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San Mateo, CA
San Mateo · San Mateo County · CA 94401
Updated June 21, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Good for now
Verdict
$1.1M
Median Price
53/100
Walk Score
5/10
Schools
26 min
to Downtown San Francisco, CA
Score Breakdown
FAffordability
15/100
BSafety
78/100
D+Schools
50/100
D+Quietness
50/100
B+Commute
85/100
D+Walkability
53/100
WYLT Score55/100
Our Take
San Mateo offers great schools and a short drive to San Francisco, but the cost of buying or renting is high and the walkability is only average. If you’re a first‑time buyer or a family that values a solid public‑school system, it can work—just be ready for the price premium.
Community Poll
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The Good
- ✓Top‑rated schools (average 5/5),
- ✓Median rent close to median income (2649/117k),
- ✓26‑minute commute to downtown San Francisco via car or train,
- ✓Low flood risk (Zone X).
Real Talk
- !Home prices near $1.1M are high for a first‑time buyer,
- !Walkability score 53 means you’ll need a car for most errands,
- !Public transit options are minimal (score 22) so you’ll rely on a vehicle,
- !Rental market is tight with only 7132 renter units out of 12,993 total units.
- $High property taxes and HOA fees in many subdivisions
- $Elevated insurance costs due to high home values
- $Higher utility and maintenance costs in newer houses
Best For
Families with school prioritiesFirst‑time home buyers looking for a good commuteAsian community membersRemote workers who want a suburban feel with city access
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeLow
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityModerate
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
San Mateo, CA
B
Safety grade
Safety score78 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Low1.6incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
57% safer than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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