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Westwood Knolls

Westwood Knolls

$2,043,046 Average Value
$240 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

A cross of post-war suburbia and modern shopping areas

Located on San Mateo’s southern border, the hilly Westwood Knolls community provides panoramic views of the Bay Area. Those living at the highest elevation of the Santa Cruz Mountain foothills can see over 20 miles to downtown San Francisco. The mixed-use neighborhood is a combination of midcentury suburbia and modern commercial corridors. Its highly walkable, thanks to a network of well-maintained sidewalks. “The neighborhood is changing quickly with new families coming in. It’s more lively with lots of kids,” says Joe Polyak, a Realtor with RISE Homes with 15 years of experience. “Most people have views of the bay, San Bruno Mountain or the eastern part of San Mateo.”
Mount Diablo can be seen in the distance from Westwood Knolls.
Mount Diablo can be seen in the distance from Westwood Knolls.
A colorful lunch destination in Westwood Knolls.
A colorful lunch destination in Westwood Knolls.
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Malls, diners and entertainment centers

Along El Camino Real, Hillsdale Shopping Center is home to more than 120 name-brand retailers, like Macy’s and Nordstrom. A Cinepolis movie theatre serves food during movies, and the mall regularly hosts events like Santa’s Tree Lighting Show, trivia nights and pet adoption drives. Villa Plaza offers hair salons, spas and a Pilates studio. The extended commercial corridor on El Camino Real has an assortment of restaurants. Maverick Jack’s is a modern diner with a list of specialty burgers served inside and a Little Library outside. Romolo’s Cannoli has been making its signature pastry since 1968. Bel Mateo Bowl offers 24 lanes for regular, black light or projected games. The entertainment center also has an arcade, a bar and a bistro that serves classic pub food. Trader Joe’s or Mollie Stone’s Markets provide conveniently accessible groceries.
A local considers bringing home a flower arrangement in Westwood Knolls.
A local considers bringing home a flower arrangement in Westwood Knolls.
The food court at Hillsdale Mall is a popular spot for eateries in Westwood Knolls.
The food court at Hillsdale Mall is a popular spot for eateries in Westwood Knolls.
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Playgrounds, hiking trails and Sugarloaf Mountain

On clear days, guests can see downtown San Francisco from Indian Springs Park. The small green space is filled with trees and has two play areas with climbing structures. A short, paved trail curves through the space for walking, jogging and biking. West Hillsdale Park lies north of Westwood Knolls and features a basketball court, play equipment and a large, open grassy area for soccer or football games. To the west, Laurelwood Park has a series of multi-use trails, one of which leads to Sugarloaf Mountain’s almost 10,000-foot-high peak. The elevation provides stunning views of the surrounding Bay Area landscapes. At the foot of the mountain, there are two play areas: one for ages two to five and another for school-age children.
Tennis Players can catch a pick-up match at the nearby outdoor courts.
Tennis Players can catch a pick-up match at the nearby outdoor courts.
West Hillsdale Park features a large playground at the edge of Westwood Knolls.
West Hillsdale Park features a large playground at the edge of Westwood Knolls.
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Midcentury housing perched atop the San Cruz Mountain foothills

Westwood Knolls’s cottages, ranch- and raised ranch-style houses were built in the 1940s and 1950s. Many have three or four bedrooms and range from 1,200 to 1,600 square feet. Homes that have been expanded or have finished basements can be over 2,500 square feet and often sell for around $2 million. These high-value properties are landscaped with trees, shrubs and flowers along sometimes steep streets that end in cul-de-sacs. “With inventory being so low, we’re seeing a relatively busy market – homes get multiple offers and sell quickly if they’re priced right,” Polyak says. Homes sell for a median price of $1.8 million after around 18 days. Single-family home prices ranged from $1.25 million to $2.75 million between January and November 2024, with the most expensive having unobstructed bay or ocean views.
Sloping home sites are common in Westwood Knolls.
Sloping home sites are common in Westwood Knolls.
Many Westwood Knolls homes have thoughtful landscaping.
Many Westwood Knolls homes have thoughtful landscaping.
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Building blocks, career programs and bilingual tutoring

Students can attend the neighborhood’s own Laurel Elementary School, rated B from Niche. The school works with Lego Education to help children learn engineering and problem-solving techniques through purposeful play. Abbott Middle School is nearby and also has a B ranking. According to Niche, A-plus-rated Hillsdale High School has been ranked the sixth-best high school in San Mateo County. It has an after-school program with bilingual tutors, intramural sports and academic counseling. South of Westwood Knolls, Notre Dame de Namur University is a private Catholic college offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, psychology and business.
Laurel Elementary School offers a cozy campus.
Laurel Elementary School offers a cozy campus.
Abbott Middle School has a large sports  field complex.
Abbott Middle School has a large sports field complex.
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Major roadways, public transit and the San Mateo Medical Center

A well-maintained network of sidewalks connects homes to the neighborhood’s elementary school, medical center and shopping malls. Bike lanes are found on West Hillsdale Boulevard, and bus stops are dotted along major roads like Alameda de las Pulgas. The Hillsdale CalTrain station is 1 mile north, making the 22 miles to San Francisco or the 30 miles to San Jose more accessible. Westwood Knolls is near Route 92, which connects to Interstate 280, and Highway 101 is less than 2 miles east. The San Mateo Medical Center sits in the middle of the neighborhood, and San Francisco International Airport is 13 miles north for long-distance travel. The lively El Camino Real borders the community’s eastern edge, and those living along it will hear roadway noise during heavy traffic.
Westwood Knolls residents can catch Caltrain at the adjacent Hillsdale Station.
Westwood Knolls residents can catch Caltrain at the adjacent Hillsdale Station.
Westwood Knolls is a hillside neighborhood with sweeping views.
Westwood Knolls is a hillside neighborhood with sweeping views.
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Crime scores and varying air quality

Westwood Knolls has a CAP Index Crime Score of 5 out of 10, slightly more than the national average of 4. The most likely crime in the area is motor vehicle theft, with a score of 9 out of 10. The neighborhood also has around 11 days of unhealthy air each year. During these times, people are advised to wear masks while outdoors.
K.T. Phillips
Written By
K.T. Phillips
Anthony Lindsey
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Lindsey
Kellan Beaver
Video By
Kellan Beaver

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

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Francisco International

15 min drive

Bus

W Hillsdale Blvd & Edison St-Bay 7

Bus

28th Ave & S El Camino Real

Bus

El Camino Real & Hillsdale Blvd

Bus

Alameda De Las Pulgas & 39th Ave

Bus

Hillsdale Blvd & Edison St-Hillsdale Shopping Ctr

Bus

El Camino Real & 43rd Ave

Bus

256 37th Ave (San Mateo Medical Ctr)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Westwood Knolls US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 9 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Westwood Knolls Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$440,000
Median Sale Price
$400,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$427,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$400,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
7%
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$240

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,051
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1950
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,627
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,624
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,180
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1 - 4pm

    328 Midvale Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403

    $2,750,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2,723 Sq Ft
    • 328 Midvale Ave
    • New 17 hours ago

    This is the home you have been looking for. Welcome to 328 Midvale Ave, a beautifully curated residence nestled in one of San Mateo’s most desirable Westwood Knolls neighborhood. This inviting single family home is surrounded by rolling hills and bay views. Features open-concept floor plan and renovated with five bedrooms (three ensuite), four bathrooms, 2723 sq ft. The gourmet kitchen is

    Karen Tam Intero Real Estate Services

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,493
Median Age
41
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$130,000
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$163,343

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.2%
College Graduates
58.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

88 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

47 / 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

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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
Westwood Knolls