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Palm-lined shopping street with elegant storefront buildings beneath a clear blue sky.

Neighborhoods

Here's a quick rundown of some of the more popular Bay Area locations.

Burlingame

Burlingame is often the first look for SF residents who are thinking about trading San Francisco for the mid-Peninsula. A city with 2 downtowns, one a touch more classic and one continuously trying to reinvest itself with trendy retail. Not a large city by any means, the flats of Lynn Hoag, Oak Grove, Oak Grove Manor and Victoria Park have an exceptionally strong appeal. Value can be found in the Burlingame Gate area with Burlingame Hills and Burlingame Park feeling a lot like neighboring Hillsborough and San Mateo Park. Some of the most classic studio, 1 and 2 bedroom layouts are also available in 3-4 story apartments walkable to all that Burlingame has to offer. A consideration for many professionals who do not want to pay empty rent, but do not need the responsibility of a single family home. Burlingame is always competitive, it moves very quickly and most buyers are trying to find the best deal, so it doesn't leave much time for thinking. Fortunately, our experience in the market takes care of quite a bit of search background allowing you to be decisive.
San Carlos

They call San Carlos the "City of Good Living" and that's quite a statement considering how other mid-Peninsula cities and neighborhoods could claim that title. But San Carlos truly is a nice little gem, with abundant sunshine, parks, trails and a modernized downtown (Laurel Avenue), that has plenty of solid restaurants, markets, specialty stores and other retail. As with other mid-Peninsula communities, there are options in the flats or on the hills. The price per foot in the flats, is one of the heftiest, particularly in the White Oaks neighborhood, but the walkability to downtown and wider surface streets support the continued appeal. If you're looking for a bit more house, then searching on Crestview Drive, near Big Canyon Park and at the base of Eaton Park might be a strong fit. Commute wise, the 280 bends towards San Carlos, so it gives you more options. Wonderful elementary and middle schools, shared high school district with neighboring Belmont and ample community resources make growing a family a bit more seamless. Entry level homes, fixer uppers or turnkey, tend to move fairly quickly and the sticker shock is real, but timing is everything and if you are committed to San Carlos, and can move decisively, it is possible to have it all.
San Mateo

Of all the mid-Peninsula cities, San Mateo has the most distinct and named neighborhoods, with most aspiring residents knowing exactly which part of town suits them. From the historical San Mateo Park neighborhood, where there is not one straight street and capturing a non-corner lot is the typical preference to the initially value opportunity Parkside neighborhood experiencing a 100k increase in market price over the course of 4 weeks in 2024. Walkability, amenities and schools tend to be the most critical factors for San Mateo searches. But if a view property is what you are seeking, then 41st and 42nd Street in the San Mateo Knolls area has full 180° San Francisco through Bay views. Choosing to be closer to Burlingame or Belmont can also be a search factor with neighborhoods such as San Mateo Village, Baywood, Aragon, Sugarloaf, Sunnybrae and Bay Meadows being extremely popular options. Bay Meadows is an extremely convenient planned community that was developed in 2010 - primarily filled with 3 bed townhomes that is surrounded by all the amenity comforts which make it terribly difficult for residents to move away, whether they going from renting to owning or upsizing. And not to be forgotten for Eichler fans, is the one of the largest developments (outside of Palo Alto) in the San Mateo Highlands neighborhood which houses 650+ Eichers ranging from the classic single-story design to the X-100 steel framed and the "Life House". San Mateo Highlands residents also have exclusive use of tennis courts, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and organized recreational programs through the Highlands Recreation Center, as well as a very near shopping plaza. Finally, San Mateo downtown is one of the most diverse and food friendly areas with multiples of everything, so if the city's housing inventory and its downtown have anything in common is that it's not easy to make decisions, so we are here to make that just a bit simpler.
Hillsborough

Where this city begins and ends can sometimes be a bit confusing, but the privacy and exclusive nature of the community keep residents for generations. The surprising value for home is also significant, even if a few updates are required to bring it to your taste. Unless you have an absolute need to be in another city, for the size of home, lot (minimum half acre) and zipcode prestige, Hillsborough arguably has the best value for mid $4-5M homes. With most being custom homes, you'll find a variety of homes ranging from mid 80's wide bungalows, Spanish haciendas, modern builds and everything in between. With plentiful privacy landscaping and windy roads, you really feel taken away from the busier corridors of adjacent Burlingame and San Mateo, but the proximity allows you to benefit from all the amenities. There aren't too many flat lots, most are graded to a certain extent, but there is a fair amount of lots that have the potential for additions should options be attractive as part of the investment. Homes don't move too quickly in Hillsborough, and the comparables are not linear given how unique each home can be. Our pricing context and reference will ensure you put yourself in position and if you're hoping to make a few tweaks, we can help with that too!
Palo Alto

Palo Alto is one of the most desired cities in the entire Bay Area and to no surprise, whether it be the schools, the parks / museums, the local retail and restaurants, proximity to work (most of the world’s leading venture capital firms are here) or just the cache of calling the city your home. Crescent Park forms the grand entrance to the city via University Ave and its prominent homes, old and renewed. And if you haven’t caught on yet, if you don’t live in proximity to that neighborhood, it’s best to use other freeway exists for a bit more commute efficiency. Professorville, Leland Manor, Palo Verde are arguably the most sought after family spaces, while Downtown North and University South are very much the best of residence and walkability as long as you are ok with student energy for 9 months out of the year. Not to be overshadowed is Barron Park, just west of El Camino Real, a tree lined, sidewalk free neighborhood that is proximate from one of the strongest STEM high schools in Gunn High School. There’s also a small donkey farm which you can visit anytime and has been part of the neighborhood and city for many many years. Pricing wise, this is the most confusing city, with list price convention routinely $750k-1M below market expectation. Making strong representation ever more a beneficial influence to provide context and ensure you're in range.
Menlo Park

Luxury at value is not an often used term or phrase, but Menlo Park encompasses that. With more compact neighborhoods, often more size and a touch more lot, a modernizing downtown and its own school district, the city allows housing diversity to remain possible. While the multi-million dollar homes in Felton Gables, Allied Arts and Sharon Heights tend to garner the most attention, there is value in Central Menlo Park, Fair Oaks and Menlo Oaks. To be more at one with nature, The Willows neighborhood does just that. Convenience and investment wise, very close proximity to Sand Hill Road, tech hubs in neighboring cities and Stanford cover the bases with Meta’s global headquarters reinvigorating the living and investment potential of the Belle Haven neighborhood. It can get confusing in the city, because the zipcode doesnt tell the entire story, so when you find something that looks promising, double check with us to ensure all the surrounding considerations fully meet your expectations.
Foster City

Urban planning at its most enjoyable with lagoons weaving through the entire city and a brand new sea wall that has given way to a renewed Bay Trail for all to enjoy. Foster City is known for its great elementary schools, (there are now 5), 24 city parks, 3 quiet lagoon beaches and 1 bay beach. Foster City holds a convenience distinction of being truly located right in the middle of the Peninsula with a similar distance to San Francisco and South Bay cities, making future career opportunities less of a location concern. It is also very close to SFO, which allows front door to boarding gate in 15 minutes (during TSA non-peak hours). There is a high quantity of condos, apartments and townhomes, which provides a variety of opportunities for prospective homebuyers to find the ideal fit. Some of the best opportunities come with a higher HOA fee, but those communities typically provide 2 or more utilities, such as hot water, water, garbage, etc. Watersports lovers will enjoy the opportunity for stand up paddle and kayaking. And for those that enjoy boating, there are homes that have docks and a quiet electric boat often comes along with the purchase of the home. Imagine returning home and jumping into your own small boat to head out to buy groceries and/or have dinner. Although Foster City is not big, it has just under 33,000 residents and 14 neighborhood areas, each with their own vibe and home styles. While school choice sometimes influences decision making, the competitive buyer demand of the city typically drives what's possible, so being ahead of seller expectation is a necessary advantage.
San Francisco

Known by many names, SF is definitely a city that can be easy to fall in love with on a sunny day and more challenging if weather forms an influence on your day to day life. The ocean and water vibes are a big draw and the outer neighborhoods of Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset provide easy proximity and views. The homes have long attached garages which can double as rec space or an additional bedroom if so inclined. The neighborhoody folks might prefer Cole Valley, Hayes Valley and Duboce Triangle for a mix of retail, restaurants and purposeful walkability. A mix of multi unit single structure homes and newer short rises are the most prevalent options. Pacific Heights and the Marina are tried and true, with conveniences that include all the above while swapping the ocean for the San Francisco Bay. But if you want to “guarantee” yourself a bit more sun and warmth, then you’ll have to look east starting with Mission Bay down to Dogpatch. From new luxury midrises to gentrified multi unit Victorians, and newly constructed and updated green spaces. If single occupancy living is a bit more preferred, neighboring Potrero Hill has it and one of the most vibrant Halloween family nights. Schools can be tougher in the city, with lottery being the way, so private schooling is often a preference and/or consideration for those that are committed to San Francisco. Many of our clients have been motivated to make tough home decisions between staying in SF or moving to the mid Peninsula on the topic of schools and family life, so we can certainly provide some guidance and reassurance there.
Redwood City / Redwood Shores

Redwood City is large and sprawling, ranging from the Floridian resort vibes of Redwood Shores to the hillside luxury single family homes in Emerald Hills and Palomar Park. While Farm Hills has all the same geographical hillside benefits, home and lot size are the biggest differences, with a bit more grid style development. Redwood Shores is about 60% single family homes, most with a community HOA with the balance being townhome apartment communities. Picturesque within the community, as well as the neighborhood itself with its lagoon bridges and purposefully built greenways. Realtors often refer to Redwood City searches as the flats or in the hills, because a fair amount of the city is at sea level and for multi generational, young families or those that desire a bit more walkability, the flats of Oak Knoll and Mt.Carmel are desirable. Redwood City can sometimes be seen as a more economical option to neighboring cities, it definitely has some unique opportunities with combination commercial and residential setups, so it will really depend on what you are looking for and open to.
South San Francisco

While South San Francisco (SSF) is indeed geographically south of San Francisco, SSF is a city all unto its own with around 15 distinct neighborhoods. In recent years, the city has heavily invested into its infrastructure and future development with a new library, central police station, roads, new retail and a handful of sizable commercial buildings that will begin to expand its global biotech footprint beyond the Oyster Point area. For immediate size, value and/ or investment potential Terrabay and Sign Hill are strong neighborhoods adjacent to Oyster Point. Sunshine Gardens is right in the middle of the city, lives up to its natural light name and provides equal access to both the 101 and 280. It also is just up the hill from all the everyday conveniences that residents could ask for. Westborough, Serra Highlands and Buri Buri are family friendly neighborhoods situated in a shallow valley which occasionally pulls fog in, but also remains one of the better values for purchase. Price similarities between various neighborhoods can trouble decision making, but our experience in the area, coupled with previous clients that you can speak to might just provide the clarity needed!
Millbrae

Current residents and prospective buyers know this city as a food haven, predominately of the Asian cuisines, but Millbrae has a long history drawn from rolling Irish hillsides, and present day commute conveniences of BART and CalTrain, as well as spectacular views of SFO if you live up the hill. Once an undeniable draw for parents looking for top schools for their children, the city experienced heavy demand in the early 2010s. That has since calmed down, which makes Millbrae often overlooked and a strong value for location, home, education, views and amenities. Millbrae is also home to one of the most affordable private golf / social clubs, Green Hills Country Club. With the cost of green fees on the high side in the Bay Area, joining the club will not only be a cost and drive time saving, but provide the flexibility to play a few holes if time allows. Insiders move quickly when choice homes come on the market, so first and early access is beneficial to enable you to drive the conversation.
Atherton

One of the most affluent and choice areas in the Bay Area, Atherton can easily be differentiated between the gated estates of the Lindenwood neighborhood and the “sleepier”, peaceful and unincorporated energy from west of Middlefield Avenue to the 280. Very much purely residential, there are no true amenities in the city, but instead residents rely on the breadth and depth of neighboring Redwood City, Menlo Park and Palo Alto to address any and all needs. School district is shared with Menlo Park. Lot sizes are typically quite sizable, swimming pools are expected and many properties are landlocked, surrounded by other homes with long and meandering driveways providing private access. Inventory is few, with most families making the neighborhood their forever homes and passed down generation to generation, but if this town appeals, let us know, so when it comes up, you’ll be primed.

Work With Kenneth

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