North Central San Mateo Homes and Neighborhood Guide
San Mateo neighborhood guide
North Central sits just north of downtown San Mateo. The neighborhood association defines it as Fourth Avenue on the south, the Burlingame line on the north, Highway 101 on the east and San Mateo Drive on the west. It is one of the older parts of the city, with a street grid that grew out from the railroad and downtown.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Monte Diablo Avenue is the neighborhood's main gathering spot, with a pool, community center, playground and a synthetic turf field. The land was sold to the city in 1902. San Mateo High School is on North Delaware Street, and in 2025 the school district moved Fiesta Gardens International School, a Spanish immersion program, to Indian Avenue as a community school for North Central. Downtown shops and the Caltrain station are a short walk south.
North Central is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the San Mateo map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Martin Luther King Jr. Park with pool and community center
- San Mateo High School on North Delaware Street
- Fiesta Gardens International School relocated here in 2025
- Walking distance to downtown San Mateo and Caltrain
Homes and Streets
Housing here spans more than a century. Expect early 1900s bungalows, Craftsman homes and a few Victorians on narrow city lots, mixed with mid century homes, small apartment buildings and newer condos. Streets follow a regular grid with sidewalks and street trees, and many blocks are within walking distance of downtown and the train.
See current homes for sale in North Central →
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 on First Avenue is a short walk away. El Camino Real and Highway 101 frame the neighborhood, and Peninsula Avenue and Third Avenue connect to the freeway.
Nearby Neighborhoods
North Central FAQ
Where is North Central in San Mateo?
North Central sits just north of downtown San Mateo. The neighborhood association defines it as Fourth Avenue on the south, the Burlingame line on the north, Highway 101 on the east and San Mateo Drive on the west.
What are homes like in North Central?
Housing here spans more than a century. Expect early 1900s bungalows, Craftsman homes and a few Victorians on narrow city lots, mixed with mid century homes, small apartment buildings and newer condos.
What public schools are near North Central?
Public schools near North Central include 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 North Central?
Parks and open space near North Central include Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Center and Pool and Central Park.
How do I get around from North Central?
San Mateo Caltrain station on First Avenue is a short walk away. El Camino Real and Highway 101 frame the neighborhood, and Peninsula Avenue and Third Avenue connect to the freeway.
How can I find homes for sale in North Central?
Browse current listings in North Central 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 North Central?
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 Mateo 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 Mateo, San Mateo Daily Journal, San Mateo-Foster City School District, Wikipedia. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.