The Best Neighborhoods in San Mateo County for Families (2025 Guide)

San Mateo County is one of the most sought-after places to raise a family in the Bay Area. Its blend of excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, walkable downtowns, and access to the outdoors makes it ideal for parents looking to put down roots.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or relocating from across the country, here are five family-friendly cities in San Mateo County, each with its own unique appeal.

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San Carlos: Small-Town Charm with Big Family Appeal

San Carlos is beloved for its tight-knit feel, tree-lined streets, and walkable downtown that feels like a scene from a movie. It’s a city where neighbors say hello, schools are strong, and weekend outings are easy to come by.

Why families love San Carlos:

• Top-rated schools, including Arundel Elementary and Tierra Linda Middle

• Burton Park, one of the best in the county, with sports courts, skate park, shaded play structures, and seasonal music events

• The San Carlos Youth Center, offering structured programs for all ages

• Hiller Aviation Museum, which is hands-on, educational, and perfect for younger kids

• A community calendar packed with events like Hometown Days, the Art & Wine Faire, and Movies in the Park

Neighborhoods like White Oaks and Howard Park offer charming homes, wide sidewalks, and close proximity to downtown, perfect for walking to dinner or the weekend farmers market.

White Oaks – San Carlos

White Oaks is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in San Carlos, known for its charming homes, walkable streets, and access to top-rated schools.

Family Features:

• Walk to Burton Park and downtown San Carlos

• Excellent public schools including White Oaks Elementary

• Community-focused events like Hometown Days

Home Types: Bungalows, traditional ranch homes, and remodeled cottages, often priced between $1.5M and $2.5M
👉 Explore White Oaks real estate

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Redwood City: Urban Energy Meets Family-Friendly Comfort

Redwood City offers a blend of diversity, downtown energy, and suburban comfort that appeals to families looking for space and options. The city has undergone significant revitalization but maintains its welcoming, down-to-earth vibe.

Why families choose Redwood City:

• Beautiful neighborhoods like Mount Carmel, Edgewood Park, and Woodside Plaza, each with their own flavor

• Red Morton Park, a 31-acre hub with playgrounds, tennis courts, large fields, and the new Magical Bridge Playground, designed for inclusive play

• The San Mateo County History Museum, housed in a historic courthouse, with interactive exhibits for kids

• Courthouse Square, hosting free concerts, movie nights, and seasonal festivals

• Close proximity to Huddart Park and Edgewood Park & Preserve for weekend hiking and outdoor play

Redwood City is one of the sunniest cities in the Bay Area and has the family infrastructure to match. From story times at the library to youth sports leagues, there’s always something happening.

Redwood Shores – Redwood City

Redwood Shores offers a waterfront lifestyle with serene views, jogging trails, and great proximity to both tech campuses and nature.

Family Features:

• Waterfront parks and lagoons ideal for biking and kayaking

• Strong schools including Sandpiper Elementary and Ralston Middle

• Close to Oracle and other major employers

Home Types: Contemporary townhomes, Mediterranean-style single-family homes, and planned communities with HOA amenities.
👉 See homes in Redwood Shores

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San Mateo: Big City Access with a Community Feel

San Mateo is one of the most well-rounded cities on the Peninsula, large enough to offer everything, yet still neighborhood-focused. Whether you want excellent schools, walkability, or weekend fun, this city delivers.

Why families love living here:

• Baywood-Aragon and Laurelwood are among the most popular neighborhoods, offering quiet streets and strong public schools

• Central Park, complete with a mini train, Japanese Tea Garden, playground, and the ever-popular CuriOdyssey science and wildlife museum

• Easy access to Laurelwood Park and Sugarloaf Hill, which provide hiking without ever leaving city limits

• A newly remodeled Hillsdale Shopping Center, featuring kid-friendly restaurants, an escape room, and a state-of-the-art movie theater

• Well-connected transit, including Caltrain and access to both Highway 92 and 101

San Mateo is ideal for families who want to be in the heart of it all while still enjoying quiet evenings and strong neighborhood communities.

The Village – San Mateo

Tucked in the heart of San Mateo, The Village is a favorite among first-time buyers and growing families alike. Tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, and walkability make it feel like a small-town haven in the middle of the Peninsula.

Family Features:

• Close to Fiesta Meadows Park and Casanova Park

• Easy access to the Hillsdale Shopping Center and Caltrain

• Nearby schools: Laurel Elementary and Abbott Middle School

Home Types: Mostly single-family ranch-style and split-level homes, typically 3–4 bedrooms with modest yards.
👉 Browse homes in The Village

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Foster City: Open Space, Safe Streets, and Endless Activities

Foster City is purpose-built for family life. With over 24 parks, miles of trails, and a tranquil lagoon system running through the city, it offers some of the most accessible outdoor living on the Peninsula.

Why Foster City is a family favorite:

• Exceptionally safe and quiet streets with wide sidewalks, low traffic, and excellent lighting

• Leo J. Ryan Park, a waterfront destination with picnic areas, playgrounds, a lagoon for paddleboarding and boating, and community events like Summer Days and the Fourth of July Festival

• Sea Cloud Park, Catamaran Park, Boothbay Park, and Edgewater Park, each offering something different, from soccer fields to shaded toddler zones

• Access to the Bay Trail, perfect for biking, jogging, or weekend walks with a stroller

• Top-performing public schools, including Brewer Island Elementary and Bowditch Middle

• Recreation Center and Teen Center, offering classes, camps, and sports leagues for all ages

• Family-friendly restaurants, splash pad areas, and even a small amphitheater for live music

If you’re looking for a place where kids can roam, parents can unwind by the water, and weekends feel like staycations, Foster City delivers and then some.

Home Types: Mix of modern waterfront properties, planned communities, and spacious townhomes.

👉 View Foster City homes for sale

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Millbrae: Peaceful Hills and Community-Focused Living

Millbrae combines hillside views, excellent schools, and a small-town vibe that appeals to families seeking peace without disconnecting from the rest of the Bay.

Why families settle in Millbrae:

• Great public schools, including Meadows Elementary and Taylor Middle School

• Central Park, with fields, picnic areas, and sports courts for casual play

• Junipero Serra Park, a hidden hilltop gem with shaded playgrounds, hiking trails, and Bay views

• Millbrae Recreation Center, offering art, dance, and seasonal programming for kids and teens

• Convenient access to BART, Caltrain, and SFO, making it ideal for commuting parents or families who love to travel

Millbrae may be quieter than its neighbors, but that’s part of the appeal, and families who settle here often stay for decades.

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Burlingame: Historic Charm Meets Family Convenience

Burlingame blends early 20th-century architecture, a walkable downtown, and top-tier schools, making it a favorite for families who want elegance without sacrificing kid-friendly amenities.

Why families love Burlingame:

• Exceptional public schools like Franklin Elementary and Burlingame Intermediate School

• Washington Park’s shady paths, expansive lawns, and new playgrounds perfect for young kids

• Village Park and Ray Park, tucked into quiet neighborhoods, offering low-key playtime

• Vibrant Broadway and Burlingame Avenue shopping districts with family-friendly dining, ice cream shops, and bookstores

• Burlingame Library’s story-time sessions, STEM programs, and summer reading activities

• Proximity to Caltrain and Highway 101 for convenient commutes and weekend getaways

Burlingame’s timeless charm and emphasis on community give it strong staying power — it’s the kind of place families grow into and rarely want to leave.

Home Types: Craftsman-style homes, updated bungalows, and premium properties closer to the Easton Addition.
👉 Browse Burlingame homes

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🗺️ Comparison Snapshot

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FAQs

What makes a neighborhood in San Mateo County family-friendly?
Family-friendly neighborhoods tend to offer top-rated schools, safe and walkable streets, local parks, and a strong sense of community. Many also offer short commutes and convenient access to shops, services, and kid-friendly activities.

Is Millbrae a good place to raise a family?
Yes. Millbrae offers a strong public school system, a well-connected transit hub for commuters, and family-oriented parks like Central Park and Rotary Park. The community is tight-knit and known for hosting seasonal events that appeal to both kids and adults.

How does Foster City compare to other cities for families?
Foster City offers flat, bike-friendly streets, tons of parks, and waterfront recreation you won’t find elsewhere. It’s great for families who love being outdoors and want a peaceful, master-planned setting near tech job centers.

What kind of homes will I find in these neighborhoods?
Each area has its own style. San Mateo’s Village neighborhood is full of charming post-war ranch homes, while White Oaks in San Carlos offers larger, tree-lined lots with updated craftsman-style homes. Foster City features contemporary properties, often with water views. Millbrae and Belmont offer a mix of mid-century homes and expanded floor plans that appeal to growing families.

How do I figure out which neighborhood fits my family best?
Start with your priorities — commute, school quality, lifestyle, or home style. Visiting neighborhoods in person or working with a local realtor who knows the area can help you narrow it down. A short call or custom tour can make a big difference.

Are there good schools in Millbrae and nearby cities?
Yes. Millbrae is served by high-performing public schools and is close to Mills High School, one of the top-rated schools on the Peninsula. Nearby cities like San Mateo, Belmont, and San Carlos also offer standout elementary and high school options.

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Ready to Find the Right Fit?

If you’re ready to explore these neighborhoods in more depth or want help narrowing your options, I’d love to guide you. Let’s find a home that fits your family’s lifestyle, future, and budget.

📩 vincent@vmartrealty.com
📞 (650) 787-6939

Let’s find the right place for your family to not only live, but to thrive.