San Carlos, California
“The City of Good Living”, is definitely the appropriate moniker for San Carlos, CA. More and more people, especially young families looking for a home in a city that is safe, has great weather and excellent schools are flocking to this Peninsula suburb of approximately 30,000 people nestled in the middle of San Francisco and San Jose.
Overall, the quality of life here is top notch.
San Carlos, CA is located in the heart of San Mateo County and has a bustling downtown on Laurel Street made up of boutiques, restaurants and many other shops to satisfy most needs.
Given that, its successful businesses and industrial area as well as a small airport with the Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos is an attractive spot both to live and operate a business.
In addition to homes dotting the charming neighborhoods, San Carlos offers lots of parks and open space.
Burton Park, located in the center of the city, recently had a full renovation, which included new play structures, a bocce ball court and a stage for Music in the Park summer concerts and other festivals. In addition to Burton, there are 14 other parks throughout the city. From the quaint neighborhoods to downtown, San Carlos is a very walkable city.
Yearlong on Sundays, the city has a Farmers Market along Laurel Street where you can find fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables and other delightful treats to suit almost any taste.
The amenities and services San Carlos offers cater to both young people with the SC Youth Center and seniors at the Adult Community Center.
Looking to discover a piece of the city’s past?
Visit the San Carlos Museum of History. Housed in a rebuilt firehouse, the public can discover artifacts and the families and homes behind popular street names, such as Brittan and Hull.
The city has various popular events throughout the year that draw crowds from all over the Peninsula.
San Carlos Hometown Days — an event run completely by volunteers and supported by community donations – is held in mid-May. It kicks off with a dinner and music on Friday, followed by a parade and lots of fun activities, rides, food booths and fun for the whole family and features the Dwell Volleyball Tournament.
In October, the San Carlos Art & Wine Faire is a fun-filled, outdoor family event featuring a beautiful array of artwork, live entertainment, a classic and hot rod car show, and has some of the areas finest wines and microbrews, delectable food and much more. The San Carlos Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Faire each year.
Whether you’re thinking of living, doing business in, or even visiting the City of Good Living, you will not be disappointed. San Carlos is a city full of charm, interesting people and exciting things to do all year round.
San Carlos Area Schools
San Carlos Real Estate Areas
Alder Manor
Alder manor has some of the largest homes on the largest lots in all of San Carlos. Most of the homes are only about 50 years old. It is important to be aware that although almost all of the homes in this area have a San Carlos mailing address, most of the homes do not fall into the San Carlos School District. This area is home to Eaton Park with its beautiful, natural open space, meandering trails, and varied wildlife.
Beverly Terrace
This is the largest neighborhood in San Carlos located in the “hills”. Although it is not in walking distance to Downtown or Burton Park, Beverly Terrace offers larger homes, larger lots and a bit more elbow room than Howard Park or El Sereno Corte. Another plus of this neighborhood is the amazing views that many of the homes have.
White Oaks (formerly known as “El Sereno Corte”)
Home to one of the most well regarded elementary schools, White Oaks Elementary. This area is one of the most sought after and well known areas and therefore the higher price per square foot reflects that. This area is in close proximity to downtown Laurel Street, Burton Park and charms buyers with tree lined streets and a cozy neighborhood feel. Many of the lots are standard 5,500 sq ft and most homes are under 2,000. There is a nice combination of older bungalows and newly constructed homes.
Howard Park
Howard Park is home to much of what we identify San Carlos with: San Carlos City Hall, Burton Park, and our downtown Laurel Street. Brittan Acres School and Central Middle School reside within the Howard Park boundaries. Howard Park is similar to White Oaks with tree lined. flat streets although there are quite a few streets with larger lots and some even with views. The “knolls” section is highly sought after which is a small hilly section within walking distance to downtown.
Clearfield Park
Clearfield Park is the section of San Carlos that is located between El Camino Real and Highway 101. This is one of the older yet most affordable areas in San Carlos. This area is made of mostly post- World War II homes many of which were built with cinder blocks. Rumor has it that these homes were built to house the families of GI’s returning home from the war. The attraction to the area is that you still benefit from the wonderful San Carlos School District, are within walking distance to the down town and this is the most affordable area in San Carlos. Most of the homes are at or around 1,000 sq ft on 5,000 lots. It’s a great opportunity to purchase a single family home at townhome prices.
Cordes
This is the area of “north” San Carlos. Many of the homes in this area are in the flats and within walking distance to downtown Laurel Street with the remainder being on a more hilly terrain with views but no sidewalks. Most of the homes feed into Arundel, Tierra Linda and Carlmont High school. You tend to get more house for your money when you are north of San Carlos Avenue. You might say Cordes has options for everyone – good schools, views, access to downtown and more home for your money