Welcome to San Mateo
A lively city with an idyllic Mediterranean climate
San Mateo routinely ranks as one of the best places to live in the United States. Its comfortable climate, booming economy, and beautiful parks make it an idyllic place to live. The friendly neighborhoods found throughout San Mateo make it a perfect place to raise a family. Residents have an appreciation for the great outdoors, and it shows with all the beautiful parks, gardens, and nearby hiking.
What to Love
- Moss Beach and San Gregorio State Beach are a short drive away
- San Francisco, San Jose, and Silicon Valley are close by
- Loads of family-friendly activities
- Easy access to Caltrain
- Large variety of restaurants
Local Lifestyle
San Mateo is a popular place to live for those who work in the tech sector. This comes as no surprise given its proximity to the headquarters of Google and Facebook. San Mateo is also home to SolarCity, Capcom USA, and Roblox. But there is more to life than just work in San Mateo. The city hosts numerous world-class restaurants, boutique stores, and green spaces.
Dining, Entertainment, Shopping
Hillsdale Shopping Center is the premier mall in the area. So much so that many residents in other towns travel to shop here. Inside you'll find Nordstrom, Lululemon, Williams Sonoma, and other high-end retailers.
Should you be more in the mood for boutique stores,
downtown San Mateo is an excellent option. Within this little shopping district are plenty of independent merchants selling unique products. The downtown area is also an excellent place to taste the latest culinary trends.
Within the downtown district is
Draper University. This private school has produced leading entrepreneurs and social media titans. It is a great place to pick up some extra classes or see seminars led by well-known public intellectuals.
While it is difficult to choose a favorite restaurant in San Mateo, we'll have to give that honor to
Pinstripes. Located near the Hillsdale Shopping Center, Pinstripes serves Italian-American dishes made from scratch. But its real claim to fame is its recreation area. Within the restaurant, you will find bowling alleys, designated areas for bocce, and a comfortable outdoor seating area.
Things to Do
San Mateo has some great green spaces, but we're particularly fond of
Central Park. The park covers 16 acres and has plenty of playground space for kids. There is also a Japanese garden that serves as a nice peaceful place to get lost in your favorite book.
Every city has its own public library, but the
San Mateo Public Library is especially noteworthy. It is a true testament to the community's commitment to education. The library is full of study rooms, art exhibits, and seminars.
After spending the day at the library,
Coyote Point Recreation Area is a great place to get some exercise. The recreation area has plenty of outdoor opportunities: a golf course, playgrounds, a Yacht Club, Baseball fields, and great views of San Francisco Bay.
For jogging or biking, we recommend
The Bay Trail. The trail encircles the entire bay and is easily accessible from San Mateo.
If you're more of a hiker, then you should check out the
Crystal Springs Reservoir. Located on the west side of town, the reservoir is the best place to go for day hikes.
Schools
San Mateo public schools are often regarded as some of the best in the country. Niche gives public schools in the area an A+ grade.
- Crystal Springs Upland School. Grades 6-12. Private school focused on college prep.
- College of San Mateo. Community College. Excellent place to pick up extra certifications for career advancement.
- San Mateo High School. Grades 9-12. 7/10 rating on Great Schools.
- Aragon High School. Grades 9-12. A+ grade from Niche.
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