San Mateo began as a small railroad stop in 1861, quickly attracting a community of wealthy estate owners and businesses. Now known as one of the larger cities in the Bay Area, San Mateo combines contemporary commercial businesses, ideal convenience to San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay area with an active and diverse community. California highway 101 and interstates 92 and 280, as well as SamTrans and CalTrain, provide access to this 14-square-mile city just outside the San Francisco International Airport.
The 800 businesses of downtown San Mateo are located between Tilton and 9th Street and Delaware Ave. and El Camino Real. Favorite spots include the new Century 12 movie theater and local eatery Nini's Coffee Shop. The Chamber of Commerce offers programs such as a business referral network and the Professional Women's Chamber Connection to support local area commerce. Newly remodeled Hillsdale Shopping Center claims the largest selection of stores and restaurants in the area, whereas the more eclectic 25th Ave. provides old-fashioned small town businesses. With multiple community and recreation centers and protected open space, San Mateo finds a way to balance commerce and community. Central Park, the Japanese Tea Garden, one of the finest gardens in the state, and the San Mateo Arboretum are just a few examples. Residents can find local planned activities throughout the year, including bilingual family story time at the San Mateo library, youth art exhibitions, and outdoor music series in Central Park. The Bay Meadows horse racing track is also a popular outdoor destination.
San Mateo's population of 92,482 residents earn an annual median household income of $64,757. 960 houses were sold last year, with a median price of $885,000. San Mateo High School earned an API of 701, and the San Mateo-Foster City school district earned an API base of 778 with 75% of schools in that district scoring at or above the statewide performance target of 800. Well known residents include game show producer Merv Griffin (Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!), animated film producer Paul Terry (creator of Mighty Mouse, Heckle and Jeckle, Deputy Dawg), and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.