How much does it cost to buy a house in San Mateo?
San Mateo median is $1,780,000. At 20% down with current rates around 6.85%, expect roughly $356,000 for the downpayment and ~$9,331/mo principal+interest (before tax/insurance/HOA).
For San Mateo home buyers
Buy a home in San Mateo — the realistic playbook.
San Mateo median: $1,780,000. Days on market: 14. $/sqft: $962. Roger Grubb has 18 years of Bay Area buyer-side experience including dozens of San Mateo transactions. Buyer commission paid by seller — Roger costs you nothing extra.
What $$1,780,000 buys you in San Mateo
Larger and more varied than its Peninsula neighbors. From mid-priced Hillsdale to luxury Hayward Park to walkable downtown San Mateo.
Roger's insider take: Aragon HS catchment is the school sweet spot. Hayward Park is the historic-architecture gem. Shoreview/Sugar Loaf has the most upside.
Buying a San Mateo home — FAQ
Is San Mateo a good place to buy a home?
Bay Area buyers who want Peninsula access without paying Palo Alto/Burlingame prices.
What schools serve San Mateo?
Key schools: Borel Middle (Hillsdale area) (8/10), Aragon HS (9/10), Hillsdale HS (8/10).
What types of buyers does San Mateo attract?
Peninsula buyers across all budgets, Caltrain commuters, First-Peninsula buyers.
What's the catch with buying in San Mateo?
Monolithic. San Mateo has 8+ distinct sub-neighborhoods with different price levels and personalities.
How competitive is buying in San Mateo?
Average 14 days on market. Very competitive — expect multi-offer scenarios on well-priced homes.
How do I find off-market homes in San Mateo?
Roger Grubb has been transacting in San Mateo for 18 years and sees ~1-in-4 homes off-market. Call (510) 504-0402 to get on his buyer list.
Buy in San Mateo — one call.
Roger answers his own phone. (510) 504-0402.