Considering a move to Burlingame? If you want small‑town charm with quick access to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and SFO, this Peninsula city belongs on your shortlist. You will find tree‑lined streets, a lively downtown, and easy regional connections that fit many lifestyles. In this guide, you will learn how daily life feels, how you get around, what the housing stock looks like, and smart things to check before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Burlingame at a glance
Burlingame sits on the mid‑Peninsula in San Mateo County between San Francisco and San Mateo, near Millbrae and minutes from San Francisco International Airport. According to the U.S. Census 2020 count, the population is about 31,386 residents. For more civic resources, start with the City of Burlingame and the U.S. Census profile on data.census.gov.
The setting pairs “Peninsula small‑town” character with urban access. You get mature trees, classic homes, and a compact, walkable core. The climate is Mediterranean, so winters are mild and wetter while summers are warm and dry. Microclimates bring cooler, foggier mornings closer to the Bay and sunnier pockets near hillside neighborhoods.
Daily rhythm and neighborhoods
Downtown Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame Avenue is the city’s heart. You can stroll to boutiques, cafes, and neighborhood restaurants, often buzzing at lunch and early evening. The Caltrain station sits within walking distance, which adds to the area’s walkable feel and supports car‑light living for many residents.
Residential character
Most blocks are single‑family streets with sidewalks and mature landscaping. Near downtown, along El Camino Real, and by Broadway, you will see more condos, townhomes, and small apartment buildings. Homes closer to hillside areas are often larger, while the Bay‑adjacent areas are flatter with a mix of housing types. New construction tends to be infill and selective rebuilds, so block‑by‑block character remains stable.
Lifestyle and community
You will notice commuter activity around Caltrain and El Camino Real in the mornings. Midday and evening bring shoppers and diners downtown. The city offers many youth sports and outdoor programs, and community events pop up throughout the year. Local parks, the library, and community centers anchor classes and family activities.
Getting around the Peninsula
Rail and transit
Caltrain is a primary commuter option for riders heading to downtown San Francisco or South Bay job centers. Service includes local and faster trains, so trip length will vary by schedule. Check current timetables at Caltrain. Local bus service provided by SamTrans connects Burlingame to neighboring cities and SFO.
BART does not directly serve Burlingame. The closest stations are in Millbrae and at SFO, which you can reach by bus or a short drive. See the system map at BART.
Driving and airport access
US‑101 and El Camino Real provide easy regional access. Depending on the time of day, driving to downtown San Francisco or Silicon Valley can range from about 20 to 45 minutes. SFO is typically a 5 to 15 minute drive, depending on traffic and your starting point, which is a plus if you travel often. For airport operations and traveler info, use SFO’s official site.
Schools and family life
Public K‑8 schools are served locally, and high school students attend campuses in the San Mateo Union High School District, which includes Burlingame High School. Many families consider the public schools a key factor when choosing a home. Because boundaries and enrollment policies can change, confirm the latest details directly with district offices and review independent sources.
- Check district and county resources through the San Mateo County Office of Education.
- Review school profiles and parent reviews on GreatSchools.
You will also find several private and parochial options nearby, plus community programs for youth sports, arts, and enrichment. Parks, playgrounds, and community centers offer year‑round classes and recreation.
Housing stock and what to expect
Home types and styles
Burlingame’s housing is a blend of early 20th‑century single‑family homes and denser housing near transit corridors. You will see Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Colonial, Colonial Revival, and early California styles, along with mid‑century homes and modern remodels. Condos and townhomes are more common near downtown, El Camino Real, and the Caltrain station. Select blocks have luxury rebuilds or additions that respect neighborhood scale.
Pricing context
Housing costs are high compared to national averages and remain strong even for the Peninsula. Prices vary by property type, size, condition, and micro‑location. Proximity to downtown amenities, lot size, and renovation level can shift value significantly. Because the market changes quickly, plan to review current single‑family and condo median prices, price per square foot, and recent comparable sales before making offers. A local advisor can share up‑to‑date MLS snapshots and help you understand how each home compares.
What to ask during showings
- How is aircraft noise at different times of day and in the yard versus indoors?
- What updates were done recently, and were permits closed out? Check foundations and drainage given the age of many homes.
- How does on‑street parking work here, and are there any permit zones?
- What are the typical commute options from this block by car, train, or bus?
Noise, parking, and other practicalities
Burlingame’s location near SFO means aircraft noise can vary block by block. Flight paths shift by weather and runway use, so it is smart to visit at several times of day. For official resources, see SFO’s aircraft noise information and general aviation guidance from the FAA. If you are sensitive to sound, consider testing windows closed and open, and ask about any sound mitigation features.
Downtown and near the station, parking rules can include time limits and permits. The City of Burlingame offers current details on public lots, on‑street zones, and residential permits. When touring, note where you and guests would park day to day.
Parks, dining, and things to do
Burlingame Avenue and Broadway offer a mix of local restaurants, casual cafes, and boutiques. You can run daily errands on foot and meet friends for coffee without getting in the car. Parks and playgrounds are spread through the city, with fields and courts for youth sports and weekend recreation. You also have easy access to miles of Bayfront paths in nearby cities for walking, running, and cycling.
Pros and considerations
Why buyers choose Burlingame
- Central Peninsula location with quick access to SF, South Bay, and SFO.
- Walkable downtown with a strong mix of local retail and dining.
- Stable neighborhood character with tree‑lined streets and classic homes.
- Public schools and family programming that many households value.
Things to weigh
- Home prices are high, and competition for well‑located homes can be intense.
- Aircraft noise is a factor in some areas, so test blocks at different times.
- Peak‑hour driving can be slow despite short distances.
- New construction is limited, which can constrain supply.
A one‑day preview plan
Short on time? Use this checklist to get a feel for daily life.
- Morning: Walk Burlingame Avenue, grab coffee, and note which errands you could do on foot.
- Commute test: Ride Caltrain at commute hour, or drive your likely route during peak time.
- School recon: If schools matter to you, review boundaries and recent reports on GreatSchools and county resources.
- Parks and play: Visit a local park in the afternoon to see community activity.
- Sound check: Spend 20 to 30 minutes outside near a home you like to gauge aircraft noise. Cross‑check with SFO resources.
- Travel convenience: Time the drive to SFO and check pick‑up or parking areas.
How a local advisor helps
Buying or selling in Burlingame is about nuance. Two homes on the same street can live very differently, and small condition details matter in older housing. A local, process‑driven team can help you compare blocks, validate commute options, and pressure‑test pricing with current comps. If you are preparing to sell, targeted pre‑list updates, professional staging, and strategic marketing can make a measurable difference in days on market and net proceeds.
If you are exploring a move, reach out to Mary Murphy for a calm, organized plan that fits your goals. Request a complimentary home valuation and consultation, or ask for a curated tour of Burlingame neighborhoods.
FAQs
Is Burlingame walkable for daily errands?
- Downtown Burlingame Avenue is highly walkable, with shops, dining, and services close together, and many nearby neighborhoods support short walk trips.
How do Burlingame commutes work to SF or Silicon Valley?
- Caltrain serves commuters to San Francisco and the South Bay, while US‑101 and El Camino Real offer driving routes that can take 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
What should I know about aircraft noise in Burlingame?
- Noise varies by block due to proximity to SFO and changing flight paths; visit at different times and review official info from SFO and the FAA.
Which public school districts serve Burlingame?
- Local K‑8 schools are served by the city’s elementary and middle school district, and high school students attend campuses in the San Mateo Union High School District; confirm current boundaries with district offices.
What types of homes are common in Burlingame?
- You will find early 20th‑century single‑family homes, mid‑century properties, and remodeled residences, plus condos and small apartment buildings near downtown and transit.
Is there BART in Burlingame?
- There is no BART station in Burlingame; the nearest stations are in Millbrae and at SFO, reachable by bus or a short drive, with details on BART.