Hillsdale San Mateo Homes and Neighborhood Guide
San Mateo neighborhood guide
Hillsdale traces back to developer David Bohannon, who bought about 848 acres of the Beresford area in 1939 and 1940 and began building homes. The area took the Hillsdale name. Bohannon's firm then opened Hillsdale Shopping Center in December 1954 at El Camino Real and Hillsdale Boulevard, anchored by Sears and the first suburban branch of Macy's San Francisco. Homes spread out from there.
The open air center was enclosed in 1982 and has been updated since, including a newer dining and cinema wing on the former Sears site. Hillsdale Caltrain station sits next to the mall, and Bay Meadows lies just beyond. Indian Springs Park on West 39th Avenue is a local favorite for its playground and picnic tables. Beresford Park is a short drive north.
Hillsdale is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the San Mateo map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Bohannon began developing about 848 acres here in 1939 and 1940
- Hillsdale Shopping Center, opened in December 1954
- Hillsdale Caltrain station next to the mall
- Indian Springs Park on West 39th Avenue
Homes and Streets
Most homes date from the Bohannon era beginning in 1939 and the decades that followed, with single family houses on regular lots and some later rebuilds. Streets west of El Camino Real rise gently toward the Alameda. Near the shopping center and Caltrain, apartments and newer multi unit buildings add to the mix.
See current homes for sale in Hillsdale →
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
Hillsdale Caltrain station sits next to the shopping center. El Camino Real and Hillsdale Boulevard are the main roads, with Highway 101 and Highway 92 a short drive away.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Hillsdale FAQ
Where is Hillsdale in San Mateo?
Hillsdale traces back to developer David Bohannon, who bought about 848 acres of the Beresford area in 1939 and 1940 and began building homes. The area took the Hillsdale name.
What are homes like in Hillsdale?
Most homes date from the Bohannon era beginning in 1939 and the decades that followed, with single family houses on regular lots and some later rebuilds. Streets west of El Camino Real rise gently toward the Alameda.
What public schools are near Hillsdale?
Public schools near Hillsdale include Laurel Elementary School (grades K-5), Meadow Heights Elementary School (grades K-5), Abbott Middle School (grades 6-8) and Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale?
Parks and open space near Hillsdale include Indian Springs Park, West Hillsdale Park and East Hillsdale Park.
How do I get around from Hillsdale?
Hillsdale Caltrain station sits next to the shopping center. El Camino Real and Hillsdale Boulevard are the main roads, with Highway 101 and Highway 92 a short drive away.
How can I find homes for sale in Hillsdale?
Browse current listings in Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale?
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: Wikipedia, City of San Mateo, San Mateo-Foster City School District. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.