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Living in San Mateo is an excellent choice due to several reasons. The city is a pleasant, secure, and kid-friendly community where families can raise their children and take advantage of all the things that the city can offer.
Because of its proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the neighborhood is home to many educational institutions and employment prospects. The region is quite progressive and varied. Agriculture continues to be an essential contributor to its economy and culture, even if nearly three-quarters of the area is open space.
Although the average cost of living in San Mateo, CA may be high, the city itself is stunning and well-kept. It is well-known for the moderate climate and beautiful scenery that can be found within its 455 square miles of land, which are bordered on the western segment by the Pacific Ocean and on the eastern portion by San Francisco Bay.
You may still be wondering what it is like living in San Mateo, CA, what are the things to do in San Mateo, CA and what other things you can experience within its borders. If that’s the case, read on and learn other interesting things, especially if you are considering moving to San Mateo, CA.
The Top 5 Best Features of San Mateo, CA
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Entertainment and Recreation
Living in San Mateo is about convenience and ease of access to everything. There is no doubt that San Mateo, CA is home to many exciting places to visit. San Mateo is an incredible city packed to the brim with exciting opportunities and sights to see. You can get to all of the fantastic nature preserves and hiking trails in the Bay Area just a few minutes from most residential areas.
Because of its abundance of natural features, the city provides a vivid illustration of how breathtaking nature can be. Active folks will find a wealth of opportunities to occupy their time here. It is common for people to go jogging or walking at Coyote Point, which is located on the Bay.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can also have a picnic outdoors. Bike riders navigating the area’s hills are a common sight. Golf lovers will be pleased to learn that this area features not one but two golf courses in addition to a practice facility.
Everything You Need is Here
There is no reason to leave the city to complete errands because San Mateo possesses everything you need, from essential retailers to stores specializing in a particular good or service.
The Hillsdale Mall, which features more than 130 businesses in addition to a Macy’s and a Nordstroms, can satisfy practically any shopping need that a shopper would have. Alternatively, a quick trip to San Jose or San Francisco is guaranteed to have what you need if you can’t find it in San Mateo.
Living in San Mateo is a wonderful experience for everyone, from young couples and students to large families. Its residents, who value the flexibility that the prime location of San Mateo provides, can conveniently visit San Jose and San Francisco in a short time since it is positioned halfway between the two bustling cities in California.
Stellar School System
The public education system of San Mateo is of the highest caliber. Because two of its schools are immersion language schools that teach Spanish and Cantonese, your child will be able to speak both languages well in no time.
Vibrant Downtown
The busy downtown district of San Mateo, California, is an area that is very walkable and contains hundreds of businesses, a myriad of nightlife alternatives, and a scenic cinema.
In addition to that, the city hosts different San Mateo, CA events and festivals, such as the San Mateo Wine Walk and the San Francisco Bay Area Aloha Walk. At this event, which is free of charge, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Hawaiian living.
Broad Employment Opportunities and Good Public Transport System
More than a hundred businesses have their headquarters in the flourishing city of San Mateo, CA. This includes Sony Interactive Entertainment, Franklin Templeton Investments, and NetSuite.
If you need to commute, three local CalTrain stations make it convenient to travel either north into San Francisco or south to corporate areas like Palo Alto, Redwood City, and San Jose.
Buses travel all around the region, although getting one becomes more difficult the more away you are from the major thoroughfares. Depending on where you live in the city, walking and biking are also possible modes of transportation for traveling around different cities in San Mateo, CA.
Things to Do in San Mateo, CA
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San Mateo is a coastal community that has developed into one of the most prosperous cities in the Bay Area. The climate in this city is generally pleasant throughout the year, making it perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and exploring the wonders of San Mateo, CA.
Here are some of the best things to do in the city and experience what San Mateo living truly means!
Coyote Point Recreation Area
Coyote Point Recreation Area is a 700-acre attraction that is popular not just with residents but also with tourists. It provides guests with a range of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as windsurfing, swimming, biking, fishing, and bird watching.
The park has a large playground with a medieval design. It includes interactive displays that cover exciting topics like the animal world and ecology, making it a great place to visit with kids.
The San Mateo County History Museum
The community’s historical society runs the San Mateo County History Museum. It houses an extensive collection of items and souvenirs relevant to the region’s origins, culture, and economy.
Sawyer Camp Trail
Sawyer Camp Trail is a paved path that is six miles long and gives tourists in good physical shape modest variations in elevation and some of the best vistas in the area. The trail passes through a wide variety of natural habitats. Thus it is not unusual to spot some native animal species along its path.
Central Park
Central Park in San Mateo is a destination that offers a wide variety of amenities and is extremely popular among vacationers who wish to enjoy the wonderful outdoors. This park offers a large playground, baseball fields, tennis courts, and covered picnic spots.
It plays host to a variety of events all throughout the year, some of which include celebrations of Easter and the Fourth of July, as well as live music performances.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden in San Mateo is a 16-acre tranquil haven that can be found within Central Park. It is one of the most well-known gardens in the city for its breathtaking cherry and bonsai plants, koi ponds, waterfalls, and grand multi-tiered granite structure.
Hillsdale Shopping Center
The Hillsdale Shopping Center is a sizable shopping destination home to more than one hundred stores. Those who have had their dose of the region’s historical sites and natural features will find it an excellent place to rest, dine, and shop.
It offers various dining alternatives, including meaty California-style burgers and pizza, delicious Asian cuisine, freshly baked products, and specialty coffee.
Schools in San Mateo, CA
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Top Elementary Schools
College Park Elementary School
School Rating: 9/10
Address: 715 Indian Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
North Shoreview Montessori Elementary School
School Rating: 8/10
Address: 1301 Cypress Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Parkside Montessori
School Rating: 8/10
Address: 1685 Eisenhower St, San Mateo, CA 94403
George Hall Elementary School
School Rating: 7/10
Address: 130 San Miguel Way, San Mateo, CA 94403
Bayside Academy
School Rating: 6/10
Address: 2025 Kehoe Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403
Top Middle Schools
North Shoreview Montessori Elementary School
School Rating: 8/10
Address: 1301 Cypress Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Parkside Montessori
School Rating: 8/10
Address: 1685 Eisenhower St, San Mateo, CA 94403
Bayside Academy
School Rating: 6/10
Address: 2025 Kehoe Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403
Borel Middle School
School Rating: 6/10
Address: 425 Barneson Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402
Abbott Middle School
School Rating: 5/10
Address: 600 36th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403
Top High Schools
Aragon High School
School Rating: 9/10
Address: Theater, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94402
Hillsdale High School
School Rating: 7/10
Address: 3115 Del Monte St, San Mateo, CA 94403
San Mateo High School
School Rating: 7/10
Address: 506 N Delaware St, San Mateo, CA 94401
To learn more about San Mateo, CA, please feel free to reach out to our team at 650-218-3353. In case you are planning to explore the different lovely neighborhoods of the city, you may utilize this Interactive Map of San Mateo, CA to help you navigate easily and conveniently.
For updates and latest news about San Mateo, Ca, we invite you to follow us on the following social media platforms:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the neighborhoods in San Mateo that are best for families?
Among the best neighborhoods in San Mateo to raise a family are the following:
What is the cost of living in San Mateo compared to other Bay Area cities?
The overall cost of living in San Mateo is significantly higher compared to other Bay Area cities. The cost of housing in San Mateo is 235% higher, while the cost of utilities is 33% higher than the average across the country.
The costs of transportation, such as bus fares and the cost of gasoline, are 39% higher than average. Prices at grocery stores in San Mateo are 31% more than the average for all of the United States.
Are there any good schools in San Mateo?
The public schools in San Mateo, CA have an average ranking of 10 out of 10, placing them in the top 5% of all schools in California. Among the top-rated educational institutions around San Mateo, CA include the following:
- College Park Elementary School
- North Shoreview Montessori Elementary School
- Aragon High School
What is the commute like from San Mateo to downtown SF?
Professionals working in the San Francisco area can utilize the region’s public transportation systems, primarily the Caltrain, a commuter rail line serving the San Francisco Peninsula. Travel time via Caltrain may take approximately 36 minutes and costs about $2 to $7.
Those who own private cars can also drive their way to the downtown area of San Francisco. When traveling by car, the distance from San Mateo to San Francisco is around 20 miles, which can take about 22 minutes.
How safe is San Mateo?
San Mateo, CA is approximately 21% safer compared to other nearby cities in the United States.
