Baywood San Mateo Homes and Neighborhood Guide
San Mateo neighborhood guide
Baywood takes its name from John Parrott's estate. Parrott, a San Francisco banker, bought the land in 1860 and finished a Second Empire style summer house there by 1868. San Mateo Creek, lined with bay trees, formed the northern edge of the property. The estate was opened for homes in the late 1920s, and today the Baywood Owners Improvement Association describes the area as running from El Camino Real to the Hillsborough line, between Notre Dame Avenue and Crystal Springs Road.
Curving streets follow the hills west of El Camino Real. Bay Tree Park on Dartmouth Road is named for the estate's bay trees. Baywood Elementary is on Alameda de las Pulgas, and Aragon High School is just to the south. Downtown San Mateo and Central Park are a short trip east. Borel Middle School, a main destination for Baywood Elementary students, is a short drive south.
Baywood is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the San Mateo map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Former John Parrott estate, opened for homes in the late 1920s
- Curving hillside streets west of El Camino Real
- Bay Tree Park named for the estate's bay trees
- Baywood Elementary on Alameda de las Pulgas
Homes and Streets
Homebuilding began in the late 1920s and continued through the 1930s and later. Early houses lean toward period revival styles, and local historians note that ranch style homes filled in many lots by the end of the 1930s, followed by later mid century homes. Streets curve with the hills, lots are generous, and many blocks have mature trees.
See current homes for sale in Baywood →
Parks and Open Space
Public Schools Nearby
School assignments follow district attendance boundaries, which can split a neighborhood and change over time. Always confirm the school for a specific address with the district, for example the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
Getting Around
San Mateo and Hayward Park Caltrain stations are both a short drive east. El Camino Real runs along the east edge, Highway 92 is just south, and Crystal Springs Road and Alameda de las Pulgas lead toward Interstate 280.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Baywood FAQ
Where is Baywood in San Mateo?
Baywood takes its name from John Parrott's estate. Parrott, a San Francisco banker, bought the land in 1860 and finished a Second Empire style summer house there by 1868.
What are homes like in Baywood?
Homebuilding began in the late 1920s and continued through the 1930s and later. Early houses lean toward period revival styles, and local historians note that ranch style homes filled in many lots by the end of the 1930s, followed by later mid century homes.
What public schools are near Baywood?
Public schools near Baywood include Baywood Elementary School (grades TK-5), Borel Middle School (grades 6-8) and Aragon High School (grades 9-12). School assignments follow district attendance boundaries and can change, so confirm the school for a specific address with the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
What parks are near Baywood?
Parks and open space near Baywood include Bay Tree Park, Central Park and Borel Park.
How do I get around from Baywood?
San Mateo and Hayward Park Caltrain stations are both a short drive east. El Camino Real runs along the east edge, Highway 92 is just south, and Crystal Springs Road and Alameda de las Pulgas lead toward Interstate 280.
How can I find homes for sale in Baywood?
Browse current listings in Baywood on Joseph Suarez's site, or join his off-market list to hear about homes before they are listed publicly. Thinking of selling? Request a free home valuation for a local estimate based on recent nearby sales.
Thinking about Baywood?
Whether you are buying or selling, Joseph Suarez can walk you through recent sales, street by street pricing and what is coming up before it hits the market.
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Updated October 2026 by Joseph Suarez, Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Burlingame, DRE 02085594.
Sources: San Mateo Daily Journal, Pacific Coast Architecture Database, City of San Mateo, San Mateo-Foster City School District. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.