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Looking for the Laurelwood neighborhood San Mateo? This quiet housing community offers something rare in the Bay Area. It provides real peace with 225 acres of hiking trails, classic mid-century homes, and strong market growth. Here’s your complete guide to what makes Laurelwood one of San Mateo’s most unique communities.
[Get personalized insights about the Laurelwood market]
Finding Laurelwood: A Natural Haven in San Mateo
Nestled in San Mateo’s west hills near Highway 280 sits one of the Peninsula’s most unique housing communities: Laurelwood. This peaceful Laurelwood neighborhood in San Mateo offers something rare in the Bay Area. The community gives direct access to 225-acre Laurelwood Park. It has mid-century home style and real community care.
Street view of Laurelwood homes showcasing the neighborhood’s Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style, well-maintained landscaping, and dramatic hillside backdrop. This image captures the peaceful residential streets and generous lot spacing that define the Laurelwood community experience.
Neighborhood Character and Boundaries
Where It Is: The Laurelwood area covers the hillside streets around Laurelwood Park. It has curved roads that follow the natural hills. This creates a cozy, private feel.
What Makes It Special: What sets the Laurelwood community apart is its natural setting. Mature trees create privacy between homes. The nearby park gives quick outdoor fun. You’ll find families hiking trails and neighbors walking dogs through quiet streets. Residents work hard to keep the area’s natural beauty. These scenes show the “hidden gem” feel that Laurelwood is known for.
Overhead view of the Laurelwood community showcasing the neighborhood’s signature hillside setting, generous lot sizes, and seamless integration with the natural landscape. Note the mature tree coverage and spacious properties that define this unique San Mateo area.
Home Styles and Types
The homes show classic California mid-century style. The area has many ranch and split-level homes from the 1950s-60s. You’ll also find updated modern designs and well-fixed older homes that fit well into the hillside streets.
Typical Home Facts
- Average Home Size: 2,063 square feet (well-designed, roomy homes)
- Average Lot Size: 7,344 square feet (big by Bay Area standards)
- Bedroom Mix: 45% are 3-bedroom homes, 20% are 4-bedroom homes
- Style: Mid-century ranch, split-level, and updated modern
Lot sizes are big by Bay Area standards. They give families the space and privacy they need. They also keep the hillside feel that makes the area so nice. With a mix of single-family homes and condos, Laurelwood now serves many different buyer needs.
Fun and Outdoor Living: Nature at Your Door
Laurelwood Park (225 acres)
Sugarloaf Mountain Trails: The area’s crown jewel offers 4 different hiking trails. They range from easy to hard. The trails have height gains of 380-692 feet. You get stunning views of San Francisco Bay, East Bay hills, and Peninsula cities.
Trail Highlights:
- Sugarloaf Hill and Captain Hook Views: 1.7-mile trail with 4.4-star rating
- Salson Trail: Main access route with medium difficulty
- Natural Theater Trail: Hidden gem for quiet time
- Multiple view points: Perfect for sunrise and sunset photos
Park Features:
- Well-kept playground and picnic areas
- Clean restrooms and parking spots
- Dog-friendly space with waste stations
- Both bookable and drop-in picnic areas
The Laurelwood area’s spot gives great access to outdoor fun. Residents can step out their front door and be on hiking trails in minutes. This creates chances for daily exercise and nature time that makes the area perfect for active families and outdoor lovers.
Shopping, Dining, and Daily Life
The Laurelwood community’s spot gives easy access to many shopping centers. This makes daily life both easy and fun while keeping the peaceful home feel.
Major Shopping Centers
- Hillsdale Shopping Center: Indoor mall with Nordstrom and Macy’s (just minutes away)
- Trader Joe’s: Located across from Hillsdale Shopping Center
- Crystal Springs Village: Safeway, CVS Pharmacy, and local restaurants
Local Laurelwood Shopping
- Laurelwood Shopping Center: Piazza’s Fine Foods Market, Starbucks, and local services
- Neal’s Coffee Shop: Popular local breakfast and lunch spot
- Rainbow Pizza: Great for casual dining
Daily Ease: Residents love having access to both major shopping spots and local stores while coming home to quiet, tree-lined streets with quick park access.
Getting Around and Commuting
Transit and Highway Access
Hillsdale Caltrain Station: Easy to reach by free shuttle or short drive. It gives direct access to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
- Interstate 280: Direct access for scenic commutes
- US-101: Quick access for north-south Peninsula travel
- SR-92: East-west connections
Commute Times
- San Francisco: 30-40 minutes via Highway 280
- Silicon Valley: 20-35 minutes via 101 or 280
- San Francisco International Airport: 15-20 minutes
Community, Safety, and Schools
Community Character
Laurelwood residents describe their neighborhood as peaceful, family-friendly, and known for its natural beauty and community preservation ethic. What residents consistently mention is the authentic connection to nature. For example, wildlife sightings are common, trails are well-maintained through volunteer efforts, and there’s a strong sense of shared investment in preserving the area’s environmental character.
Schools and Education
Serving Schools
- Elementary: Laurel Elementary School (B rating from Niche)
- Middle: Abbott Middle School (B rating from Niche)
- High: Hillsdale High School (A+ rating, National Blue Ribbon School)
*School zones and ratings can change. Please check current school assignments and scores with the school districts.
The school assignments give great education choices within the San Mateo-Foster City School District and San Mateo Union High School District. Laurelwood’s natural setting and family-friendly streets create a good space for school-age children.
Current Laurelwood Real Estate Market
Market Facts (September 2023 – June 2025)
Market Speed Story
Market Context: The most significant trend in Laurelwood real estate is the dramatic acceleration in market speed. Properties that took an average of 21 days to sell historically now average just 8 days in 2025. This represents exceptional buyer demand for the community’s unique combination of natural setting and Peninsula location.
Price Stability: Unlike many Bay Area markets that have seen volatile swings, Laurelwood has demonstrated remarkable price stability. Single-family home values have remained steady over the three-year period, providing buyers with confidence in long-term value preservation.
Ready to see what’s for sale? View current Laurelwood homes for sale
Key Note: All market data shows past results. Real estate markets change and past results do not promise future results.
Why Buyers Pick Laurelwood
The Laurelwood neighborhood San Mateo offers a unique value offer in the Peninsula market. It draws buyers seeking nature access without giving up suburban ease.
5 Steps to Buying Laurelwood Homes for Sale
- Get Pre-Approved – With 8-day average market time, financing readiness is crucial
- Partner with Local Expert – Laurelwood real estate requires neighborhood-specific knowledge
- Act Quickly – Most homes sell within days in current market conditions
- Offer Competitively – Be prepared to offer at or near asking price (homes sell at 100.5% median)
- Close Efficiently – Fast-moving market rewards buyers who can close without delays
Common Questions
Q: What’s different about Laurelwood vs other San Mateo areas?
Laurelwood is a specific housing community built around the 225-acre park. It offers quick nature access and hillside privacy that’s different from more typical suburban San Mateo areas. Plus, Laurelwood lots average 7,344 square feet, which is much bigger than most Bay Area properties.
Q: How much do Laurelwood homes cost?
Current average sale price is $2,150,000 total, with single-family Laurelwood homes at $2,250,000 and condos at $869,000. Homes typically sell at asking price (100.5% average) and move quickly (8 days average in 2025).
Q: What schools serve Laurelwood real estate buyers?
Laurel Elementary (B rating), Abbott Middle School (B rating), and Hillsdale High School (A+ rating, National Blue Ribbon School) through the San Mateo-Foster City and San Mateo Union High School Districts.
Q: Is the Laurelwood area good for outdoor lovers?
Yes! Direct access to 225-acre Laurelwood Park with 4 hiking trails, mountain biking chances, and stunning Bay Area views makes this ideal for active lifestyles.
Q: Why is Laurelwood a stable investment?
The mix of limited supply (set park boundaries), steady demand (fast sales), good location (nature + commute access), and price stability creates solid basics for long-term value keeping.
Ready to Check Out Laurelwood?
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Laurelwood area, I’d love to share more insights about this special community. Having worked well in the Laurelwood market, I understand both the lifestyle benefits and investment potential this unique area offers.
Ready to look at Laurelwood homes for sale? Contact me to schedule a personal area tour and discuss current Laurelwood real estate chances. With homes averaging just 8 days on market in 2025, this competitive market rewards prepared buyers who understand the unique value offer of the Laurelwood community’s natural setting and top location.
Your Local Expert for Laurelwood
As a licensed real estate professional focusing on Laurelwood and nearby San Mateo communities, I bring deep local knowledge and proven results to help you find the perfect home or get the most from your property’s value.
What sets my Laurelwood expertise apart:
- Detailed knowledge of Laurelwood market trends and pricing
- Understanding of park access and trail closeness value factors
- Direct ties with local schools and community groups
I don’t just help you buy or sell a house—I help you find a community where you’ll do well for years to come.
About the Author: Vincent Martell Smith is a licensed real estate professional focusing on San Mateo County areas, with special expertise in Laurelwood and nearby hillside communities. With deep local knowledge and proven results, Vincent gives expert guidance through every step of the home buying and selling process.
CalRE# 02227615
This guide shows current market conditions. Market data based on 82 MLS sales in Laurelwood neighborhood from September 2023 – June 2025. All market data shows past results and does not promise future results. School information should be checked with school districts. Area features may vary by individual experience.
