North Central, San Mateo, CA
At a glance
North Central is ranked #22 of 23 neighborhoods in San Mateo with an overall score of 2.7/5. Its standout factor is nearby merchants (4.3/5), at a median home price of $1.62M, which Houseberry currently rates as undervalued by about $10,000. It ranks 19th of 23 in San Mateo for schools. The trade-offs are safety (2.3/5) and curb appeal (2.5/5), though prices run about 29% below the San Mateo median.
Neighborhood Reviews & Questions
North Central, San Mateo, CA North Central is a dense, walkable neighborhood sitting between downtown San Mateo and Highway 101. It’s one of the city’s most affordable and diverse areas, with a mix of apartments, older single-family homes, and small multi-unit buildings. The grid layout and flat streets make it especially pedestrian- and bike-friendly. While the housing stock leans older, the neighborhood is evolving, with remodels and new builds scattered throughout. Residents are within easy reach of a wide range of amenities, from ethnic markets and local taquerias to the movie theater and grocery stores at Bay Meadows and Hillsdale. Proximity to Caltrain and major highways keeps commutes convenient, and while green space is limited, it’s offset by the central location and access to nearby parks.
Top Neighborhoods in San Mateo, CA
Neighborhood Amenities
Near good merchants4.3
Public Spaces3
Curb Appeal2.5
Overall Amenities score: 3.1
Neighborhood Weather
Neighborhood Photos
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Schools serving this Neighborhood
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baywood Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Beresford Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Highlands Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Laurel Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Meadow Heights Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| San Mateo Park Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Abbott Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| Borel Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| San Mateo High | High | 9-12 |
Click links for school listing
info at GreatSchools.org
Houseberry School Score Data
from CA Dept. of Education
Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.
Median Price
North Central FAQs10 answers
Is North Central a good place to live?
North Central ranks 22nd of 23 neighborhoods in San Mateo with an overall Houseberry score of 2.7 out of 5. Its strongest factor is nearby merchants (4.3/5). The trade-offs are safety (2.3/5) and curb appeal (2.5/5).
Is North Central safe?
North Central, San Mateo scores 2.3 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 20th of 23 neighborhoods in San Mateo.
What do homes in North Central cost?
The median home price in North Central, San Mateo is $1.62M, compared with $2.29M for San Mateo as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it undervalued by about $10,000 against comparable neighborhoods.
Are home prices in North Central rising or falling?
The median home price in North Central, San Mateo is up about 5.1% over the past 12 months, from $1.54M to $1.62M. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.
Which schools serve North Central?
Schools serving North Central, San Mateo include Baywood Elementary (3.9/5), Beresford Elementary (3.0/5), Highlands Elementary (3.6/5), Laurel Elementary (1.6/5) and Meadow Heights Elementary (2.5/5). 4 more schools are listed in the Schools section on this page.
What is the weather like in North Central?
North Central, San Mateo receives 77% of its possible sunshine, 22nd of 23 in San Mateo. Summer days run 55° to 72°F and winter days 44° to 59°F, September is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 20 inches a year.
Is North Central walkable to shops and restaurants?
North Central, San Mateo scores 4.3 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.0 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.1 out of 5, 23rd of 23 in San Mateo.
What is North Central known for?
North Central, San Mateo is associated with Affordable, Urban Grid and Transit-Accessible. Its highest-scoring factor is nearby merchants (4.3/5).
How does North Central compare to other San Mateo neighborhoods?
North Central ranks 22nd of 23 neighborhoods in San Mateo. It ranks 19th of 23 in San Mateo for schools (2.9/5) and scores lowest on safety (2.3/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in San Mateo are Aragon and Baywood.
What are the downsides of living in North Central?
North Central, San Mateo scores lowest on safety (2.3/5) and curb appeal (2.5/5).
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