentic Mexican can all be found here. Options range from inexpensive street food to upscale establishments like the award-winning Pausa Bar and Cookery. A selection of grocery stores and supermarkets, such as Draeger’s Market, Safeway and Dean’s Market, provide fresh produce and everyday essentials. Larger stores and retailers like Trader Joe’s and TJ Maxx are less than 4 miles south of the neighborhood.
Indulge in sweet treats at Antoine's Cookie Shop near North Central.
Indulge in sweet treats at Antoine's Cookie Shop near North Central.
Residents of North Central peruse dining options in Downtown San Mateo.
Residents of North Central peruse dining options in Downtown San Mateo.
1/2

Condos, apartments and century-old homes

Condos and multi-family buildings make up most of the housing inventory here, with renters accounting for around 65% of the neighborhood’s population. Single-family homes are also available, including many early 20th century bungalow, ranch and Craftsman style homes, along with a handful of newly built townhomes. “North Central features a unique combination of historic homes interspersed with new townhouse construction,” Stein says. The median price of a Townhouses is $1.2 million, while condominiums range from $555,000 for a studio to $900,000 for a corner unit in a luxury plaza. Single-family homes, many featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, range between $1.2 and $2.6 million.
North Central showcases classic Craftsman homes with inviting porches and charming details.
North Central showcases classic Craftsman homes with inviting porches and charming details.
Victorian architecture in North Central shines with intricate woodwork and elegant design.
Victorian architecture in North Central shines with intricate woodwork and elegant design.
1/2

Highly rated San Mateo schools

Students in North Central may attend top-rated schools in the area, including College Park Elementary, which earns an A rating from Niche. Borel Middle School serves sixth through eighth graders and has an A-minus rating. Centrally located within North Central, San Mateo High School is ranked the fifth-best public high school in San Mateo County and boasts an A-plus grade. Students can enroll in the high school’s performing arts center, which features award-winning music, drama and dance programs.
Borel Middle School serves students in grades 6-8.
Borel Middle School serves students in grades 6-8.
San Mateo High has a beautiful campus in Tobin Clark Estates.
San Mateo High has a beautiful campus in Tobin Clark Estates.
College Park Elementary, San Mateo: Shaping Bright Futures with Care.
College Park Elementary, San Mateo: Shaping Bright Futures with Care.
1/3

Community parks and Bayshore scenery

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center is an anchor for North Central, Stein says. The center and its park offer various recreational options, such as dance and fitness classes and community events. Athletic opportunities for all ages are found here, from outdoor basketball courts and soccer fields to the baseball diamond. The park’s playground and seasonally open swimming pool offer family-friendly fun. In the downtown area, San Mateo Central Park provides a stunning escape for residents as they stroll through the 16 acres of Japanese gardens. Residents also take advantage of the San Fransisco Bay through Coyote Point Recreation Area and Seal Point Park in the neighboring North Shoreview community.
A woman enjoys a stroll with her two dogs at MLKJ Community Park.
A woman enjoys a stroll with her two dogs at MLKJ Community Park.
San Mateo Recreation Area is situated next to a marina.
San Mateo Recreation Area is situated next to a marina.
1/2

Getting around the Peninsula and beyond

North Central is wedged between two major Caltrain stations in Burlingame and Downtown San Mateo, offering an easy way to get to either San Francisco or Silicon Valley. Thoroughfares like State Route 101 and El Camino Real connect folks to neighboring communities by car, and the San Francisco International Airport is 15 miles north. “From a quality-of-life standpoint, San Mateo has one of the highest of any community in the Bay Area because you’re centrally located on the peninsula with great commuting options,” Stein says, adding that the walkability to Downtown San Mateo is a significant draw for residents.
Caltrain access in North Central makes commuting to San Jose or San Francisco quick and easy.
Caltrain access in North Central makes commuting to San Jose or San Francisco quick and easy.
North Central offers easy public transit access with its conveniently located San Mateo station.
North Central offers easy public transit access with its conveniently located San Mateo station.
1/2
Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Sean Viray
Photography Contributed By
Sean Viray
Chris Freeman
Video By
Chris Freeman

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Russell Vavuris, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Francisco International

11 min drive

Train

San Mateo

Bus

E 3rd Ave & S Fremont St

Bus

Peninsula Ave & Anita Rd

Bus

N Delaware St & E Bellevue Ave

Bus

N Delaware St & E Poplar Ave

Bus

153 N Delaware St

Bus

N Delaware St & Tilton Ave

Bus

El Camino Real & Tilton Ave

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime North Central US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

North Central Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$499,900
Median Sale Price
$485,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$485,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$335,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$475,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
139
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
49%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$263

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,207
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1965
Months of Supply
0.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,490
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,657
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,109
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
732
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
478
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    2 - 4pm

    828 N El Camino Real Unit 9, San Mateo, CA 94401

    $549,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 873 Sq Ft
    • 828 N El Camino Real
    • Unit 9

    Burlingame Living, San Mateo Price. Located on the San Mateo side of the Burlingame border, this charming 1br/1ba condo offers comfort, convenience, and an enviable lifestyle. Positioned on the quiet second floor with only one shared wall, the home features fresh paint, new carpet, wood-style laminate flooring, dual-pane windows, and a private balcony overlooking the pool and courtyard. The

    Carolyn Botts Christie's International Real Estate Sereno

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Russell Vavuris, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
18,509
Median Age
39
Population Density
28 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$98,692
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$134,878

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.4%
College Graduates
46.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.2%
% Population in Labor Force
74%
Above the national average
65.1%

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®

74 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

81 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

46 / 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

Reviews

Are you familiar with the North Central neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
North Central