The Best Places to Live in the San Francisco Bay Area

Kyle Henry • November 25, 2024

The San Francisco Bay Area is a world-renowned region, known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and unparalleled quality of life. Among its gems, Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Belmont, and San Carlos stand out as the ultimate places to live. Each city offers its own unique charm, from walkable downtowns to family-friendly neighborhoods, making them some of the most desirable locations in the Bay Area. Whether you're drawn to Burlingame’s timeless allure or Redwood City’s dynamic tech scene, these cities promise a lifestyle as diverse as their residents.


Here’s a closer look at what makes each of these cities special.


Burlingame: Walkable Charm Meets Timeless Appeal

Burlingame is a pedestrian-friendly city that boasts not one, but two delightful downtown areas: Burlingame Avenue and Broadway. These bustling hubs are lined with a mix of boutique shops, top-tier restaurants, and local favorites, offering something for everyone. Home prices in Burlingame generally range from $2.6 million to $8 million, with most buyers settling in around $3 million.


This historic city, established after the 1906 earthquake, offers excellent transportation options, including two Caltrain stops and close proximity to San Francisco and SFO. Its residential offerings range from single-family homes to modern condos, appealing to a diverse mix of residents. Families are drawn to its exceptional schools, which include multiple elementary schools, Burlingame Intermediate School, and two high schools. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the scenic Bayfront Park and the Anza Lagoon trail, while community events like the Fresh Market add a lively touch to local life.


San Mateo: Vibrant Living in the Heart of the Peninsula

San Mateo combines a lively urban atmosphere with a serene, tree-lined aesthetic. Its bustling downtown, featuring an array of restaurants and cafes, is complemented by the tranquil Central Park, home to a Japanese Garden and a seasonal mini-train. Housing options vary widely, with prices ranging from $1.1 million to $8 million and a median price of around $1.8 million.


Conveniently situated between San Francisco and San Jose, San Mateo offers easy access to transportation via three Caltrain stations. The city is known for its outdoor attractions, including the Sawyer Camp Trail, which offers stunning views along a six-mile path, and the expansive Coyote Point Recreation Area. For shopping, the Hillsdale Shopping Center is a local favorite, and the Bay Meadows development adds a modern touch with its mix of residential and commercial spaces. The city’s excellent school district and community college further enhance its appeal.


Redwood City: A Hub for Innovation and Culture

Redwood City blends a rich history with a modern edge, making it an ideal spot for professionals and families alike. Known for its tech scene, the city is home to major companies like Oracle and Box. Its downtown has undergone a remarkable transformation, featuring award-winning restaurants, entertainment venues, and a historical museum. Stanford University even has a satellite campus here, reflecting the city’s intellectual vibe.


Housing options start at around $1.7 million, with plenty of choices for families and professionals seeking space and convenience. Redwood City is proud of its diverse educational offerings, from Spanish and Mandarin immersion programs in local schools to the renowned STEM-focused Cañada College. Community events, a restored Courthouse Square, and standout dining options like Vesta make Redwood City a vibrant place to live.


San Carlos: The City of Good Living

San Carlos exudes genuine small-town charm with its walkable neighborhoods and a welcoming sense of community. Laurel Street, the city’s downtown area, is a favorite spot for locals and visitors, offering a mix of shops, cafes, and spaces to relax. Housing prices range from $1.5 million to $2.8 million, with most buyers finding their homes around $2.7 million.


The city’s easy-going lifestyle and family-friendly environment make it a standout option for those seeking a quieter but well-connected place to live. Its reputation as a hub for community engagement and local events only adds to its appeal.


Belmont: Quiet Elegance with Stunning Views

Belmont stands out for its tranquil neighborhoods and scenic vistas, offering a perfect blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking trails and parks while also benefiting from a tight-knit community atmosphere.


While Belmont’s housing and neighborhood specifics weren’t provided, it’s known for offering a range of options for homebuyers, making it a sought-after location for families and professionals alike. Its highly regarded schools and proximity to major job centers add to its desirability.


The cities of Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Belmont, and San Carlos each bring something unique to the table, whether it’s Burlingame’s walkability, San Mateo’s lively downtown, Redwood City’s tech opportunities, San Carlos’s small-town feel, or Belmont’s serene charm. Together, they represent the best of what the Bay Area has to offer, making them ideal places to live for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a vibrant yet comfortable lifestyle.


Choosing the right place to call home is about more than just finding a house; it’s about finding a community where you can thrive, each offer something extraordinary, from rich history and scenic parks to top-rated schools and buzzing downtowns. Ready to take the next step toward your dream home? Let our expert team help you navigate these incredible Bay Area neighborhoods and find the perfect place to build your future.

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From Burlingame’s charm to Redwood City’s innovation, our team knows the ins and outs of these incredible communities. Let us guide you to the perfect home in Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Belmont, or San Carlos.

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Kyle Henry

Director of Marketing


Kyle.H@CarolineHuo.com

650.727.1308

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A Thoughtful Next Chapter: Introducing Meridian Partners

By Caroline Huo • September 30, 2025
For more than twenty-two years, it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to guide hundreds of clients through their real estate journeys. Each family, individual, or estate I have served, each transition I have helped steward, has reminded me that real estate is not just about houses, it is about lives, stories, milestones, and the places we call home. To be trusted during such meaningful moments is a privilege I will never take for granted. Recently, I have taken time to reflect on the chapters of my own life. Inspired by the book "The Five Types of Wealth" and by precious time with my family, I recognized the importance of aligning my professional work with the season of life I am in now. This reflection has led me to a deliberate and exciting transition—one that honors my family priorities, strengthens our ability to serve clients, and creates a foundation for the future. What This Means for You First and foremost, I want to reassure every client, partner, and friend reading this: I am not going anywhere . I remain here for you, deeply engaged in the work I love most - providing guidance, strategy, and thoughtful counsel throughout your real estate journey. What is changing is how our team is structured to serve you more efficiently. I am evolving my role to focus on client relationships and strategic direction, while stepping back from some of the day-to-day operational tasks. This allows me to dedicate time to co-leading the Keller Williams Luxury Division internationally, building educational programs that raise real estate standards across the industry, and pursuing projects that create meaningful impact for my colleagues and my family. Introducing Meridian Partners This new season also means the evolution of our real estate team into Meridian Partners, led by my trusted partner, Rob DeContreras. Many of you already know Rob well. Before joining our team two years ago, Rob was a nationally ranked top-performing private mortgage lender with a reputation for integrity, strategy, and client service. His transition into real estate was a natural extension of his skills and passion for helping people through some of life's biggest financial and personal decisions. Since then, Rob has been side by side with me in guiding clients, handling transactions, all with the trust of our community. Rob is more than a partner as he is someone I trust implicitly. He embodies the same values of excellence, diligence, and care that have always been at the heart of our work. Rob will now lead Meridian Partners in client development, service, and day-to-day transaction management, while I remain deeply engaged in oversight, strategy, and guidance. Together, we bring you over four decades of combined experience, a seamless approach to service, and a shared commitment to doing what is right. For you, this transition means the same high level of care, trust, and excellence you have always experienced—now with two industry leaders guiding you. Why "Meridian"? When choosing a name for this new chapter, we wanted something that captured the spirit of who we are and what we do. Meridian represents balance and connection - an invisible but essential line that brings orientation and clarity. Just as meridians have guided travelers across the globe, Meridian Partners reflects our role in helping clients navigate the complex, often emotional journey of buying or selling a home. It is a name that speaks to constancy, direction, and trust. Partners underscores what has always set our work apart: the belief that real estate is not a transaction, but a relationship. We stand with our clients, allied professionals, and community as true partners in every sense of the word. Looking Ahead As I step into this new chapter, I do so with gratitude. Gratitude for the hundreds of clients who have trusted me, for the extraordinary team members and professionals who have collaborated with us along the way, and for the chance to shape the next generation of our business. With Rob leading Meridian Partners, I am confident that we are positioned to continue the legacy we have built and create a new one. This is not an ending; rather, it is a thoughtful evolution. If you would like to connect with me directly, I welcome your call or message. You can also learn more about Rob and explore the vision of our new team at MeridianPartnersRE.com . We are in full operation, just under a new name, and we look forward to working with you! All My Best, Caroline

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