Best Neighborhoods in San Mateo, CA

Aragon ranks first of 23 ranked San Mateo neighborhoods on overall score, at 4.4 out of 5. Baywood is next at 4.3 out of 5. 4 San Mateo neighborhoods score 4 out of 5 or higher overall.

Houseberry scores 23 San Mateo neighborhoods on schools, safety, amenities, price, value and appreciation. Overall scores in San Mateo run from 2.6 to 4.4 out of 5, and 4 score 4 out of 5 or higher. Median home prices range from $1,319,960 in South Shoreview to $4,654,990 in San Mateo Park across 23 priced neighborhoods. Across the five nearest cities the average overall score is 3.9 out of 5, against 3.5 in San Mateo.

Learn more about San Mateo, CA.

1st
Aragon, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Aragon, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 4.4/5
SCHOOL4.1/5
SAFETY4.9/5
AMENITIES4/5
PRICE$3,297,740
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Historical Elegance, Active Community Life, Prestigious Atmosphere

Aragon stands out in San Mateo for its well-preserved historical homes. The streets are a gallery of early 20th-century architecture, where the detailed Spanish Revival and Tudor styles are the main attractions. It's a residential gallery that showcases the care homeowners put into their properties. ... See Full Page

2nd
Baywood, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Baywood, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 4.3/5
SCHOOL3.9/5
SAFETY4.9/5
AMENITIES3.6/5
PRICE$3,415,170
APPRECIATION6.84 %
VALUE$2kUndervalued

Keywords: Upscale and Welcoming, Diverse Architecture, Strong Community

Baywood stands out in San Mateo with its stately homes and well-kept gardens, radiating a vibe that's both welcoming and upscale. This neighborhood is for those who appreciate an environment where community pride is as evident in the landscapes as it is in the warm greetings from neighbors. ... See Full Page

3rd
Mariner's Isle, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Mariner's Isle, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 4.0/5
SCHOOL3.7/5
SAFETY4.5/5
AMENITIES3.9/5
PRICE$1,414,010
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Balance, Waterfront Access, Close to Shopping

Mariner's Isle is unique in Foster City in that it offers abundant housing, but also office and shopping, all within walking distance. Most of the homes are attached duplexes in this neighborhood, along with some large apartment complexes. Many homes are waterfront, and some belong to the Mariner’s Greens Homeowners association which offers a clubhouse and pool. ... See Full Page

4th
Laurelwood & Sugarloaf, San Mateo, CA neighborhood
SCHOOL3.6/5
SAFETY4.5/5
AMENITIES3.7/5
PRICE$2,475,960
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Panoramic views, Spacious privacy, Nature-integrated living

Laurelwood & Sugarloaf offers a scenic retreat within the city of San Mateo. Perched with a view, this neighborhood boasts the kind of vistas that make even a simple evening stroll a moment to remember. ... See Full Page

5th
Baywood Park, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Baywood Park, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.9/5
SCHOOL4.4/5
SAFETY3.7/5
AMENITIES3.2/5
PRICE$2,806,140
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Quiet Streets, Generous Lot Sizes, Community-Centered

Baywood Park is a well-established San Mateo neighborhood known for its quiet streets and friendly atmosphere. The housing here showcases a wide range, from 1950s originals to new-builds, offering potential residents a choice between classic charm and modern comfort. ... See Full Page

6th
San Mateo Terrace, San Mateo, CA neighborhood
SCHOOL3.5/5
SAFETY4.5/5
AMENITIES3.5/5
PRICE$2,415,330
APPRECIATION-6.71 %
VALUE$25kUndervalued

Keywords: Suburban Charm, Community-Centric, Recreational Luxury

San Mateo Terrace, often regarded as the western side of Beresford Park, offers a blend of suburban charm and community-centric living. This neighborhood, characterized by its serene streets and friendly atmosphere, stands out as a preferred destination for families and individuals alike who seek a balanced lifestyle. ... See Full Page

7th
San Mateo Woods, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

San Mateo Woods, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.9/5
SCHOOL4.4/5
SAFETY3.7/5
AMENITIES3.4/5
PRICE$2,550,210
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Secluded tranquility, Midcentury Charm, Community-centered living

Western Hills in San Mateo, CA, is a picturesque neighborhood that’s as charming as it is quietly upscale. It’s a little pocket where the pace slows, the trees sway a little more leisurely, and the views can be just breathtaking. ... See Full Page

8th
Parkside, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Parkside, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.8/5
SCHOOL3.1/5
SAFETY4.5/5
AMENITIES3.4/5
PRICE$1,702,910
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Lively and Inviting, Diverse Housing, Active Parks

Parkside in San Mateo presents itself as a lively and inviting neighborhood where the community pulse is always felt. ... See Full Page

9th
San Mateo Village, San Mateo, CA neighborhood
SCHOOL4.1/5
SAFETY3.5/5
AMENITIES3.3/5
PRICE$1,635,530
APPRECIATION-20.50 %
VALUE$42kUndervalued

Keywords: Suburban charm, Community Engagement, Eichler homes

San Mateo Village in San Mateo, CA, is a slice of suburban charm within the larger urban context, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and well-established community feel. If you're looking for a neighborhood that strikes a balance between accessibility to city amenities and the allure of a close-knit community, this is the place. ... See Full Page

10th
Westwood Knolls, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Westwood Knolls, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.6/5
SCHOOL2.8/5
SAFETY4.3/5
AMENITIES4.1/5
PRICE$2,373,720
APPRECIATION-8.04 %
VALUE$73kUndervalued

Keywords: Tree-lined Streets, Mid-century Charm, Nature-infused Living

Westwood Knolls sits just West of El Camino Real, offering close access to restaurants and amenities, while offering a peaceful suburban vibe. ... See Full Page

11th
San Mateo Knolls, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

San Mateo Knolls, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.6/5
SCHOOL2.7/5
SAFETY4.7/5
AMENITIES3.4/5
PRICE$2,336,530
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Community warmth, Architectural diversity, Walk to Outdoor Paradise

San Mateo Knolls features an eclectic mix of housing, where mid-century homes sit comfortably alongside newer constructions. It's the kind of place where each house has its own character, often accompanied by mature trees that serve as quiet sentinels of the neighborhood's long-standing roots. The architectural diversity here offers a snapshot of the area's growth over the decades, from the simple elegance of older homes to the sleek lines of new developments. ... See Full Page

12th
San Mateo Park, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

San Mateo Park, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.6/5
SCHOOL2.9/5
SAFETY4.1/5
AMENITIES4/5
PRICE$4,654,990
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Prestigious Suburb, Timeless Elegance, Natural Serenity

San Mateo Park is a lush, residential haven, boasting winding streets lined with mature trees and a mix of architectural styles that give the area a timeless elegance. This is widely known as San Mateo’s most prestigious neighborhood, and it shows. ... See Full Page

13th
Homestead, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Homestead, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.5/5
SCHOOL4.1/5
SAFETY3.0/5
AMENITIES3.6/5
PRICE$2,285,890
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Cozy Suburban Feel, Community Spirit, Neighborly Ties

Homestead offers a cozy, suburban feel with a strong sense of community at its core. It's a pocket of San Mateo that prides itself on friendly faces and neighborly spirit, making it an attractive place for those looking to establish roots in a tight-knit environment. ... See Full Page

14th
Hayward Park, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Hayward Park, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.5/5
SCHOOL3.2/5
SAFETY3.3/5
AMENITIES4.3/5
PRICE$2,422,490
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Historic Charm, Suburban Convenience, Central Park Oasis

Hayward Park exudes a sense of historic charm mingled with suburban convenience. This neighborhood feels like a page out of history, where the architectural grandeur of yesteryears is still on full display, blending seamlessly with modern comforts. A huge draw is its location: situated within walking distance of downtown San Mateo, it offers the conveniences of being next to one of the largest concentrations of restaurants and shops on the peninsula. ... See Full Page

15th
South Shoreview, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

South Shoreview, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.4/5
SCHOOL3.4/5
SAFETY3.4/5
AMENITIES3.2/5
PRICE$1,319,960
APPRECIATION-13.78 %
VALUE$40kUndervalued

Keywords: Coastal Proximity, Modest Homes, Practical Spirit

South Shoreview in San Mateo is where the suburban layout meets the benefits of coastal proximity. It's a neighborhood with a practical spirit, appealing to those who appreciate straightforward, no-fuss living with the bonus of a brisk bay breeze. ... See Full Page

16th
North Shoreview, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

North Shoreview, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.3/5
SCHOOL2.5/5
SAFETY3.7/5
AMENITIES4.1/5
PRICE$1,592,910
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Waterfront Access, Family-Friendly, Outdoor Recreation

North Shoreview is a scenic and family-friendly neighborhood in San Mateo, known for its proximity to the Bay and its abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Nestled between the San Francisco Bay and the bustling downtown area, this neighborhood offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience. ... See Full Page

17th
San Mateo Highlands, San Mateo, CA neighborhood
SCHOOL4.0/5
SAFETY2.5/5
AMENITIES3.4/5
PRICE$2,691,880
APPRECIATION-1.42 %
VALUE$6kUndervalued

Keywords: Mid-Century Modern Charm, Community-Focused, Architectural Heritage

San Mateo Highlands is a distinctive enclave that exudes a certain mid-century modern charisma, perched above the city to afford its residents not just homes, but vistas. ... See Full Page

18th
Lakeshore, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Lakeshore, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.0/5
SCHOOL4.0/5
SAFETY1.8/5
AMENITIES3.8/5
PRICE$1,504,120
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Waterfront Lifestyle, Scenic Lagoon Views, Recreational Hub

Lakeshore in San Mateo is a neighborhood that's all about embracing the waterfront lifestyle. It stands out with its scenic lagoon views, which many of the apartments here are privileged to have. It's a slice of the Bay Area where the water's edge plays a central role in the daily life of the community. ... See Full Page

19th
Sunnybrae / 19th Ave. Park, San Mateo, CA neighborhood
SCHOOL3.2/5
SAFETY2.5/5
AMENITIES3.6/5
PRICE$2,153,740
APPRECIATION13.13 %
VALUE$87kUndervalued

Keywords: Neighborly Atmosphere, 1950s Charm, Community Parks

Sunnybrae presents a refreshing slice of suburban life with an inviting, friendly atmosphere. It's like a small-town scene nestled within the larger urban context, where neighbors know each other by name and the streets are lined with a mix of mature trees and well-tended gardens. ... See Full Page

20th
Fiesta Gardens, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Fiesta Gardens, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 3.0/5
SCHOOL3.0/5
SAFETY2.5/5
AMENITIES3.8/5
PRICE$2,077,830
APPRECIATION28.86 %
VALUE$68kOvervalued

Keywords: Tight-knit community, Post-WWII Ranch Houses, Community events

Welcome to Fiesta Gardens, a neighborhood in San Mateo that lives up to its celebratory name with a tight-knit community vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other by name and the streets are lined with well-kept homes that exhibit a suburban charm. ... See Full Page

21st
Beresford Manor, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

Beresford Manor, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 2.8/5
SCHOOL3.4/5
SAFETY1.8/5
AMENITIES3.9/5
PRICE$2,554,140
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Suburban Dream, Neighborly Pride, Mid-Century Charm

If you're on the hunt for a neighborhood that captures the essence of San Mateo's charm, Beresford Manor is a pocket where the suburban dream is still going strong. It's like that friend who's always got a smile and a story to tell – familiar, warm, and welcoming. ... See Full Page

22nd
North Central, San Mateo, CA neighborhood

North Central, San Mateo, CA

Overall Score : 2.7/5
SCHOOL2.9/5
SAFETY2.3/5
AMENITIES3.1/5
PRICE$1,623,120
APPRECIATION29.26 %
VALUE$10kUndervalued

Keywords: Affordable, Urban Grid, Transit-Accessible

North Central, San Mateo, CA ... See Full Page

23rd
Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo, CA neighborhood
SCHOOL2.3/5
SAFETY2.2/5
AMENITIES4.3/5
PRICE$1,403,240
APPRECIATION7.29 %(2)
VALUE$29k(2)Undervalued

(2) City data used

Keywords: Dynamic Urban Hub, Architectural Diversity, Central Park Proximity

Downtown San Mateo offers an energetic and vibrant community in the heart of the Peninsula. It’s a dynamic mix of urban convenience and small-town charm, where the streets buzz with activity from sunrise to well past sunset. If you're seeking the pulse of the city intertwined with a sense of close-knit community, this is your ground zero. ... See Full Page

Scores updated August 2026

Best Neighborhoods

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San Mateo neighborhoods: your questions, answered

What are the best neighborhoods in San Mateo?

Aragon has the highest overall score in San Mateo, at 4.4 out of 5. The next highest overall scores in San Mateo are Baywood (4.3 out of 5) and Mariner's Isle (4.0 out of 5).

What are the best places to live in San Mateo?

Houseberry's highest-scored San Mateo neighborhoods are Aragon (4.4 out of 5), Baywood (4.3 out of 5) and Mariner's Isle (4.0 out of 5), out of 23 ranked on safety, schools, amenities and value.

Which areas of San Mateo score highest for safety, schools and amenities together?

5 San Mateo neighborhoods score 3.5 out of 5 or higher for schools, safety and amenities: Aragon, Baywood, Mariner's Isle and Laurelwood & Sugarloaf. Aragon has the highest combined total in San Mateo, at 4.1 out of 5 for schools, 4.9 out of 5 for safety and 4.0 out of 5 for amenities.

What do homes cost in San Mateo's highest-ranked neighborhoods?

Across the top 5 San Mateo neighborhoods by overall score, the median home price is $2,806,140. Prices among those top 5 San Mateo neighborhoods run from $1,414,010 in Mariner's Isle to $3,415,170 in Baywood.

Which San Mateo neighborhoods rank highly overall at a lower price?

Mariner's Isle has the lowest median home price, $1,414,010, among San Mateo neighborhoods scoring 3.9 out of 5 or higher for overall score and priced below the San Mateo median of $2,336,530; Mariner's Isle scores 4.0 out of 5 for overall score.

How many neighborhoods does Houseberry rank in San Mateo?

Houseberry ranks 23 neighborhoods in San Mateo. 4 San Mateo neighborhoods score 4 out of 5 or higher overall.

How do San Mateo neighborhoods compare with nearby cities overall?

San Mateo neighborhoods average 3.5 out of 5 overall. The nearest cities average Hillsborough 4.2, Belmont 4.1, Foster City 3.5, Burlingame 4.0 and San Carlos 3.7.