Welcome to Northern Peninsula
The perfect place for outdoorsy people, providing a gateway to the wilderness
The Northern Peninsula doesn't have a defined area, but we're counting everything from Daly City to Millbrae. Like most of the Bay Area, the Northern Peninsula also enjoys a comfortable Mediterranean climate.
Unlike other parts of the Bay Area, the Northern Peninsula will have a more rural feel in some areas. There are many unincorporated municipalities in the area. At the same time, the Northern Peninsula also has cities with high population densities. Whether you're looking for country or city life, you can probably find it in the Northern Peninsula.
What to Love
- Best place in the Bay Area to enjoy the great outdoors
- Most of the cities are very walkable and offer excellent transportation
- Easy to find locations that cater towards families and young professionals
Local Lifestyle
Nearly every city in the Northern Peninsula has a high-quality life score and most residents own their homes. The Northern Peninsula offers a good middle location between downtown San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Living here makes it easy to commute south to work and north for fun (or vice versa).
People in the Northern Peninsula tend to be more outdoorsy. There are plenty of beaches, parks, trails, and canyons nearby. The most well-known is San Bruno Mountain State Park, which provides stunning views of Daly City and South San Francisco.
Dining, Entertainment, Shopping
There are a lot of great Italian restaurants in the area, but our favorite is
Original Joe's Westlake. The restaurant has been a longtime fixture in Daly City, and they pride themselves on serving "old-school Italian." While the menu hasn't changed much over the years, the interior has. It was recently renovated to keep its luxurious prestige.
If you love breakfast or brunch, it's tough to beat
Millbrae Pancake House. This classic breakfast spot has been in operation since 1959. The restaurant has been successful since it opened, and as such, not many changes have been made. When dining here, you'll notice the interior decoration has an authentic old-fashioned charm.
For steaks, we'd have to recommend
Sixteen Mile House. The restaurant is housed in a historic building that will remind you of the Wild West. The menu has familiar items you'd expect from a steak house, like tableside salad and American Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye.
When it comes to shopping, we recommend
Broadway Avenue in Millbrae. The avenue is full of quaint grocers and boutique stores. Here you will find Dean's Produce, Pape Meat Company, and the Millbrae Farmers Market.
Things to Do
The Bay Area is well known for summer festivals and fine wine. At the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival, you get both. The festival is held every Labor Day weekend in
downtown Millbrae. Of course, you will be able to sample some of the best wine from vineyards in Sonoma, Napa, and beyond. You will also find a classic car show, hundreds of local artists, and gourmet treats.
One of the best things about the Northern Peninsula is how well-connected it is to the BART transit network. With a major
BART Hub in the heart of Millbrae, one could easily live a carless lifestyle here. With close proximity to the San Francisco Airport, Millbrae is a great location for those who travel a lot.
There are plenty of great outdoor spaces in the Northern Peninsula, but we think Junipero State Park is often overlooked. While most parks have playgrounds, Junipero has a giant slide that will make you feel like a kid again. Beyond being very kid-friendly, there are also great walking and jogging trails in the park.
Schools
The schools of the Northern Peninsula are governed by different districts and counties. Nonetheless, most of the schools here exceed the national average.
- Green Hills Elementary School. Grades K-5. Holds an 8/10 score from Great Schools.
- Monte Verde Elementary School. Grades K-5. Holds an 8/10 score from Great Schools.
- Mills High School. Grades 9-12. Has an A+ grade from Niche.
Search All Homes
