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San Mateo, CA

Frequently asked questions

San Mateo, CA

San Mateo (Spanish for 'Saint Matthew') is a city in San Mateo County, California, United States, on the San Francisco Peninsula. About 20 miles (32 km) south of San Francisco, the city borders Burlingame to the north, Hillsborough to the west, San Francisco Bay and Foster City to the east, and Belmont to the south. The population was 105,661 at the 2020 census.

San Mateo has a Mediterranean climate and is known for its rich history at the center of the San Francisco Bay Area. Some of the biggest economic drivers for the city include technology, health care, and education.

San Mateo is located at 37°33′15″N 122°18′47″W (37.554286, −122.313044). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.9 square miles (41 km2), of which 12.1 square miles (31 km2) are land and 3.8 square miles (9.8 km2), comprising 23.63%, are covered by water.

The best-known natural area is Coyote Point Park, a rock-outcropped peninsula that juts out into the San Francisco Bay. The early Spanish navigators named it La Punta de San Mateo. Crews of American cargo ships carrying grain in the bay renamed it Big Coyote. Sailors had a penchant for naming promontories at the edge of San Francisco Bay after the coyote; across the bay in Fremont are the Coyote Hills, part of Coyote Hills Regional Park. By the 1890s, the shore area was developed as a popular beach called San Mateo Beach. In 1842, the Spanish named it Playa de San Mateo. Today, Coyote Point is home to CuriOdyssey, formerly known as the Coyote Point Museum, a major natural history museum and wildlife center in the state. The animal care facility for the Peninsula Humane Society is also situated at Coyote Point, where the adoption facility is located in Burlingame, CA.

The variety of natural habitats includes mixed oak woodland, riparian zones, and bayland marshes. One endangered species, the California clapper rail, was sighted feeding on mudflats by the Third Avenue bridge in San Mateo. The marsh areas are also likely habitat for the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse, which inhabits the middle and high zones of salt and brackish marshes, as well as for the endangered marsh plant, Point Reyes bird's beak.

Sugarloaf Mountain, whose name has been documented in 1870, is a prominent landform between the forks of Laurel Creek. In the late 20th century, this mixed oak woodland and chaparral habitat was a site of controversy related to proposals to develop a portion of the mountain for residential use. It has been preserved for use as a park and open space area and is home to the endangered Mission blue butterfly.

Sawyer Camp Trail, located on the western edge of San Mateo along the Crystal Springs Reservoir, is another popular destination for joggers, pedestrians, and bikers. This roughly 6-mile (9.7 km) trail begins in San Mateo and stretches north toward Hillsborough and San Bruno, parallel to the 280 freeway.

San Mateo focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by San Mateo’s Recreation and Community Services Department. 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 Equinox Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and Sports & Fitness San Mateo. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around San Mateo, such as the Sawyer Camp Trail and Seal Point Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in San Mateo, CA are  CuriOdyssey, Coyote Point Recreation Area, and San Mateo Japanese Garden.

Population: 101,327 (2023). ZIP codes: 94401–94404, 94497. Area code: 650. Elevation: 46 ft (14 m). Area: 15.85 sq mi (41.04 km2).

FAQs

Why is San Mateo, CA so expensive?

Part of what makes certain suburbs in the Bay Area so expensive is their location. The closer you are to tech headquarters and nearby commercial districts, the more expensive the area. San Mateo ups the ante even further because it sits at the center of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Is San Mateo, CA a good place to live?

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

How much does it cost to live comfortably in San Mateo, CA?

San Mateo residents need to make $6,391 every month to maintain a standard of living that is considered modest. That includes around $4,228 for housing, $1,872 for food, $1,095 for health care, and $692 for miscellaneous expenses. On average, each adult in the county will spend around $73,526 annually on housing, food, child care, health care, taxes, housing, and other expenses.

Sources

City of San Mateo

Wikipedia

San Mateo’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Equinox Fitness, Crunch Fitness

Sports & Fitness San Mateo

Sawyer Camp Trail

Seal Point Park

CuriOdyssey

Coyote Point Recreation Area

San Mateo Japanese Garden

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