The Best Towns to Live in San Mateo County: What Locals Love Most

If you’re considering a move to San Mateo County, you’re in good company. People from across the Bay Area and beyond are drawn to its blend of convenience, charm, and quality of life. But with so many great communities to choose from, the big question is: Which town is right for you?

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly neighborhoods, walkable downtowns, or peaceful hillsides, each town in San Mateo County offers something unique. Here’s a closer look at six of the most desirable towns. Not just based on stats, but on what locals genuinely love about living there.

San Carlos: Community Vibe with Small-Town Energy

San Carlos is often the first place people fall in love with on the Peninsula. It’s walkable, safe, and known for its welcoming energy. Families especially love the schools, and professionals appreciate the easy Caltrain access.

The downtown area is a true gathering place, filled with local shops, coffee spots, and family-owned restaurants. On any weekend, you’ll find families enjoying brunch, kids running through Burton Park, and locals strolling the farmers market with coffee in hand.

What locals love:

Tree-lined streets and historic charm in neighborhoods like White Oaks
Highly ranked schools across every level
Burton Park’s playgrounds, sports courts, and concerts
A downtown you can walk to, day or night
A pace that’s calm without being sleepy

Who it’s ideal for: Families, first-time buyers with strong budgets, and anyone who values walkability and community involvement
What you’ll find: Mostly single-family homes, including California bungalows, craftsman styles, and remodeled ranch homes. Some newer townhomes near downtown add modern options with less maintenance.

Redwood City: Culture, Sunshine, and Something for Everyone

Redwood City is one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in San Mateo County. Known for its slogan “Climate Best by Government Test,” it boasts some of the best year-round weather on the Peninsula. But it’s not just about sunshine. Redwood City offers a unique mix of walkable urban living, family-friendly neighborhoods, and access to nature.

The revitalized downtown is packed with energy: outdoor dining, breweries, indie coffee shops, movie theaters, and seasonal events at Courthouse Square. Yet just a few blocks away, you’ll find quiet residential streets lined with charming bungalows and craftsman homes.

Families enjoy Red Morton Park and the Magical Bridge Playground, while professionals love being close to Caltrain and major employers. Neighborhoods like Mount Carmel, Edgewood Park, and Friendly Acres offer different vibes, from historic character to up-and-coming energy.

What locals love:

A vibrant downtown with live music, movie nights, and local events
Top parks including Red Morton, Stafford Park, and Stulsaft Park
Proximity to both the Bay and the hills for weekend escapes
Cultural diversity and a true mix of ages and backgrounds
Strong public and charter school options

Who it’s ideal for: Buyers who want walkability, lifestyle variety, and the option to grow into a community that continues to evolve
What you’ll find: A wide range of housing from turn-of-the-century homes in Mount Carmel to mid-century ranchers, new construction townhomes, and condos near the downtown core.

Belmont: Hills, Views, and Hidden Gem Energy

Belmont doesn’t get as much media buzz, but locals know it’s one of the best-kept secrets in San Mateo County. Tucked between San Carlos and San Mateo, it offers stunning hillside homes, a quieter pace, and serious views.

The neighborhoods here are more residential and less commercial — think winding roads, canopies of trees, and homes with big decks facing the hills or Bay. Despite the tucked-away feel, it’s centrally located for commuters and still offers strong public schools and access to great parks.

What locals love:

Spacious lots and a peaceful, almost rural atmosphere in areas like Hallmark and Belmont Heights
Quick access to Crystal Springs hiking trails, Water Dog Lake, and Twin Pines Park
Good schools and a small-town feel
Midway between SF and Silicon Valley, with easy access to both 280 and 101
Less density, more space, and fewer crowds

Who it’s ideal for: Families or individuals who value privacy, views, and a break from city energy — but still want a central location
What you’ll find: Primarily hillside single-family homes, many on larger, wooded lots. A mix of mid-century homes and custom builds. Fewer condos or townhomes, but some small developments near El Camino Real.

San Mateo: Big City Access, Neighborhood Charm

San Mateo is a hub. It offers the diversity, housing variety, and energy of a larger city, while still feeling like a community. It’s made up of dozens of unique neighborhoods, each with its own identity — from the high-end homes of Baywood to mid-century homes in Shoreview and condos near downtown.

For families, it’s a go-to. Central Park is a community favorite with its mini train, rose garden, playgrounds, and access to CuriOdyssey, a hands-on science and wildlife center. The Hillsdale Mall adds modern shopping, dining, and entertainment. And there’s no shortage of options when it comes to schools, grocery stores, or weekend events.

What locals love:

Great food and coffee shops throughout downtown and the 25th Avenue corridor
Laurelwood Park and Sugarloaf Hill for city-close nature time
Central Park concerts, food truck nights, and community events
A wide range of homes — condos, bungalows, and luxury estates
Fast access to 92, 101, and Caltrain for smooth commuting

Who it’s ideal for: Families, professionals, and anyone looking for a mix of energy, location, and convenience
What you’ll find: A wide variety from vintage homes in Baywood and Aragon, to 1950s ranchers, updated bungalows, and newer townhomes and condos near downtown or Hillsdale.

Foster City: Open Space, Waterfront Living, and Family-Friendly Comfort

Foster City is one of the most masterfully planned communities in the Bay Area, and it shows. With wide streets, manicured parks, excellent schools, and a system of scenic lagoons, it feels like a retreat in the middle of the Peninsula.

The city is filled with young families, active retirees, and professionals who want safety, order, and recreation. Dozens of parks line the waterfront. There are bike trails, sports fields, community centers, and play structures that make everyday outdoor time part of your lifestyle.

Leo J. Ryan Park is the heart of it all, where you’ll find paddleboarders, live music, and sunset yoga on the lawn.

What locals love:

Quiet, residential streets with little traffic and high walkability
Top-performing schools like Bowditch Middle and Brewer Island Elementary
Miles of Bay Trail access for running, biking, or stroller walks
Massive parks including Sea Cloud and Boothbay with well-maintained sports and play zones
A strong community culture from Fourth of July festivals to outdoor movie nights

Who it’s ideal for: Families who want structure and safety, people who value outdoor living, and buyers who want low-maintenance homes in a peaceful setting
What you’ll find: Mostly contemporary single-family homes built from the 1970s onward, with many offering lagoon or park views. Also includes townhomes and waterfront condos with attached garages or shared amenities.

Millbrae: Scenic Views, Transit Access, and Small-Town Stability

Millbrae is often underappreciated, but it’s one of the most balanced cities on the Peninsula. Set just west of the airport, it offers quiet hillside homes, well-rated schools, and some of the best regional transit access around.

Many of the homes are spacious mid-century builds with Bay views. Families appreciate the safety and school quality, while professionals love being near BART and Caltrain. On weekends, residents enjoy Serra Park, Central Park, and occasional events like the Millbrae Art and Wine Festival.

There’s also a strong sense of pride among longtime Millbrae residents. This is a city where many people stay for decades.

What locals love:

Hillside homes with view potential in neighborhoods like Mills Estates
Fast access to downtown SF, Palo Alto, and the airport
Small, walkable downtown with local dining
Junipero Serra Park for shaded picnics and kid-friendly hiking
A quieter feel without sacrificing convenience

Who it’s ideal for: Commuters, downsizers, and buyers who want a peaceful lifestyle with strong connections to both city and coast
What you’ll find: Primarily single-family homes, including mid-century styles and some larger custom builds in the hills. Condos and smaller multi-unit options exist near downtown and the transit corridor.

Final Thoughts: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Town

Each town in San Mateo County brings something different to the table. The best one for you depends on how you want to live, not just where you want to be.

If you’re trying to decide between space and walkability, schools and commute time, or views and amenities, I’d love to help you sort through it all.