$1,081,580Average Value$265Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes 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.
Magic Mountain Playground is it a wonderful place to date your family in North Central.
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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.
Residents of North Central peruse dining options in Downtown San Mateo.
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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.
Victorian architecture in North Central shines with intricate woodwork and elegant design.
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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.
San Mateo High has a beautiful campus in Tobin Clark Estates.
College Park Elementary, San Mateo: Shaping Bright Futures with Care.
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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.
San Mateo Recreation Area is situated next to a marina.
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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.
North Central offers easy public transit access with its conveniently located San Mateo station.
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
Pamela Tyson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Primrose Playground
Victoria Park
Magic Mountain Playground
Martin Luther King Community Park
Coyote Point Recreation Area
Pershing Park
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
North Central Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North Central, San Mateo sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in North Central, San Mateo over the last 12 months is $485,000, up 49% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Unit 210 at 928 Peninsula Avenue, a stylish studio, 1-bath condo in San Mateo's resort-style Woodlake community. This updated unit features serene courtyard views, laminate flooring, flush ceilings, and a quartz kitchen with glass cooktop. Ideal for first-time buyers or investors seeking low-maintenance living with high convenience. Woodlake offers 26 acres of lush grounds and premium
Prime Location Meets Comfort & Convenience! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo is a commuters dream, perfectly situated in the highly sought-after North Central San Mateo neighborhoodjust minutes from Caltrain, BART, Highway 101, and El Camino Real. With 847 sq ft of bright and thoughtfully designed living space, the open-concept layout seamlessly blends the living and dining areas, ideal for
Great Value and an excellent investment opportunity! A well-maintained multi-unit conveniently located in Downtown San Mateo. This property features a main unit and studio, offering flexibility for extended family or rental income. The main unit includes dual-pane windows, recessed LED lighting, and vinyl plank flooring throughout. The kitchen is equipped with newer appliances, and the bathroom
Wrapped in mature foliage, El Cerrito Plaza is an established gem in one of San Mateo's most desirable neighborhoods. Flooded with natural light, unit #2, a first floor corner unit, is a charming, move-in ready home that invites your personal touches. Step inside to a welcoming foyer that leads to a spacious open concept living and dining area. Delightful galley-style kitchen equipped with modern
Charming mid-century top-floor condo blending classic appeal with modern updates! Located just steps from vibrant Downtown San Mateo, Central Park, and Caltrain, this light-filled home features an open floor plan, soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and serene views of beautifully landscaped courtyards. Enjoy a freshly painted interior, peaceful surroundings, and access to a secluded pool, spa,
Rare turnkey tutor style fourplex situated on a large 7,591 SqFt lot in one of the Bay Area's most coveted submarkets. Opportunity for owner-occupancy with up to 80% LTV conventional financing. Low cost alternative to a single family home. Three studio units and one 2-bed/1-bath unit. Two vacant fully remodeled units - a rear cottage studio and a 2-Bed/1-Bath flat - both with in-unit laundry.
Welcome to your fully furnished studio, steps from Downtown San Mateos top restaurants, cafes, and shops. Walk to local favorites like Ramen Parlor, Pacific Catch, or the buzzing Farmers Market. Commute with ease to nearby tech giantsVisa, Gilead, Oracle, and Sonyand enjoy quick access to the College of San Mateo, Stanford University, and Notre Dame de Namur. Take advantage of local treasures
Welcome to Colonial Garden Apartments, your next destination for a living experience characterized by unbeatable comforts and conveniences. From an outstanding amenity package to a plethora of exciting features, our gorgeous San Mateo apartments provide a relaxing atmosphere all our residents benefit from.
Fantastic opportunity to lease a townhouse style home centrally located to enjoy the abundance of surrounding infrastructure. Here are just a few of the homes attributes: 4 Bedrooms, 2-1/2 bathrooms, exceptional construction quality with an abundance of natural light, gourmet Kitchen, hardwood floors, security system, central A/C & heat, generous outdoor space, spacious bedroom proportions,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Pamela Tyson,
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.
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.
