San Mateo Park Homes and Neighborhood Guide
San Mateo neighborhood guide
San Mateo Park sits on the west side of San Mateo, between El Camino Real and the Hillsborough town line. The neighborhood association describes its edges as Hillsborough to the west, Barroilhet Avenue to the north, El Camino Real to the east and Engle Road. It was laid out in three sections above El Camino Real between 1902 and 1904, and it still reads as one of the older planned residential areas on the Peninsula.
The streets are a big part of the character here. Tree planting is credited to John McLaren, the longtime superintendent of Golden Gate Park, and many corners have planted islands that were first designed to guide carriages around turns. Today those islands and the mature canopy give the area a park like feel. San Mateo Park Elementary School is on Clark Drive, and downtown San Mateo, Central Park and the Caltrain station are a short drive or bike ride east.
San Mateo Park is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the San Mateo map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Laid out in three sections between 1902 and 1904
- Tree planting credited to Golden Gate Park's John McLaren
- Planted street islands first designed for carriage turns
- San Mateo Park Elementary School on Clark Drive
- Borders the Town of Hillsborough on the west
Homes and Streets
Homes here date from the early 1900s onward, as the 1902 to 1904 subdivision filled in over several decades, so architecture varies from house to house. Lots are generous by San Mateo standards, with houses set back behind lawns and old trees. Streets curve and meet at planted islands rather than following a strict grid, which gives the area a distinct layout compared with the flatter blocks east of El Camino Real.
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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 downtown on First Avenue is the closest stop. El Camino Real runs along the east edge, with Highway 101 to the east and Highway 92 and Interstate 280 a short drive south and west.
Nearby Neighborhoods
San Mateo Park FAQ
Where is San Mateo Park in San Mateo?
San Mateo Park sits on the west side of San Mateo, between El Camino Real and the Hillsborough town line. The neighborhood association describes its edges as Hillsborough to the west, Barroilhet Avenue to the north, El Camino Real to the east and Engle Road.
What are homes like in San Mateo Park?
Homes here date from the early 1900s onward, as the 1902 to 1904 subdivision filled in over several decades, so architecture varies from house to house. Lots are generous by San Mateo standards, with houses set back behind lawns and old trees.
What public schools are near San Mateo Park?
Public schools near San Mateo Park include San Mateo Park 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 San Mateo Park?
Parks and open space near San Mateo Park include Central Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
How do I get around from San Mateo Park?
San Mateo Caltrain station downtown on First Avenue is the closest stop. El Camino Real runs along the east edge, with Highway 101 to the east and Highway 92 and Interstate 280 a short drive south and west.
How can I find homes for sale in San Mateo Park?
Browse current listings in San Mateo Park 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 Park?
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, San Mateo-Foster City School District, Wikipedia. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.