San Mateo

 

San Mateo is situated on the shores of the San Francisco Bay, 20 miles south of San Francisco and 31 miles northeast of San Jose. Route 92 bisects San Mateo, intersecting with both Route 82 and U.S. Highway 101, and there are three Caltrain stations serving San Mateo. Many Japanese immigrants moved to San Mateo in the 1920s, and their heritage is preserved with a Japanese-style tea garden and is reflected in several outstanding Japanese restaurants. San Mateo also boasts one of the Bay Area’s largest downtown areas, an abundance of parks and open space, and a wonderful climate throughout the year.

Much of San Mateo’s real estate consists of mid-century modern single-family homes, which are typically single story and fronted by well-maintained lawns. There are also modern town houses, two-story properties, and contemporary and early-20th century single-family homes.

San Mateo, a Silicon Valley tech hub, counts Sony’s video game and digital entertainment subsidiary among its largest employers. The local economy is diverse, as the city is the home of other major employers, such as the San Mateo Medical Center and Franklin Templeton Investments. It’s also conveniently located. It is about a 30-minute drive to anywhere in the Bay Area, making it an ideal choice for commuters. With outstanding shopping, dining, and recreation options, San Mateo offers a combination of urban lifestyle and convenience that’s very hard to beat.

Hillsdale Shopping Center is the major retail destination in the heart of San Mateo. Anchored by Macy’s and Nordstrom department stores, this large shopping mall features more than 100 businesses spread over 1.3 million square feet of commercial space. The Hillsdale Mall and Cinepolis Movieplex, which are expected to be completed in 2020, are sure to offer even more top-of-the-line retail options.

San Mateo also has a thriving historic downtown area with more than 800 shops and restaurants. There are many fabulous places to dine, whether it is Japanese sushi or yakitori at the intimate Michelin-starred Sushi Yoshimuzi, all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat skewers at Espetus Churrascaria, the Michelin Plate-featured Mandarin cuisine at Sichuan Chon Qing, delectable woodfired Neapolitan pizzas at Pausa, or elegant old-world Italian dining at Vespucci. Downtown’s eclectic nightlife includes cocktail lounges, craft beer houses like Wursthall and Fieldwork Brewing, dance clubs, and karaoke spots.

Central Park, a sprawling 16-acre green space adjacent to San Mateo’s downtown district, has tennis courts, baseball diamonds, picnic areas, San Mateo Arboretum, and a gorgeous Japanese tea garden. It also serves as a venue for some of the city’s most popular events, like the summer Music in the Park series. Other fun seasonal activities in the area include the County Fair and San Mateo farmers market. 

Coyote Point Recreation Area covers 670 acres on the San Francisco Bay in northeast San Mateo. This Bayside playground has children’s play areas, a waterfront promenade, and the CuriOdyssey science museum and zoo. Coyote Point Marina, home of the Coyote Point Yacht Club, is a popular launch point for kayaking and other water-based activities on the Bay.

Public schools within San Mateo are operated by the San Mateo-Foster City School District and San Mateo Union High School District.