Hillsborough Heights Homes and Neighborhood Guide
Hillsborough neighborhood guide
Hillsborough Heights covers the lower flats near El Cerrito Avenue, where Hillsborough meets the San Mateo Park neighborhood of San Mateo. The ground here is gentler than in most of town, and the streets are lined with mature trees. South Hillsborough School and the school district office both sit on El Cerrito Avenue.
One of the area's best known houses is the Hearst house at 401 El Cerrito Avenue, commissioned by George Randolph Hearst and designed by Julia Morgan, the architect of Hearst Castle. Designed in 1930 in a Neoclassical Georgian style, it is often noted for a front that resembles the White House. It is a private home. Downtown San Mateo and Central Park are a short drive east.
Hillsborough Heights is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the Hillsborough map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Julia Morgan's 1930 design for the Hearst house
- Lower flats near El Cerrito Avenue and San Mateo Park
- South Hillsborough School on El Cerrito Avenue
- Short drive to downtown San Mateo and Central Park
Homes and Streets
Homes in Hillsborough Heights range from historic estates such as the 1930 Hearst house to later houses and newer rebuilds. Lots are large, but the land is flatter than the hills above, so many streets feel more like a traditional neighborhood. Mature trees shade the curving roads, and connections into San Mateo's street grid are easy.
See current homes for sale in Hillsborough Heights →
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 Hillsborough City School District.
Getting Around
San Mateo Caltrain station downtown is the closest stop. El Camino Real is just east, with US 101 beyond, and Highway 92 and Interstate 280 are a short drive.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Hillsborough Heights FAQ
Where is Hillsborough Heights in Hillsborough?
Hillsborough Heights covers the lower flats near El Cerrito Avenue, where Hillsborough meets the San Mateo Park neighborhood of San Mateo. The ground here is gentler than in most of town, and the streets are lined with mature trees.
What are homes like in Hillsborough Heights?
Homes in Hillsborough Heights range from historic estates such as the 1930 Hearst house to later houses and newer rebuilds. Lots are large, but the land is flatter than the hills above, so many streets feel more like a traditional neighborhood.
What public schools are near Hillsborough Heights?
Public schools near Hillsborough Heights include South Hillsborough School (grades K-5), William H. Crocker 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 Hillsborough City School District.
What parks are near Hillsborough Heights?
Parks and open space near Hillsborough Heights include Central Park, San Mateo and Vista Park.
How do I get around from Hillsborough Heights?
San Mateo Caltrain station downtown is the closest stop. El Camino Real is just east, with US 101 beyond, and Highway 92 and Interstate 280 are a short drive.
How can I find homes for sale in Hillsborough Heights?
Browse current listings in Hillsborough Heights 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 Hillsborough Heights?
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 Hillsborough neighborhood guide or browse all Peninsula neighborhoods
Updated October 2026 by Joseph Suarez, Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Burlingame, DRE 02085594.
Sources: Wikipedia, Ed-Data, Hillsborough City School District. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.