Burlingame vs. San Mateo: Which Bay Area City Is the Better Fit for Your Next Home?
If you’re exploring the Peninsula, chances are Burlingame and San Mateo are already at the top of your list. These two communities sit side-by-side, offer incredible quality of life, and attract families who want top schools, charming neighborhoods, and short commutes to San Francisco or Silicon Valley.
But even though they’re neighbors, Burlingame and San Mateo offer very different lifestyles, price points, and housing options. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right place for your family — and that’s where Nona’s deep Peninsula expertise and analytical approach become invaluable.
This guide breaks down the major differences so you can make the most informed decision.
1. Overall Vibe & Lifestyle
Burlingame: Small-Town Luxury & Historic Charm
Burlingame feels refined, quiet, and residential — a classic Peninsula suburb with tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and neighborhood pride. It’s often chosen by families who want:
A peaceful, upscale environment
Walkability to charming shopping districts
Larger lots than many SF neighborhoods
Top-rated public schools
Burlingame Avenue and Broadway give the city a boutique, high-end feel that attracts luxury buyers and long-term homeowners.
San Mateo: Dynamic, Diverse & Upbeat
San Mateo is larger, more dynamic, and offers a wider range of communities, from bustling urban pockets to quiet suburban enclaves. Buyers choose San Mateo for:
A broader range of home styles and prices
A vibrant downtown with nightlife and restaurants
Great parks and recreation
Easy access to Caltrain, HWY 92, 101, and 280
It's ideal for families who want Peninsula convenience but prefer a more lively, diverse atmosphere.
2. Home Prices & Value
Pricing fluctuates, but historically:
Burlingame
Higher median sale prices
Primarily single-family homes
Strong luxury market
Stable, low inventory
Burlingame attracts buyers willing to pay a premium for quiet neighborhoods and proximity to top schools.
San Mateo
More price variety
Options range from condos to multimillion-dollar estates
Strong demand from tech workers
Neighborhoods like Baywood and Aragon rival Burlingame prices
San Mateo offers more entry points for buyers, especially those looking for condos or townhomes.
3. Neighborhood Comparisons
Burlingame
Easton Addition – Large, beautiful homes; top-tier curb appeal
Burlingame Park – Walk to downtown Burlingame Ave; very desirable
Mills Estates – Mid-century homes, Bay views, wide streets
Ray Park – Family-friendly, parks, close to schools
San Mateo
Baywood / Aragon – Classic homes, wide streets, excellent schools
San Mateo Park – Historic luxury estates, prestige similar to Burlingame Park
Hillsdale – Shopping, parks, and larger lots
Downtown – Condos & townhomes with walkability
Many buyers compare Baywood/Aragon directly with Easton Addition, as they’re similar in architectural character and school quality.
4. Schools
Both cities offer strong public schools, but the experience differs:
Burlingame School District
Very consistent, high-performing K–8
Highly regarded Burlingame High School
Strong neighborhood-school alignment
San Mateo–Foster City District / SMUHSD
Larger range of elementary/middle options
Excellent high schools (Aragon, Hillsdale, San Mateo High)
School assignment depends more on street boundaries
More variation — making neighborhood choice essential
Families prioritizing a smaller, more uniform school system often lean toward Burlingame. Those who want variety or specific programs often prefer San Mateo.
5. Housing Style & Architecture
Burlingame
Craftsman
Spanish Revival
Tudor
New luxury construction
Traditional single-family homes with lots of character
San Mateo
Mid-century ranch homes
Classic 1920s–1940s homes near Baywood/Aragon
Modern condos & townhomes downtown
Luxury estates in San Mateo Park
San Mateo's architectural variety gives buyers more options depending on budget, lifestyle, and commuting needs.
6. Commuting & Transportation
Both cities offer:
Great Caltrain access
Easy access to 101 and 280
Quick drives to SFO
Burlingame
Two Caltrain stations
Slightly quieter overall traffic flow
San Mateo
Three Caltrain stations
Proximity to HWY 92 makes East Bay commutes easier
More urban infrastructure
San Mateo is more flexible for multi-direction commuting.
7. Shopping, Dining & Amenities
Burlingame
Burlingame Ave → upscale boutiques + restaurants
Broadway → charming small-town shops
More boutique than urban
San Mateo
One of the most vibrant downtowns on the Peninsula
Central Park (music, playgrounds, Japanese Tea Garden)
Hillsdale Shopping Center (Nordstrom, Apple, luxury brands)
Burlingame offers charm and luxury; San Mateo offers size, variety, and nightlife.
8. Who Each City Is Best For
Choose Burlingame if you want:
A quieter, luxury suburban vibe
High-ranking schools with consistency
Primarily single-family homes
Historic architecture and tree-lined streets
Boutique walkability
Choose San Mateo if you want:
More housing options at different price levels
A lively, diverse community
A dynamic downtown lifestyle
More flexibility for commuting
A mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes
How Nona Helps Buyers Decide With Confidence
With deep knowledge of both cities, Nona guides families through this decision using:
Data-driven neighborhood comparisons
School boundary analysis
Custom pricing trends
Commute mapping
Off-market and Compass Private Exclusive opportunities
Detailed previews of micro-neighborhoods (Baywood, Aragon, Easton, Ray Park, Hillsdale, etc.)
Most of her clients tour both cities before choosing — and with her scientific, analytical approach, they quickly feel clarity about which community aligns with their long-term goals.
Thinking About Burlingame or San Mateo?
If you're comparing these two incredible Peninsula communities, Nona will help you find the perfect fit — and make your transition smooth, strategic, and stress-free.