San Mateo, located 20 miles south of San Francisco on the Peninsula, combines suburban living with city conveniences. The downtown area features more than 800 shops and restaurants within preserved 19th and early 20th-century architecture. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the city's parks, including Central Park, home to a Japanese tea garden, rose garden, and miniature train. At Coyote Point Park, residents can explore 670 acres of recreational space for activities like windsurfing and sailing, or visit CuriOdyssey, a science museum and wildlife center. Current rental rates range from $2,445 for studios to $5,067 for three-bedroom units.
San Mateo's distinct neighborhoods each offer their own character, from the historic downtown district to Bay Meadows, an 83-acre transit-oriented development. The Hillsdale area, centered around the modernized Hillsdale Shopping Center, provides extensive shopping options and easy access to public transit.
