San Mateo County Real Estate & Homes For Sale

Discover San Mateo County, CA Real: Where Coastal Beauty Meets Urban Sophistication

Welcome to San Mateo County, California, an enchanting coastal region nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. Known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings, San Mateo County presents an ideal blend of natural wonder and urban access. Whether you’re seeking oceanfront tranquility, bustling downtown living, or scenic hillside estates, San Mateo County real estate delivers lifestyle, luxury, and location in equal measure.

Explore the interactive map above to view current listings across coastal towns, suburban neighborhoods, and vibrant city centers. With its prime location between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, San Mateo County is one of the most desirable places to live in Northern California.

Exploring San Mateo County: A Collection of Distinct Communities

San Mateo County is made up of a wide variety of cities and towns, each offering something unique:

• San Mateo – A vibrant downtown, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a strong tech economy

• Redwood City – Thriving nightlife, dining, and a growing tech hub

• Half Moon Bay – Coastal charm, surf culture, and small-town appeal

• Pacifica and Montara – Ocean views, hiking trails, and peaceful living

• Atherton and Hillsborough – Luxurious estates, tree-lined streets, and exclusivity

• Menlo Park – Home to tech giants and sophisticated urban amenities

• Burlingame – Boutique shopping, art festivals, and walkable streets

Whether you’re relocating for work, downsizing into coastal comfort, or buying your dream estate, San Mateo County offers something for every lifestyle.

San Mateo County Real Estate: Diverse, Desirable, and Dynamic

Real estate in San Mateo County spans a wide range of property types and architectural styles:

• Historic Craftsman homes in San Carlos and Burlingame

• Modern luxury condos and high-rises in Redwood City and San Mateo

• Seaside bungalows and beach homes in Half Moon Bay and Pacifica

• Elegant estates and gated properties in Atherton and Hillsborough

Buyers will find a variety of options suited for urban professionals, families, investors, and retirees. Many homes offer access to nature, walkable downtowns, or stunning ocean views. With limited inventory and strong demand, San Mateo County continues to be one of the most resilient and rewarding real estate markets in California.

Outdoor Living and Natural Wonders

San Mateo County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The region boasts a mix of coastline, forest, wetlands, and mountains, offering year-round opportunities for exploration and wellness.

Top outdoor attractions include:

• Highway 1 coastal drives – Sweeping views and scenic lookouts

• Fitzgerald Marine Reserve – Tidepooling and marine life observation

• Huddart Park – Redwood trails, picnic areas, and peaceful forest walks

• Crystal Springs Reservoir – Running, cycling, and wildlife viewing

• Half Moon Bay beaches – Surfing, horseback riding, and oceanfront relaxation

Living in San Mateo County means you’re never far from nature, even if you work in tech or live in the city.

Culture, Events, and the Arts

San Mateo County offers an active arts and culture scene with a deep sense of community.

Cultural highlights include:

• San Mateo County History Museum in Redwood City

• Fox Theatre for concerts, comedy, and performances

• Downtown Burlingame Art Walks and annual festivals

• Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival – A beloved fall tradition

• San Mateo County Fair – Family fun and local showcases

From live music and street fairs to museum exhibits and seasonal markets, the county celebrates creativity and inclusion year-round.

Dining, Food Culture, and Local Flavors

San Mateo County’s food scene is diverse, globally inspired, and locally sourced:

• Michelin-starred restaurants in Menlo Park and Redwood City

• Fresh seafood along the coast in Half Moon Bay and Pacifica

• Charming cafés and bistros in San Carlos and Belmont

• Farmers markets in nearly every town

• Craft beer and boutique wineries throughout the region

This is a place where foodies, families, and farmers come together to celebrate flavor and freshness.

Education and Innovation

Home to top-tier institutions and close to Silicon Valley, San Mateo County supports education, innovation, and lifelong learning:

• Stanford University nearby in Palo Alto

• College of San Mateo, Skyline College, and Canada College

• Reputable public school districts such as San Mateo-Foster City, Sequoia Union, and Jefferson Union

• Renowned private schools such as Nueva School, Menlo School, and Sacred Heart Prep

This focus on education makes the region ideal for families, researchers, and professionals.

Jobs, Economy, and Connectivity

With a robust economy and proximity to major job markets, San Mateo County is a strategic place to live and work:

• Headquarters and campuses for Oracle, Meta (Facebook), Gilead, and Genentech

• Easy access to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

• Commuter-friendly transportation including Caltrain, BART, and SamTrans

• Growing tech, biotech, and clean energy sectors

Whether commuting to Silicon Valley or working remotely, residents benefit from excellent infrastructure and career growth.

Embracing a High Quality of Life

Life in San Mateo County is defined by balance—between work and play, nature and culture, sophistication and simplicity. Residents enjoy temperate weather, scenic beauty, safe neighborhoods, and diverse amenities that enhance everyday living.

Whether you’re raising a family, investing in property, or retiring near the coast, San Mateo County offers a high quality of life with access to everything that makes the Bay Area world-renowned.

Ready to Explore San Mateo County Real Estate?

Whether you’re looking for a hilltop estate, a downtown condo, or a beachfront cottage, San Mateo County offers real estate options for every dream and budget.

Contact Matthew Martinez and Diamond Real Estate Group to schedule a showing, get market insights, or explore off-market opportunities in one of California’s most dynamic counties.

20 Frequently Asked Questions About San Mateo County, CA

1. Where is San Mateo County located?
It’s located on the San Francisco Peninsula, between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Francisco Bay to the east.

2. What is San Mateo County known for?
It’s known for its coastal beauty, tech economy, charming towns, and rich cultural life.

3. What cities are in San Mateo County?
Notable cities include San Mateo, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Burlingame, Half Moon Bay, and Pacifica.

4. Is San Mateo County a good place to live?
Yes. It offers natural beauty, excellent schools, job opportunities, and a high quality of life.

5. What kinds of homes are available?
Homes range from beachfront cottages and luxury estates to suburban houses and modern condos.

6. Is real estate expensive in San Mateo County?
Yes. Median home prices are among the highest in California, driven by strong demand and limited supply.

7. What outdoor activities can you do?
You can hike, bike, surf, golf, fish, and enjoy scenic drives or beach outings.

8. Are there good schools?
Absolutely. The county is home to high-performing public and private schools and several colleges.

9. What is the commute like?
With Caltrain, BART, and major highways, the commute is manageable. Many residents also work remotely.

10. Is San Mateo County family-friendly?
Yes. It’s known for safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, parks, and family-oriented events.

11. What’s the climate like?
Mild Mediterranean climate with cool coastal fog, warm inland areas, and plenty of sunshine.

12. Are there job opportunities?
Yes. The county has a strong tech and biotech presence, with access to Silicon Valley and San Francisco.

13. Can you buy land in San Mateo County?
Yes, though parcels are limited. You’ll find land primarily in rural and coastal areas.

14. What are the best coastal towns?
Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, and Montara are popular for beach access and coastal living.

15. Are there community events?
Yes. From the Pumpkin Festival to art walks and farmers markets, there’s always something happening.

16. What public transit is available?
Caltrain, BART, SamTrans buses, and SFO airport offer strong transit options.

17. Is San Mateo County diverse?
Yes. The population is culturally and economically diverse, contributing to its vibrant community.

18. Are there opportunities for real estate investment?
Yes. The region offers excellent potential for appreciation, rental income, and vacation properties.

19. Is the area pet-friendly?
Definitely. Many parks, trails, and beaches are pet-friendly, and local services cater to pet owners.

20. Why move to San Mateo County?
For its location, lifestyle, schools, safety, beauty, and access to the best of the Bay Area.