Living in San Mateo County, CA – Here’s What It’s Really Like

A high quality of life and a blend of urban and suburban features distinguish San Mateo as an attractive place to call home. San Mateo County has excellent neighborhoods, many family-friendly activities and attractions, and delicious food options. As the peninsula's economic hub, it is home to various businesses. It has a varied housing market and convenient access to major highways, and thus attracts buyers from all over the state. San Mateo County is an excellent place for young, single, and upwardly mobile professionals to relocate to despite its relatively small size due to its status as a hub for tech startups.

Best Neighborhoods in San Mateo County

Charm and individuality can be found in every corner of San Mateo County. If you are new to San Mateo County and are trying to decide where to settle down, the following is a rundown of some of the city's most desirable neighborhoods.

Burlingame - Burlingame, one of the best places to live in San Mateo County, is known as the "City of Trees" due to its abundance of greenery. Several desirable properties can be found there, and the area is well-known for its high quality of life and extensive waterfront.

Hillsborough - Hillsborough, San Mateo County, is a beautiful city but primarily residential. Most of the homes in Hillsborough are worth millions of dollars due to their enormous size and high-quality finishes, and the neighborhood has grown into a popular and desirable place to live.

Millbrae - Most of San Mateo County's real estate is located in this suburban neighborhood, consisting mainly of single-family homes.

San Bruno - San Bruno is a bustling city with plenty of green spaces and clean neighborhoods. San Bruno, affectionately called the "City with a Heart," is home to thoughtful landscape design contributing to the city's beautiful atmosphere and elegant neighborhood layout.

San Mateo - San Mateo's rich history and central location in the San Francisco Bay Area is a thriving city with a diverse economy. There are many opportunities for IT, healthcare, and education work in the surrounding area. Along with the Mills Medical Center, the neighborhood has several large and small multi-story commercial buildings and government institutions. About 800 establishments call the downtown area home, many of which occupy restored buildings from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

South San Francisco - If you're looking for a quiet city to raise a family, look no further than this neighborhood. South San Francisco is a popular destination because of its many attractions and opportunities for residents and visitors.

Cost of living in San Mateo County

When deciding whether or not to relocate to a new city, it is essential to consider the cost of living there. This is because it will directly impact your ability to afford necessities like housing, medical care, and food.

Housing Cost - A home in San Mateo is approximately 255% higher than the national average. San Mateo County has a median home price of $1,412,529 and a median rent of $4,315.

Food Cost - The cost of living in San Mateo County is 30 percent higher than the national average. Food costs an average of $3,837 per year for an individual and $11,080 per year for a family of four. Costs in San Mateo County range from $107 for groceries to $32 for a meal at a local restaurant.

Transportation Cost - Those without disabilities can expect to pay anywhere from $1.10 to $130 per month for a public transportation pass, while those with disabilities will pay anywhere from $1.10 to $27 per month. Depending on the location, a one-way fare can range from $2 to $5. A gallon of gas will set you back about $6.32 in San Mateo County.

Childcare Cost - Some families spend over $30,000 per year on childcare, and the county average is over $1,704.

Healthcare Cost - Consider the quality and cost of nearby medical care facilities before moving. Compared to the rest of the country, healthcare costs in San Mateo County are 23% higher. The average cost of a prescription medication is $577.41, and the cost of a visit to the doctor is $145.10. Despite the area's high healthcare cost, it is still possible to find reasonably priced coverage. Many groups exist to help those in need of financial resources.

Taxes - There is a median property value in the county of over $1 million, and the average tax bill is 0.56% of that amount. Schools in San Mateo County receive more than half of the county's tax revenue.

Attractions and Amenities in San Mateo County

Parks and Recreation - Coyote Point and Crystal Springs are just two of the approximately twenty-two parks, trails, and historical sites found within the county. Central Park and the Japanese Tea Garden are just two of San Mateo County's many famous parks. The redwood groves of Crystal Springs Reservoir and the gentle hills of Huddart Park are just two examples of San Mateo County's stunning landscape. Cities in the county, such as San Mateo and Redwood City, offer a wide variety of dining, entertainment, and shopping options.

Proximity and Conveniences - The intersection of Interstate 280, Highway 101, and Highway 92 is conveniently located in San Mateo County. Highway 92 makes it simple to travel to the East Bay from San Mateo, and the city is conveniently located for quick trips to North San Francisco and Santa Clara. Additionally, Los Angeles can be reached from the county in just over an hour via plane ride.

Weather - San Mateo, California's climate is mild, never getting too hot or cold to be uncomfortable. When it's hot, it never gets much higher than the 80s, and when it's cold, it never gets much lower than the mid-40s.

Conclusion

When weighing the pros and cons of where to settle in California, San Mateo County is definitely among the best options. It has pleasant year-round temperatures, outstanding recreational facilities, and easy access to various restaurants, shops, and attractions. Numerous businesses, especially tech startups, provide ample employment opportunities for county residents. Homebuyers have a more comprehensive range of options to suit their needs and preferences, thanks to the variety of properties available in different areas. The rising cost of living in San Mateo County is a direct result of the county's desirability as a place to live and is expected to continue at least through next year. However, there are still methods to reduce expenditures, such as relocating to a cheaper region or exploring low-cost housing alternatives. If you have any questions about San Mateo County or are interested in properties in the communities of San Mateo County, please don't hesitate to call our office at 650-218-3353. We're here to help you find the perfect home in San Mateo County, and we're happy to supply you with all the local data you'll need.