San Mateo is a rural town with outdoor fun and historical properties
San Mateo is a small community along the St. Johns River offering historical and contemporary single-family homes close to Putnam County’s natural attractions. Billed as a rural tourist getaway in the 1800s, its Victorian-style hotels hosted a who’s who of American royalty, like the Roosevelts. The town has since transitioned its economy from tourism to farming and ranching. “[San Mateo has] a lot of history to it [and] a lot of farming and cattle,” says Christopher Fields, a broker associated with iHeart Realty Inc., who has over 15 years of experience selling in Putnam County. “[It’s] just rich with history and country folks who work the cows and work the land.”
A mix of housing styles with inland and waterside options
Housing here includes a variety of options and styles, including Victorian, manufactured, ranch-style and Spanish Revivals. The median housing price is $379,000, lower than the state and national medians. Prices range from $160,000 to $650,000, with some properties rising above $1 million. Inventory also moves more slowly in San Mateo, selling after 118 days, compared to the national average of 52 days. HOA activity is low, Fields says.
Homes are typically on gridded streets with sizable lots, live oaks and palm trees accenting lawns. Some properties along the St. Johns have private docks. Fields says historic homes here are free of an overseeing body and can be redone.
Fields says San Mateo is not as “touristy” as other parts of Putnam County and mainly attracts families and some retirees looking for privacy.
The Putnam County School District serves students
The Putnam County School District earns a C-plus from Niche. Students can start at C-plus-ranked Browning-Pearce Elementary. They can finish at Palatka Junior-Senior High, graded B-minus, which offers career programs in manufacturing technology, business and animal science.
Fun in the local and state parks and on the river
The St. Johns River runs along the western edge, offering plenty of fishing and boating opportunities. The Gibson Dry Dock has boat storage and repair services. The San Mateo Park on Currie Road features a baseball backstop, soccer field and courts. The Dunns Creek State Park is south of San Mateo and has horseback riding, hiking trails and a kayaking launch. Houses of worship include San Mateo Presbyterian Church and the First Baptist Church of San Mateo. Attractions in downtown Palatka are 5 miles north.
Dining and Shopping on U.S Highway 17
Restaurants are primarily concentrated on U.S. Highway 17 and include local spots such as Chico’s Mexican Restaurant and Beanz N’ Cream, serving breakfast items, sandwiches and coffee drinks. Crab Shack 386 is a food truck that offers fresh seafood. San Mateo has several convenience stores, but big-box retailers are in Palatka.
Weather risks in San Mateo
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood map, flooding is possible near the river. However, Fields says that parts of San Mateo are elevated. Hurricanes and severe storms are also factors.
U.S. 17 is the main transit artery with airports further out
San Mateo does not have any public transit connections and is car-dependent. U.S. 17 cuts through the town and connects to Palatka. Northeast Florida Regional Airport is 32 miles northeast, while Daytona Beach International is 51 miles southeast. HCA Florida Putnam Hospital is 9 miles northwest.
