San Mateo Highlands Homes and Neighborhood Guide
San Mateo neighborhood guideUnincorporated San Mateo County
The San Mateo Highlands sits on Pulgas Ridge, bordered by Interstate 280 on the west, Highway 92 on the south, Polhemus Road on the east and Crystal Springs Road on the north. It is unincorporated San Mateo County with a San Mateo mailing address, so the county handles zoning and many local services. Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir lies just to the west.
Joseph Eichler built most of the homes from 1956 to 1964, and it is his largest tract. Residents formed the Highlands Recreation District in 1957, and its center on Lexington Avenue has a pool, tennis and pickleball courts and a preschool. The Highlands Lowdown newsletter has run since 1954, and a Fourth of July festival has been held since 1960.
San Mateo Highlands is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the San Mateo map for the full picture.
At a glance
- More than 700 Eichler homes built from 1956 to 1964
- Highlands Recreation Center with pool, tennis and pickleball
- Eichler's all steel X-100 house, on the National Register
- Near Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and the Sawyer Camp Trail
- Fourth of July festival held since 1960
Homes and Streets
More than 700 single story Eichlers define the Highlands, with post and beam construction, glass walls, atriums and radiant floor heating. A few original two story Eichlers remain, along with Eichler's all steel X-100 house, which is on the National Register. Streets curve along the ridge with views of the bay and nearby hills. County zoning applies, and second story additions have been debated.
See current homes for sale in San Mateo Highlands →
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
Interstate 280 and Highway 92 border the neighborhood, with Polhemus Road and Crystal Springs Road leading down to San Mateo. Hayward Park and Hillsdale Caltrain stations are a short drive east.
Nearby Neighborhoods
San Mateo Highlands FAQ
Where is San Mateo Highlands in San Mateo?
The San Mateo Highlands sits on Pulgas Ridge, bordered by Interstate 280 on the west, Highway 92 on the south, Polhemus Road on the east and Crystal Springs Road on the north. It is unincorporated San Mateo County with a San Mateo mailing address, so the county handles zoning and many local services.
What are homes like in San Mateo Highlands?
More than 700 single story Eichlers define the Highlands, with post and beam construction, glass walls, atriums and radiant floor heating. A few original two story Eichlers remain, along with Eichler's all steel X-100 house, which is on the National Register.
What public schools are near San Mateo Highlands?
Public schools near San Mateo Highlands include Highlands Elementary School (grades K-5), Borel Middle School (grades 6-8) and Aragon 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 San Mateo Highlands?
Parks and open space near San Mateo Highlands include Highlands Recreation Center, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and Sawyer Camp Trail.
Is San Mateo Highlands part of San Mateo?
No. San Mateo Highlands is unincorporated San Mateo County with a San Mateo mailing address, so county agencies handle many local services. Confirm services, schools and permits for a specific address.
How do I get around from San Mateo Highlands?
Interstate 280 and Highway 92 border the neighborhood, with Polhemus Road and Crystal Springs Road leading down to San Mateo. Hayward Park and Hillsdale Caltrain stations are a short drive east.
How can I find homes for sale in San Mateo Highlands?
Browse current listings in San Mateo Highlands 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 San Mateo Highlands?
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, Highlands Recreation District, Eichler Network. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.