Cordes San Carlos Homes and Neighborhood Guide
San Carlos neighborhood guide
Cordes covers north San Carlos, from San Carlos Avenue up to the Belmont border. The lower blocks sit close to downtown, so the north end of Laurel Street and the San Carlos Caltrain station are an easy walk from much of the area. Farther up, the streets climb into wooded hills, and many hillside homes look out over the bay. Locals often call the area North San Carlos.
The neighborhood mixes level blocks near El Camino Real with winding hillside streets above. Arguello Park, one of the city's largest parks, sits in the hills here next to Arundel Elementary, with trails on the slopes around its main field. Smaller parks such as Chilton Park and Hillcrest Circle Park are tucked into the residential streets. Some streets in the hills are narrow and lack sidewalks, and homes closest to Belmont can fall under a different school district.
Cordes is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the San Carlos map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Walk to the north end of Laurel Street and the Caltrain station
- Arguello Park: 21 acres with a grass field, playground and hillside trails
- Hillside streets with bay views above the flatter blocks near downtown
- Many original 1950s homes on comparatively larger lots
Homes and Streets
Many Cordes homes are original 1950s construction, often on lots larger than in the flats to the south. Older homes near downtown include some of the earliest in San Carlos, and the hills hold a range of pre war houses, 1970s and 1980s builds and newer custom homes. There are also condos along El Camino Real and the streets near downtown. Hillside lots vary in slope, and many have bay or canyon views.
See current homes for sale in Cordes →
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 Carlos School District.
Getting Around
The San Carlos Caltrain station and downtown are walkable from the lower blocks. El Camino Real and Alameda de las Pulgas are the main roads, with US 101 to the east and Interstate 280 a short drive west.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Cordes FAQ
Where is Cordes in San Carlos?
Cordes covers north San Carlos, from San Carlos Avenue up to the Belmont border. The lower blocks sit close to downtown, so the north end of Laurel Street and the San Carlos Caltrain station are an easy walk from much of the area.
What are homes like in Cordes?
Many Cordes homes are original 1950s construction, often on lots larger than in the flats to the south. Older homes near downtown include some of the earliest in San Carlos, and the hills hold a range of pre war houses, 1970s and 1980s builds and newer custom homes.
What public schools are near Cordes?
Public schools near Cordes include Arundel Elementary School (grades TK-3), Mariposa Upper Elementary School (grades 4-5), Tierra Linda Middle School (grades 6-8) and Carlmont 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 Carlos School District.
What parks are near Cordes?
Parks and open space near Cordes include Arguello Park, Chilton Park and Hillcrest Circle Park.
How do I get around from Cordes?
The San Carlos Caltrain station and downtown are walkable from the lower blocks. El Camino Real and Alameda de las Pulgas are the main roads, with US 101 to the east and Interstate 280 a short drive west.
How can I find homes for sale in Cordes?
Browse current listings in Cordes 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 Cordes?
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.
See homes for saleWhat is my home worth?Get off-market listingsContact Joseph← Back to the San Carlos neighborhood guide or browse all Peninsula neighborhoods
Updated October 2026 by Joseph Suarez, Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Burlingame, DRE 02085594.
Sources: City of San Carlos, San Carlos School District, Wikipedia. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.