Downtown San Mateo Homes and Neighborhood Guide
San Mateo neighborhood guide
Downtown San Mateo grew up around the railroad. The San Francisco and San Jose Railroad began service here in October 1863, and the business district formed along Main Street and Railroad Avenue near the depot. Today the heart of downtown runs along B Street and the blocks between El Camino Real and Delaware Street, roughly from Tilton Avenue to Ninth Avenue.
Hundreds of shops and restaurants fill the area, along with offices and newer apartment buildings near the tracks. The San Mateo Caltrain station sits just north of First Avenue. A few blocks south, Central Park opened in 1922 as the city's first public park on the former Kohl estate, and it still has the Japanese Tea Garden, tennis courts, a playground and a miniature train.
Downtown San Mateo is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the San Mateo map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Rail service here since October 1863
- Hundreds of shops and restaurants
- San Mateo Caltrain station north of First Avenue
- Central Park, the city's first public park, opened in 1922
- Japanese Tea Garden designed by Nagao Sakurai
Homes and Streets
Downtown housing is mostly condominiums and apartments, including newer mid rise buildings near the station, mixed with some older apartment blocks and a few early 1900s homes on the edges. Commercial buildings from the early 20th century line parts of B Street and Third and Fourth Avenues. Streets follow the original grid, with short blocks and sidewalks throughout.
See current homes for sale in Downtown San Mateo →
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
The San Mateo Caltrain station is downtown on First Avenue, with SamTrans connections. El Camino Real runs along the west side, and Third Avenue leads east to Highway 101.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Downtown San Mateo FAQ
Where is Downtown San Mateo in San Mateo?
Downtown San Mateo grew up around the railroad. The San Francisco and San Jose Railroad began service here in October 1863, and the business district formed along Main Street and Railroad Avenue near the depot.
What are homes like in Downtown San Mateo?
Downtown housing is mostly condominiums and apartments, including newer mid rise buildings near the station, mixed with some older apartment blocks and a few early 1900s homes on the edges. Commercial buildings from the early 20th century line parts of B Street and Third and Fourth Avenues.
What public schools are near Downtown San Mateo?
Public schools near Downtown San Mateo include Fiesta Gardens International School (grades TK-8), Sunnybrae Elementary School (grades TK-5), 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 Downtown San Mateo?
Parks and open space near Downtown San Mateo include Central Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
How do I get around from Downtown San Mateo?
The San Mateo Caltrain station is downtown on First Avenue, with SamTrans connections. El Camino Real runs along the west side, and Third Avenue leads east to Highway 101.
How can I find homes for sale in Downtown San Mateo?
Browse current listings in Downtown San Mateo 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 Downtown San Mateo?
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: City of San Mateo, Wikipedia, San Mateo-Foster City School District. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.