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Burlingame, CA

Frequently asked questions

Burlingame, CA

Burlingame is a city in San Mateo County, California, United States. It is located on the San Francisco Peninsula and has a significant shoreline on San Francisco Bay. The city is named after diplomat Anson Burlingame and is known for its numerous eucalyptus groves, high quality of life, walkable downtown area, and public school system. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 31,386.

Burlingame is situated on land previously owned by San Francisco-based merchant William Davis Merry Howard. Howard planted many eucalyptus trees on his property and retired to live on the land. Howard died in 1856 and the land was sold to William C. Ralston, a prominent banker. In 1868, Ralston named the land after his friend Anson Burlingame, the United States Ambassador to China. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, hundreds of lots in Burlingame were sold to people looking to establish new homes, and the town of Burlingame was incorporated in 1908. In 1910, the neighboring town of Easton was annexed and this area is now known as the Easton Addition neighborhood of Burlingame.

Burlingame refers to itself as the City of Trees due to its over 18,000 public trees within the city. In 1908, the Burlingame Board of Trustees passed an ordinance "prohibiting cutting, injuring, or destroying trees". The city also has many parks and eucalyptus groves.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.1 square miles (16 km2). 4.4 square miles (11 km2) of it is land, and 1.7 square miles (4.4 km2) of it (comprising 27.25%) is water. Several creeks drain across Burlingame from the peninsula foothills to the San Francisco Bay. 

Burlingame focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Burlingame Recreation and Community Services Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Burlingame Fitness, Basecamp Fitness Studio, and Prime Time Athletic Club. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Burlingame, such as the Mills Canyon Nature Area and the Bayfront Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Burlingame, CA are CuriOdyssey, Millbrae Train Museum, and Coyote Point Recreation Area.

Population: 30,885 (2025). ZIP codes: 94010–94012. Area code: 650. Elevation: 39 ft (12 m). Area: 6.1 square miles (16 km2).

FAQs

What is Burlingame, CA famous for?

Burlingame was settled by wealthy San Franciscans looking for a better climate. It is known for its high residential quality of life and is often referred to as the City of Trees. Industrial growth was spurred in the 1960s and 1970s by proximity to the San Francisco International Airport.

Is Burlingame, CA expensive?

Burlingame is part of the San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City Metro Div. metro area, which is ranked 3 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Burlingame is estimated to be 169.9% of the national average making it one of the most expensive cities in the US. The total monthly expenditure you can expect to incur depends on the cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services. 

Is Burlingame, CA a good place to live?

Burlingame is in San Mateo County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Burlingame offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Burlingame, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Burlingame and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Burlingame are highly rated.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Burlingame

Burlingame’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Burlingame Fitness

Basecamp Fitness Studio 

Prime Time Athletic Club

Mills Canyon Nature Area 

Bayfront Park

CuriOdyssey

Millbrae Train Museum

Coyote Point Recreation Area

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