Bowie Estate and Woodlake San Mateo Homes and Neighborhood Guide
San Mateo neighborhood guide
Also known as Woodlake.
Bowie Estate and Woodlake sit at the north end of San Mateo near the Burlingame line, east of El Camino Real. The Bowie subdivision dates to 1897, one of the larger early subdivisions in the city. Next door, Woodlake fills a roughly 30 acre parcel that the city's association list describes as bordered by Delaware Street, Peninsula Avenue and North Humboldt Street.
Woodlake was completed in 1965 by developer Gerson Bakar, with architecture by Wurster, Bernardi and Emmons and landscape design by Lawrence Halprin. Nearly 1,000 apartments and townhouses are grouped in clusters around a winding central lake with lawns, paths and mature trees, and parking is kept to the edges. A small shopping center sits at one corner. San Mateo High School and Martin Luther King Jr. Park are close by in North Central.
Bowie Estate and Woodlake is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the San Mateo map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Bowie subdivision laid out in 1897
- Woodlake completed in 1965 with nearly 1,000 homes
- Lawrence Halprin landscape design around a central lake
- Architecture by Wurster, Bernardi and Emmons
- Short walk to San Mateo High School
Homes and Streets
The Bowie side has older single family homes on a street grid that dates to the 1897 subdivision, with homes from several eras. Woodlake, completed in 1965, is made up of condominiums and townhouses in five residential clusters, each with shared courtyards and its own pool. Access roads and parking ring the outside so the interior stays open and walkable around the lake.
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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 Caltrain station downtown is the nearest stop, and Burlingame station is also close. Peninsula Avenue connects to Highway 101, and El Camino Real runs just to the west.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Bowie Estate and Woodlake FAQ
Where is Bowie Estate and Woodlake in San Mateo?
Bowie Estate and Woodlake sit at the north end of San Mateo near the Burlingame line, east of El Camino Real. The Bowie subdivision dates to 1897, one of the larger early subdivisions in the city.
What are homes like in Bowie Estate and Woodlake?
The Bowie side has older single family homes on a street grid that dates to the 1897 subdivision, with homes from several eras. Woodlake, completed in 1965, is made up of condominiums and townhouses in five residential clusters, each with shared courtyards and its own pool.
What public schools are near Bowie Estate and Woodlake?
Public schools near Bowie Estate and Woodlake include San Mateo Park Elementary School (grades TK-5), Fiesta Gardens International School (grades TK-8), Borel Middle School (grades 6-8) and San Mateo 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 Bowie Estate and Woodlake?
Parks and open space near Bowie Estate and Woodlake include Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Woodlake grounds and Coyote Point Recreation Area.
How do I get around from Bowie Estate and Woodlake?
San Mateo Caltrain station downtown is the nearest stop, and Burlingame station is also close. Peninsula Avenue connects to Highway 101, and El Camino Real runs just to the west.
How can I find homes for sale in Bowie Estate and Woodlake?
Browse current listings in Bowie Estate and Woodlake 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 Bowie Estate and Woodlake?
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: The Cultural Landscape Foundation, City of San Mateo, San Mateo-Foster City School District, San Mateo Daily Journal, Wikipedia. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.