San Mateo is a city of simplicity, culture and natural beauty. Attracting all walks of life, it’s one of the most populated places in the Bay Area. San Mateo provides great schools, attractive neighborhoods, well-maintained parks, community outreach, unspoiled views and cultural diversity. The city's central location makes it easy to get from point A to point B. Whether you’re headed for the Silicon Valley, busy San Francisco or a neighborhood across town, everything is within reach. Even the San Francisco International Airport is just five minutes away.

San Mateo’s residential boom began in the late 1800s, during which families and affluent businessmen migrated south in search of a more...

San Mateo is a city of simplicity, culture and natural beauty. Attracting all walks of life, it’s one of the most populated places in the Bay Area. San Mateo provides great schools, attractive neighborhoods, well-maintained parks, community outreach, unspoiled views and cultural diversity. The city's central location makes it easy to get from point A to point B. Whether you’re headed for the Silicon Valley, busy San Francisco or a neighborhood across town, everything is within reach. Even the San Francisco International Airport is just five minutes away.

San Mateo’s residential boom began in the late 1800s, during which families and affluent businessmen migrated south in search of a more relaxed lifestyle. Its second wave of popularity came years later, following the Great ‘Quake of 1906. Even Bank of America Founder A.P. Giannini followed suit, moving the bank's vaults from San Francisco to his Peninsula estate. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, his mansion, known as “Seven Oaks” is located at 20 El Cerrito Drive.

There are several neighborhoods, architectural styles and price points to pick from in San Mateo. It blends stately older homes with the clean lines of modern style. Detailed Craftsman and ranch homes, impressive lot sizes and rolling hills can be found in San Mateo Park, Baywood, Baywood Knolls, Aragon and Foothill Terrace neighborhoods. Since many homes were built during the 20s and 30s, revival styles like Tudor, Colonial and Spanish are common here. Laurelwood, Homestead, Westwood Knolls, Beresford Manor and San Mateo Terrace are filled with them. For a collection of mid-century moderns and classic Eichler homes, check out The Highlands neighborhood.

Downtown San Mateo is the largest downtown neighborhood on the peninsula. It’s complete with charming boutiques, gourmet eateries, leading medical centers, historic buildings and tours, art galleries and its very own Central Park. In the late 1940s, Central Park had a Bianchi mini-train installed. During the week, park-goers can hop on from 10:00 a.m.-noon and 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on weekends. The area features Japanese tea gardens, koi fish ponds, tennis courts, baseball fields, playgrounds and a “Music in the Park” summer series as well.

Dining options are endless in Downtown San Mateo. Its streets are lined with signature steakhouses, Asian Fusion spots, French cafes and more. Bay Watch Restaurant, San Mateo Prime and Central Park Bistro serve classic American dishes every day of the week. Fine dining can be found at 231 Ellsworth, Astaria, Porterhouse, Melting Pot and Viognier. Rave reviews for Italian restaurants go to AcquaPazza Ristorante, Bella Mangiata, Pasta Primavera, Spiedo and Ristorante Capellini. Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine, oh my -- town favorites include Thai Satay, Mongolian Hot Pot & Grill, Hotaru, Luna Japanese Fusion Bistro, Shabuway and Joy Luck Place. As if the list weren't long enough already, Papagayo Mexican Grill, Celia’s, Dali Tapas Bar & Restaurant and Kingfish are also worth the visit.

You won't find as many downtown retailers as you will restaurants. Its shopping selection is much more specific, with specialty stores like J’me Boutique, Lula Lu and Plato’s Closet. Those looking to make a real dent in their wallet head for the Hillsdale Shopping Center, just 15 minutes south on El Camino Real. That’s where you’ll find places like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Apple, Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Banana Republic and more.

Its two school districts include eighteen elementary schools, six middle and three high schools. Established in 1902, San Mateo High School received a National Blue Ribbon Award in 1991 and a Gold Standard Award for Academic Excellence in 2005. Most students either attend San Mateo, Aragon or Hillsdale high school. However, an alternative option is Junipero Serra -- the city’s only private all-male Catholic high school. Larger facilities like the College of San Mateo and County Expo Center serve all peninsula cities.