San Mateo

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San Mateo, CA

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A Bay Area treasure with waterfront appeal and family-friendly amenities

Bayfront Architecture Restaurants Shopping Diverse Scenic Public Transportation Upscale

Just 30 minutes south of San Francisco is where you’ll find San Mateo. A bayfront locale that lacks the commotion of San Fran, San Mateo affords residents all the scenic appeal of the Bay Area at a more acceptable price point.

Centrally located among the major Bay Area communities, renting an apartment in San Mateo puts you just a short drive away from Oakland, Palo Alto, San Jose, and of course San Francisco. The region’s natural attractions are close at hand as well, with the city just minutes from the sprawling Rancho Corral de Tierra and the popular Coyote Point Recreation Area overlooking San Francisco Bay — large in-town parks like Laurelwood Park and Bay Meadows Park make it even easier to enjoy time outdoors.

San Mateo has one of the largest and most developed downtown districts in the region, with scores of exotic restaurants, the sprawling Hillsdale Shopping Center, and beautifully-preserved historic buildings. You probably didn’t know your favorite food was going to be Japanese barbecue or Cajun fusion, but if you spend enough time exploring this foodie paradise, you’re bound to find something you love but never knew existed.

Rent Trends

As of December 2024, the average apartment rent in San Mateo, CA is $2,408 for a studio, $2,791 for one bedroom, $3,523 for two bedrooms, and $4,827 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in San Mateo has increased by 3.5% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$2,791/month
698 Sq Ft
House
$7,871/month
2,253 Sq Ft
Condo
$3,851/month
1,444 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in San Mateo, CA

Transportation

85

Very Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.

42

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

73

Very Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

This area is very bikeable. You’ll find a variety of bike paths and lanes.

Schools

College Park Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

433 Students

9
out of 10

North Shoreview Montessori Elementary School

Public

Grades K-8

291 Students

8
out of 10

George Hall Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

387 Students

7
out of 10

Parkside Montessori

Public

Grades PK-8

328 Students

7
out of 10

Baywood Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

512 Students

6
out of 10

North Shoreview Montessori Elementary School

Public

Grades K-8

291 Students

8
out of 10

Parkside Montessori

Public

Grades PK-8

328 Students

7
out of 10

Borel Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

926 Students

6
out of 10

Bayside Academy

Public

Grades K-8

842 Students

5
out of 10

Abbott Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

745 Students

4
out of 10

Aragon High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,740 Students

9
out of 10

Hillsdale High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,629 Students

7
out of 10

San Mateo High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,613 Students

7
out of 10

Margaret J. Kemp

Public

Grades 7-12

7 Students

Rating Unavailable

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • San Mateo Arboretum
  • Japanese Tea Garden (San Mateo)
  • Shoreline Parks
  • Coyote Point Recreational Area
  • CuriOdyssey

Airports

  • San Francisco International
  • Metro Oakland International

Top Apartments in San Mateo

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Property Management Companies in San Mateo, CA

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