San Mateo Neighborhood Guides August 12, 2025

The Village, San Mateo: Complete Neighborhood Guide


Behind busy Hillsdale streets is The Village, a calm residential pocket many buyers look for before anything else. Many people searching for The Village San Mateo homes for sale start here because it blends quiet streets with quick access to shops, schools, and parks. This guide gives you a clear, simple breakdown of the 2025 trends, walkability, home styles, and daily life that shape this part of San Mateo.

Last updated: November 2025 (market data reflects the most recent 12 months of MLS sales activity in The Village.)

[Get personalized insights about The Village market]

Quick Guide: We’ve analyzed MLS data, school options, park access, and community character to create a clear guide to The Village. From market performance to daily life, here’s what you need to know about this Hillsdale pocket.

Discovering The Village: A Hidden Gem Within Hillsdale


The Village sits between E Hillsdale Boulevard and E 40th Avenue. It is part of the larger Hillsdale area but feels like its own small community. The streets are calm, the homes are well cared for, and the neighborhood has a true “village” feel with trees, sidewalks, and families out walking.

Aerial view of residential street in The Village San Mateo neighborhood showing single-family homes with driveways

Tree-lined residential streets define The Village’s family-friendly character, with well-maintained single-family homes featuring private driveways and generous lot sizes that make this San Mateo neighborhood so desirable.

 

Village Market Snapshot (Last 12 Months):
This snapshot gives buyers a clear view of what to expect when searching for The Village San Mateo homes for sale today.

  • Median home price: $1,822,500
  • Price range: $1,350,000 – $2,650,000
  • Days on market: 11 days median
  • Sale price vs list price: 106.2% (homes selling above asking)
  • Price per square foot: $1,272
  • Annual sales volume: 48 homes
  • 3-year appreciation: 14.9% equity growth

See how The Village compares to other first-time buyer neighborhoods in San Mateo County.

Neighborhood Character and Boundaries

Geographic Boundaries: The Village sits in a defined area south of E Hillsdale Boulevard down to E 40th Avenue. These borders keep the neighborhood feeling small and contained in a good way.

The Village San Mateo neighborhood map showing boundaries and surrounding areas including Hillsdale

The Village sits perfectly positioned in the heart of the Hillsdale area, bordered by E Hillsdale Boulevard to the north and E 40th Avenue to the south, with easy access to shopping, dining, and Caltrain.

 

Neighborhood Character: The Village feels calm and residential. The streets are quieter than many parts of Hillsdale. Mature trees shade the sidewalks. You’ll often see families walking to parks, neighbors talking over fences, and kids playing in front yards. These everyday scenes are what give the neighborhood its “village” feel.

Casanova Drive and Pasadena Drive are known for their holiday decorations. During Halloween and Christmas, these streets become a local favorite for evening walks as families come to see the lights and displays.

Lifestyle Snapshot: Tree-lined streets, walkable parks, holiday traditions on Casanova and Pasadena, and a calm, family-focused atmosphere with quick access to Hillsdale shopping, dining, and Caltrain.

Architecture and Home Types

The Village has a classic California look. Many homes are mid-century with simple lines and large windows. You’ll also see ranch homes, split-level homes, and updated properties that still fit the style of the neighborhood.

Typical Home Characteristics

  • Typical Home Size: 1,300 to 1,600 square feet (efficient, well-designed homes)
  • Average Lot Size: 5,000 square feet (generous by Peninsula standards)
  • Bedroom Distribution: Most homes offer 3 to 4 bedrooms
  • Style: Mid-century modern, ranch, split-level, and updated contemporary

These home sizes work well for families who want enough room without a lot of extra space to maintain. The lot sizes are larger than many nearby neighborhoods, which adds to the appeal and helps The Village feel open while still walkable.

Parks and Recreation: Family-Friendly Amenities

Nearby Parks

Laurie Meadows Park (closest to The Village): Large lawn space, a playground, and room for everyday play and community events.

Casanova Park: Connected via pedestrian bridge, this park has fields, open space, and another playground.

Paddock Park (Bay Meadows): A newer gated playground with modern equipment, picnic areas, restrooms, and a half basketball court. This park is a favorite with families who have younger children.

Bay Meadows Park: A larger park with wide open space for sports, walking, and family gatherings.

The Village’s location makes it easy to walk or bike to parks. Many families build regular park visits into their daily routine, which adds to the strong sense of community and outdoor lifestyle.

Shopping, Dining, and Daily Life

The Village sits close to Hillsdale’s main shopping and dining area. This makes everyday life simple and convenient.

Hillsdale Shopping & Dining

  • Whole Foods Market: Full-service grocery store
  • Trader Joe’s: Everyday groceries and staples
  • Hillsdale Mall: Shops, restaurants, and services
  • Local Restaurants: Casual spots and sit-down options
  • Coffee Shops: Good for morning stops and remote work
  • Fitness Studios: Gyms and exercise studios nearby
  • Pharmacies: Easy access to essentials and prescriptions

Daily Conveniences: Most errands, like groceries, banking, dining, and personal services, can be handled in a short trip while still coming home to quiet, residential streets.

Transportation and Commuting

Transit & Highway Access

Hillsdale Caltrain Station: A short drive or bike ride away, with direct service to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

  • US-101: Main north-south Peninsula route
  • I-280: Scenic alternative into San Francisco and the South Bay
  • Highway 92: Direct connection to the East Bay

Commute Times

  • San Francisco International Airport: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Downtown San Francisco: By Caltrain or highway
  • Silicon Valley: Easy access via 101 or 280

For households with commutes in different directions, The Village’s central Peninsula location is a major plus.

Community, Safety, and Schools

Community Character

The Village is known as a friendly, steady neighborhood. Neighbors often recognize each other, kids spend time outside, and many residents stay for years. It feels slower and more relaxed than many areas with the same level of convenience.

The shared goal of keeping the neighborhood clean, safe, and welcoming shows up in how people care for their homes and how they show up for each other.

Schools and Education

*School boundaries are subject to change. Please verify current school assignments with the San Mateo-Foster City School District and San Mateo Union High School District.*

Families often choose The Village because of the school options, the walkable layout, and the easy routes for drop-off and pick-up.

Market Performance and Investment Potential

Recent Market Performance (12 Months)

Metric Village Performance
Median Sale Price $1,822,500
Price Range $1,350,000 – $2,650,000
Days on Market 11 days median
Sale Price vs List Price 106.2% (6.2% above asking)
Price Per Square Foot $1,272
Annual Sales Volume 48 homes

Three-Year Equity Growth Story

Time Period Appreciation Rate Market Context
2022 → 2023 +0.8% Stability during market uncertainty
2023 → 2024 +9.7% Strong recovery outpacing county
2024 → Present +4.0% Continued steady growth
3-Year Total +14.9% $237,000 average equity gain

Real-World Impact: A typical homeowner who bought in The Village three years ago has seen solid equity growth. The numbers show a stable, in-demand neighborhood that has kept pace and even outperformed many parts of the county.

How Village Homes Sell Best

  • Pricing reflects the most recent Village sales data, not last year’s headlines.
  • The home feels clean, bright, and clearly cared for when buyers walk in.
  • Marketing highlights the community feel, walkability, and convenience, along with the unique updates, renovations, or expansions that set that specific home apart.

My Recent Village Success Story

A recent sale at 87 E Hillsdale Boulevard highlights current demand and my approach to maximizing value for Village sellers. Listed at $1,498,000, the home sold for $1,645,000, which is $147,000 over asking at 109.8% of list price. It closed in just 13 days.

This sale shows how well-priced, well-presented Village homes perform and how buyers respond when a property matches what they are looking for.

Ready to see what’s available? View current Village homes for sale

Important Note: All market data reflects historical performance. Real estate markets change over time, and past appreciation does not guarantee future results.

Why Buyers Choose The Village

Buyers looking for The Village San Mateo homes for sale often focus on four things: pricing strength, community feel, walkability, and quick access to Hillsdale amenities. It attracts buyers who want both convenience and calm. Here’s what often guides their choice:

Market Advantages Lifestyle Benefits
Consistent Appreciation: 14.9% growth over three years

Strong Demand: Homes sell in 11 days at 106.2% of asking

Limited Supply: Only 48 homes sold annually, which keeps inventory tight

Premium Location: More residential than northern Hillsdale, same convenience

Quiet Streets: Calm, residential feel with little cut-through traffic

Family Community: Strong neighbor connections and holiday traditions

Walkable Design: Easy access to parks, Caltrain, and groceries

Established Character: Classic mid-century architecture with mature landscaping

Investment Strength: Performance that has outpaced many areas of the county Central Peninsula Location: Ideal for people who commute in different directions

Why I Specialize in The Village

My focus on The Village comes from working here often and seeing what makes this neighborhood work for real families. I track the numbers for my Village Voice newsletter, walk the streets regularly, and pay attention to how buyers respond to different homes.

When I help buyers or sellers in The Village, my advice is based on what this specific pocket of San Mateo rewards. That includes:

  • Pricing strategy tailored to Village buyers
  • Guidance on upgrades that add real value
  • Marketing that shows off the character buyers pay a premium for
  • Local relationships and insights that do not show up on MLS

My goal is to help you move with clear information and steady support.

Current Village Homes for Sale

Interested in making The Village your home? Browse available properties in The Village neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is The Village part of Hillsdale?

Yes. The Village is a defined residential pocket within the larger Hillsdale area, located south of E Hillsdale Boulevard and north of E 40th Avenue.

Q: Are homes walkable to parks and stores?

Yes. Laurie Meadows Park, Casanova Park, and multiple shopping options are walkable or a short bike ride away. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Hillsdale Mall are all within minutes.

Q: What’s the price range?

Most homes sell between $1.35M and $2.65M, with a median of $1.82M. In many cases, homes sell above asking when they are well priced and well presented.

Q: Is this a competitive neighborhood?

Yes. Homes sell in about 11 days on average with a 106.2% list-to-sale ratio, which shows strong buyer demand and limited inventory.

Q: Where can I see current homes for sale in The Village San Mateo?

You can browse them here: Homes for sale in The Village, San Mateo

Q: Is The Village a good investment?

The Village has shown 14.9% appreciation over three years. Limited supply and steady demand support strong long-term fundamentals.


Ready to Explore The Village?

If you’re exploring buying or selling a home in The Village, I’d be glad to share local insights and walk the neighborhood with you. You can also subscribe to The Village Voice, my monthly market update that covers data, trends, safety tips, architecture, and community highlights.

Your Local Expert for The Village

As a licensed real estate professional specializing in The Village and surrounding Hillsdale communities, I bring local knowledge and proven results to help you find the right home or make a smart sale.

What sets my Village expertise apart:

  • Access to off-market and coming-soon Village properties
  • Detailed understanding of Village pricing and trends
  • Connections with local schools and community leaders
  • Experience achieving strong results above market averages

I don’t just help you buy or sell a house. I help you choose a community where you can feel settled for years to come.

Schedule your Village neighborhood consultation today

About the Author: Vincent Martell Smith is a licensed real estate professional specializing in San Mateo County neighborhoods, with particular expertise in The Village and surrounding Hillsdale communities. With deep local knowledge and practical experience, Vincent guides clients through each step of the home buying and selling process.

CalRE# 02227615

This guide reflects current market conditions. Market data is based on MLS sales records for the defined Village area boundaries. All market data reflects historical performance and does not guarantee future results. School information should be independently verified with respective school districts. Neighborhood characteristics and safety perceptions are based on available data and resident feedback and may vary by individual experience.