Why Live in North Central
North Central in San Mateo is a diverse neighborhood featuring a mix of historic and modern housing options. The area predominantly consists of condos and multi-family buildings, with a significant portion of residents being renters. Single-family homes, including early 20th-century bungalows, ranch, and Craftsman styles, are also available, alongside newly built townhomes. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center serves as a community hub, offering recreational activities such as dance and fitness classes, outdoor basketball courts, soccer fields, a baseball diamond, and a playground with a seasonal swimming pool. San Mateo Central Park, with its 16 acres of Japanese gardens, provides a serene escape, while nearby Coyote Point Recreation Area and Seal Point Park offer additional outdoor activities. North Central boasts a vibrant dining scene with a variety of eateries, including Latin American taquerias, sushi restaurants, European-style bakeries, and upscale establishments like Pausa Bar and Cookery. Grocery stores such as Draeger’s Market, Safeway, and Dean’s Market cater to daily needs, with larger retailers like Trader Joe’s and TJ Maxx located less than 4 miles away. The neighborhood is well-connected, with two major Caltrain stations nearby and easy access to State Route 101 and El Camino Real. San Francisco International Airport is 15 miles north. Students in North Central have access to highly rated schools, including College Park Elementary, Borel Middle School, and San Mateo High School, which offers award-winning performing arts programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Central a good place to live?
North Central is a good place to live. North Central is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. North Central is a neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. North Central has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 27.6 people per acre and a median age of 39. The average household income is $134,878 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 46.3% of residents. A majority of residents in North Central are renters, with 66.8% of residents renting and 33.2% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving North Central can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
North Central neighborhood guide.
Is North Central, CA a safe neighborhood?
North Central, CA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in North Central?
The median home price in North Central is $898,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $179,600 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.18%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $4,390 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $188K a year to afford the median home price in North Central. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in North Central is $135K.
What are the best public schools in North Central?
The best public schools that serve North Central are:
What are the best private schools in North Central?
The best private schools that serve North Central are:
What are the most popular zip codes in North Central, San Mateo, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near North Central, San Mateo, CA?
Home Trends in North Central, CA
On average, homes in North Central, San Mateo sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in North Central, San Mateo over the last 12 months is $960,000, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$960,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,365,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$715,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$540,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$848
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
93
Median List Price
$898,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
24%