Overview
San Mateo proudly embraces its heritage as one of the most established cities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located nearly halfway between the metropolises of San Jose and San Francisco, the community’s proximity has been and remains of equal convenience to both major cities, permitting neighboring residents to easily access its rich amenities.
Exciting & Historic
During the mid-nineteenth century, San Mateo transitioned from a fledgling settlement into an enclave of estates for well-to-do San Franciscans. The low-lying topography, diverse natural beauty, and level of accessibility offered by San Mateo soon attracted many illustrious residents like A.P. Giannini, founder of what is now the Bank of America, and Alvinza Hayward, who is claimed to be California’s first millionaire.
The introduction of the railroad in 1863 cemented San Mateo’s status as an early key player in the region’s economy. Railroad Avenue and neighboring Main Street became a flurry of activity, resulting in the development of one of the largest downtown sectors in all of the Bay Area—a vicinity that still boasts many of its original buildings today.
A Home For Companies
The Santa Cruz Mountains block much of San Mateo from the Pacific Ocean, generating a mild climate that has encouraged many decades of population and business growth. Today, the city incubates a variety of companies, ranging from investment firms to tech enterprises like GoPro and Sony Interactive. Resident commuters are near three primary freeways and are also well-served by a full network of transportation and proximity to three international airports.
Leisure & Recreation
Thriving employers and sought-after access aren’t San Mateo’s only primary features. The city stretches from San Francisco Bay to Crystal Springs Reservoir, boasting transitional landscapes appointed with over 15 parks rife with outdoor recreation. Coyote Point Recreation Area, which juts into the bay, affords a beach, yacht club, shooting range, and more; across the city, the reservoir’s scenic trails are ideal for adventurers and athletes.
In addition to outdoor recreation, the community offers a number of entertainment and retail establishments. Downtown San Mateo provides a 12-screen movie theater, and sprawling Hillsdale Shopping Center is adding a plaza complete with a bowling alley and luxury theater complex. Furthermore, the vast Bay Meadows development creatively blends residential units with retail and outdoor facilities, including a town square.
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A reputation for sophistication and accessibility has aided San Mateo in its growth during the past two centuries into one of the most impactful communities in all of Northern California. The city is strategically poised to continue this trajectory well into the twenty-first century.
Notable Residents—Past and Present
Tom Brady, NFL Super Bowl champion
Joseph Eichler, developer of Mid-Century Modern homes
A.P. Gianinni, founder of Bank of America
Kenneth Fisher, founder of Fisher Investments
Merv Griffin, television personality and creator
Ann Kiyomura, Wimbledon tennis champion
Explore our neighborhoods – San Mateo
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The public schools are among the best in the nation. Graduates from the local high schools attend the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country, with a much larger than average number admitted to neighboring Stanford. Abundant bike paths make it easy for most students to bike to their local schools, giving them a sense of independence that is valued by parents and children alike.
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Explore our neighborhoods – San Mateo
Browse our comprehensive neighborhood guides to learn about the most desirable or most up-and-coming places to live across the country.