Burlingame is a charming Peninsula city with a polished small-town feel, elegant residential streets, lively shopping districts, and easy access to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco International Airport. Known as the City of Trees, Burlingame blends walkable neighborhoods, mature landscaping, historic character, and high-end real estate in one of San Mateo County’s most desirable locations.
The city offers a careful balance between calm residential living and world-class convenience. Downtown Burlingame Avenue and Broadway bring boutiques, cafés, restaurants, fitness studios, galleries, and local services, while the surrounding neighborhoods offer tree-lined streets, parks, architectural variety, and a strong sense of community.
This guide covers Burlingame’s history, lifestyle, real estate market, transportation, schools, dining, shopping, parks, residential settings, and long-term investment appeal for buyers exploring homes in Burlingame, California.
| Key Facts: Burlingame, CA | |
|---|---|
| County | San Mateo County |
| Community Type | Upscale Peninsula city with residential neighborhoods, two major shopping districts, Caltrain access, parks, schools, and Bayfront amenities |
| Location | On the San Francisco Peninsula, south of Millbrae and north of San Mateo, with shoreline along San Francisco Bay |
| Population | 31,386 residents recorded in the 2020 Census |
| Area | Approximately 4.40 square miles of land |
| ZIP Codes | 94010, 94011, and 94012 |
| Local Character | Tree-lined, walkable, elegant, community-oriented, and known for a small-town atmosphere with strong Peninsula access |
| Known As | The City of Trees, with more than 18,000 public trees and a long history of urban forest stewardship |
| Primary Roads | El Camino Real, California Drive, Burlingame Avenue, Broadway, Peninsula Avenue, Trousdale Drive, Highway 101, and I-280 access nearby |
| Transit Access | Burlingame Caltrain Station, Broadway Caltrain Station, SamTrans routes, local shuttles, and nearby SFO and BART connections |
| Park & Recreation Profile | Washington Park, Bayside Dog Exercise Park, community recreation programs, Bay Trail access, and nearby Coyote Point Recreation Area |
| School Options | Burlingame School District for elementary and intermediate schools, plus Burlingame High through San Mateo Union High School District |
| Market Profile | Luxury Peninsula market with historic homes, bungalows, classic estates, modern rebuilds, townhomes, condos, and high demand for walkable locations |
Burlingame Lifestyle Snapshot
An editorial snapshot of Burlingame’s strongest lifestyle attributes, not a statistical ranking.
Burlingame is one of the Peninsula’s most established and sought-after residential cities. It has the charm of a classic California town, with mature trees, sidewalks, parks, historic homes, and friendly shopping streets, while still offering quick access to San Francisco, SFO, San Mateo, Palo Alto, and major Silicon Valley employment centers.
The city feels refined without losing its neighborhood warmth. Burlingame Avenue is the best-known retail and dining corridor, while Broadway adds another beloved local district with restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and long-standing neighborhood businesses. Residential areas range from quiet bungalows and cottage-style homes to larger luxury properties with manicured lots and elegant architecture.
Burlingame is best for buyers who want tree-lined streets, strong schools, polished shopping and dining, Caltrain access, and a true Peninsula lifestyle with a small-town residential feel.
Burlingame’s history is closely tied to early Peninsula estates, rail access, and the growth that followed the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The city was incorporated in 1908, after many people looked south of San Francisco for a safer and more residential place to build homes.
The city is named after Anson Burlingame, an attorney and diplomat who served as United States Minister to China. Over time, Burlingame developed into a desirable residential community with a strong identity shaped by its trees, elegant streets, downtown businesses, and long-standing neighborhoods.
Burlingame’s City of Trees reputation remains one of its clearest brand markers. The city has a long history of tree protection and active tree care, and its mature landscape gives many streets a graceful, established character that is difficult to recreate in newer communities.
Historic architecture also plays a role in Burlingame’s appeal. Older homes, classic bungalows, early 20th-century buildings, the Burlingame train station area, and long-standing commercial districts all help create a sense of place that feels distinct from newer parts of the Peninsula.
Burlingame’s strongest charm comes from its sense of permanence. The mature trees, historic neighborhoods, walkable districts, and long-standing community traditions all make the city feel rooted and highly livable.
Burlingame sits in a central Peninsula position with strong access to major roads, airports, rail, and neighboring cities. Highway 101 runs along the Bayfront side of the city, El Camino Real connects Burlingame with nearby Peninsula downtowns, and I-280 is accessible to the west for regional travel.
| Destination | Approximate Distance / Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Burlingame Caltrain Station | Central local access | Located at 290 California Drive, near downtown shops, restaurants, and Burlingame Avenue |
| Broadway Caltrain Station | North Burlingame access | Convenient for Broadway, Easton Addition, and northern residential areas |
| San Francisco International Airport | 4–6 miles / 10–15 min | Highway 101 north, depending on traffic and airport terminal |
| Downtown San Mateo | 3–5 miles / 8–15 min | El Camino Real, California Drive, or Highway 101 |
| Millbrae BART | 3–5 miles / 8–15 min | El Camino Real, local streets, shuttle, or regional transit connections |
| Downtown San Francisco | 17–20 miles / 25–45 min | Highway 101 north or Caltrain toward San Francisco |
| Palo Alto | 20–24 miles / 25–45 min | Highway 101, El Camino Real, I-280, or Caltrain connections |
| Downtown San Jose | 35–40 miles / 40–70 min | Highway 101 south, I-280, or Caltrain toward San Jose |
Transit is a meaningful advantage for many Burlingame residents. Caltrain supports travel north to San Francisco and south through the Peninsula, while SamTrans routes connect the city to nearby communities. Buyers close to downtown or Broadway may find it easier to combine walking, local errands, and rail commuting into daily life.
Burlingame is a luxury Peninsula market where demand is shaped by schools, commute access, downtown walkability, architectural character, and limited supply. The city appeals to a wide range of buyers, from families looking for tree-lined streets and schools to professionals who want a polished home base near San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
Zillow reported an average Burlingame home value of approximately $2.80 million as of April 2026, up 5.3% year over year. Redfin’s three-month snapshot ending April 2026 showed a median sale price of approximately $2.93 million, with homes selling in an average of 10 days. These numbers reflect strong demand, but each property should still be evaluated by location, lot, condition, architecture, and school access.
| Property Segment | Market Character | Buyer Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury single-family homes | High-demand properties in established neighborhoods with larger lots, refined architecture, and strong curb appeal | Compare lot quality, street setting, privacy, school access, and renovation history carefully |
| Historic and character homes | Classic bungalows, cottages, Spanish-style homes, and early Peninsula residences add charm and long-term appeal | Review foundation, systems, additions, preservation limitations, and cost of modernization |
| Walkable downtown homes | Highly desirable for buyers who want quick access to Burlingame Avenue, Caltrain, restaurants, and shops | Balance convenience with lot size, parking, traffic patterns, and privacy |
| Easton Addition homes | Known for tree-lined streets, neighborhood charm, and proximity to Broadway shopping and dining | Inventory is competitive, so buyers should watch pricing, condition, and offer activity closely |
| Condos and townhomes | Offer lower-maintenance options near transit, downtown, or commercial corridors | Review HOA fees, reserves, insurance, rental rules, parking, and building condition |
The strongest Burlingame listings tend to offer more than one advantage. A walkable location, a tree-lined street, tasteful updates, a usable yard, historic charm, or easy school access can meaningfully affect buyer demand. Because supply is limited, well-positioned homes can move quickly.
Burlingame pricing is driven by location and lifestyle. Buyers are often paying for more than the home itself. Walkability, trees, architecture, commute access, schools, and neighborhood prestige all influence value.
Residents enjoy the best of both worlds in Burlingame: a small-town residential atmosphere with a lively, upscale downtown. The city feels walkable, polished, and community-centered, with tree-lined streets, parks, farmers’ markets, local events, cafés, boutiques, restaurants, and convenient regional access.
Burlingame’s mature trees give the city its signature look and feel. Many neighborhoods have shaded sidewalks, elegant streetscapes, and a sense of long-established charm.
Burlingame Avenue is the city’s best-known shopping and dining district, with boutiques, cafés, restaurants, salons, fitness studios, and an active pedestrian feel.
Broadway adds another local hub with restaurants, sweets, coffee, neighborhood shops, and a more relaxed community rhythm.
Washington Park is the oldest park in Burlingame and a year-round recreation center with sports courts, fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, and community programming.
Despite its Peninsula location, Burlingame still feels personal. Local businesses, school communities, park events, and neighborhood traditions give the city warmth.
The Bayfront side of Burlingame connects residents with waterfront hotels, walking paths, open views, and nearby access to the San Francisco Bay Trail.
Burlingame offers a deeper amenity mix than many small Peninsula cities. Residents have local shopping districts, boutique retail, grocery access, parks, schools, public library services, Caltrain, dining, fitness, salons, Bayfront recreation, and quick access to nearby San Mateo, Millbrae, Hillsborough, and SFO.
| Category | What’s Available |
|---|---|
| Shopping | Downtown Burlingame Avenue, Broadway, local boutiques, home shops, galleries, salons, fitness studios, and nearby regional retail in San Mateo and Millbrae |
| Dining | Local restaurants include Saltyard Restaurant and Bar, Park and Howard Bistro, cafés, bakeries, and neighborhood dining along Burlingame Avenue and Broadway |
| Coffee & Bakeries | Philz Coffee, Peet’s Coffee, Busy Lizzy’s, Backhaus Bakery, and other local stops support daily routines |
| Parks | Washington Park, Bayside Dog Exercise Park, local playgrounds, sports facilities, recreation programs, and green spaces throughout the city |
| Outdoor Recreation | San Francisco Bay Trail access, Bayfront walking and biking, parks, dog exercise areas, and nearby Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo |
| Transit | Burlingame Caltrain Station, Broadway Caltrain Station, SamTrans routes, local shuttles, and nearby Millbrae BART and SFO access |
| Healthcare | Nearby hospitals, urgent care, clinics, dental offices, and specialty providers in Burlingame, San Mateo, Millbrae, and the broader Peninsula |
Burlingame’s amenity profile is one of its clearest strengths. Residents can enjoy a calm residential setting while staying close to dining, shopping, transportation, parks, schools, and airport access.
Downtown Burlingame offers a broad mix of boutique shopping, restaurants, cafés, salons, fitness studios, and professional services in a pedestrian-friendly setting. It has the polish of a destination shopping district while keeping the relaxed feel of a local main street.
Shoppers can browse clothing stores like Les Deux Copines and Morning Glory, or explore specialty shops such as All Fired Up Pottery and Yves Delorme. The downtown area also includes galleries, spas, banks, fitness options, and daily services.
Several restaurants line the area, ranging from casual staples to polished dinner spots. Saltyard Restaurant and Bar serves modern American dishes with a fresh, relaxed approach, while Park and Howard Bistro offers California cuisine, wine, and cocktails in a neighborhood-friendly setting.
For coffee and treats, residents can stop by Philz Coffee or Peet’s Coffee, then visit Busy Lizzy’s for cookies and bars or Backhaus Bakery for scratch-made breads and pastries. For something sweet on Broadway, Preston’s Candy and Ice Cream x Javier Confectionery remains a beloved local stop for chocolates, candies, and ice cream.
Burlingame offers plenty of recreational opportunities, from park events and community programs to Bayfront walks and shopping district outings. The city’s activity mix is relaxed and local, with parks, markets, dining, family events, and easy access to the waterfront.
Washington Park is Burlingame’s oldest park and a year-round community gathering place with tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, baseball facilities, and local events.
Burlingame Avenue is ideal for an afternoon of shopping, dining, coffee, fitness, and casual strolling through one of the Peninsula’s most attractive downtown districts.
Broadway has its own local personality, with restaurants, sweets, cafés, small businesses, and a neighborhood feel that many longtime residents love.
Bayside Dog Exercise Park gives dog owners a convenient place to let pets run, socialize, and enjoy time outside near Burlingame’s Bayfront area.
The Bay Trail offers walking, jogging, biking, and waterfront views along one of the region’s most important recreation corridors.
Nearby Coyote Point in San Mateo adds shoreline recreation, picnic areas, marina views, trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities close to Burlingame.
Burlingame neighborhoods vary by architecture, walkability, lot size, school access, and proximity to Burlingame Avenue, Broadway, Caltrain, parks, and the Bayfront. Buyers often compare neighborhoods carefully because the daily lifestyle can feel different from one pocket to the next.
This setting appeals to buyers who want walkability to Burlingame Avenue, Caltrain, restaurants, boutiques, and everyday conveniences.
Easton Addition is known for leafy residential streets, charming homes, strong neighborhood appeal, and convenient access to Broadway shopping and dining.
Burlingame Park offers prestige, tree-lined streets, elegant homes, and proximity to downtown, Washington Park, and some of the city’s most desirable residential blocks.
The Ray Park area draws buyers who want a quieter residential setting with family-friendly streets, park access, and convenient movement around the city.
Burlingame Hills offers elevated residential settings, larger-feeling lots, views, privacy, and a more secluded atmosphere while staying close to Peninsula routes.
The Bayfront side of Burlingame is more commercial and hospitality-oriented, with hotels, office uses, shoreline access, and proximity to SFO and Highway 101.
| Area | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Burlingame | Walkable, polished, close to shops, dining, and Caltrain | Buyers who want convenience and a lively local main street |
| Easton Addition | Tree-lined, charming, residential, and close to Broadway | Buyers seeking neighborhood warmth, classic homes, and local dining access |
| Burlingame Park | Elegant, established, prestigious, and close to Washington Park | Luxury buyers who value architecture, mature landscaping, and central location |
| Ray Park | Quiet, family-friendly, residential, and park-oriented | Families and long-term owners who want a calm neighborhood setting |
| Burlingame Hills | Elevated, private, scenic, and more removed from downtown activity | Buyers wanting views, privacy, and a more residential retreat feel |
Burlingame is a strong draw for education-focused buyers. Public elementary and intermediate students are generally served by the Burlingame School District, while high school students commonly attend Burlingame High School through San Mateo Union High School District. Families should always verify school assignment and enrollment requirements by address.
| School / District | Type / Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Burlingame School District | Public elementary and intermediate district | Serves Burlingame students through a network of elementary schools and Burlingame Intermediate School |
| Lincoln Elementary | Public elementary school | A Burlingame School District elementary option; assignment should be verified by address |
| Franklin Elementary | Public elementary school | Part of Burlingame School District and one of the city’s established neighborhood school options |
| Burlingame Intermediate | Public intermediate school | Serves middle-grade students within Burlingame School District |
| Burlingame High | Public high school; Grades 9–12 | Part of San Mateo Union High School District and a major high school option for Burlingame students |
| Private & Preschool Options | Early childhood, private, and specialty programs | Burlingame and nearby Peninsula communities offer additional preschool, private school, enrichment, and childcare choices |
Because school boundaries, enrollment policies, and transfer rules can change, buyers should confirm details directly with the district before purchasing. For many families, proximity to a preferred school, commute route, and daily drop-off pattern can be just as important as the home itself.
Schools are one of Burlingame’s strongest buyer magnets. The city’s education access, neighborhood feel, and family-friendly parks all support long-term residential demand.
Burlingame’s investment case is built on scarcity, location, schools, downtown appeal, and established neighborhood character. The city is small, land is limited, and demand remains strong among buyers who want Peninsula convenience without sacrificing charm, walkability, or residential quality.
| Market Snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Average home value | Approximately $2.80 million, Zillow April 2026 |
| One-year value change | +5.3% in Zillow’s April 2026 snapshot |
| Median sale price | Approximately $2.93 million in Redfin’s three-month April 2026 snapshot |
| Average days on market | 10 days in Redfin’s April 2026 snapshot |
| Primary property types | Single-family homes, historic homes, luxury estates, townhomes, condos, and select infill properties |
| Investment Fundamentals | |
|---|---|
| Primary value driver | Established Peninsula location with strong access to San Francisco, SFO, Silicon Valley, and Caltrain |
| Buyer profile | Families, executives, tech professionals, downsizers, move-up buyers, and long-term Peninsula homeowners |
| Supply profile | Limited inventory, mature neighborhoods, and strong competition for well-located homes |
| Rental potential | Can be attractive near transit and job corridors, but owners should review local rules, HOA limits, and carrying costs |
| Long-term appeal | Schools, downtown walkability, tree-lined streets, airport access, Bay Trail proximity, and historic charm |
The most resilient Burlingame properties usually have lasting lifestyle value. A walkable address near Burlingame Avenue, a quiet Easton Addition block, a classic home in Burlingame Park, or a private hillside setting can each appeal to different buyer profiles. The key is understanding how location, lot quality, and condition work together.
For investment-minded buyers, Burlingame is less about finding a low-cost entry point and more about securing a scarce Peninsula asset in a city with durable demand, strong lifestyle appeal, and limited replacement inventory.
Burlingame attracts buyers who want a polished Peninsula lifestyle with a true neighborhood feel. It is close to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, but its streets, parks, shopping districts, and community events make it feel more personal than many larger Bay Area cities.
Caltrain, Highway 101, nearby I-280, and quick SFO access make Burlingame practical for many Bay Area work and travel routines.
Burlingame’s schools, parks, sidewalks, and close-knit neighborhoods are major reasons families compete for homes here.
Burlingame Avenue offers shopping, dining, coffee, fitness, and services in one of the Peninsula’s most attractive downtown settings.
Washington Park, dog parks, Bay Trail access, and nearby Coyote Point make it easy to build outdoor time into daily life.
Prestige neighborhoods, architectural homes, mature trees, and larger lots create strong appeal for high-end Peninsula buyers.
Burlingame’s limited land, established reputation, and central location support long-term desirability for well-chosen homes.
Where is Burlingame, CA located?
Burlingame is located in San Mateo County on the San Francisco Peninsula, south of Millbrae and north of San Mateo. It has easy access to Highway 101, El Camino Real, Caltrain, SFO, and nearby Peninsula cities.
What is Burlingame known for?
Burlingame is known as the City of Trees. It is also known for Burlingame Avenue, Broadway, Washington Park, tree-lined neighborhoods, strong schools, elegant homes, Caltrain access, and a charming small-town feel.
Is Burlingame good for commuters?
Yes. Burlingame offers Caltrain access, SamTrans service, Highway 101 access, nearby I-280, and quick access to San Francisco International Airport. It is well positioned for commuting to San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, and Silicon Valley.
What is the real estate market like in Burlingame?
Burlingame is a high-value Peninsula market with strong demand and limited inventory. Zillow reported an average home value of about $2.80 million in April 2026, while Redfin’s three-month April 2026 snapshot showed a median sale price of about $2.93 million.
What types of homes are available in Burlingame?
Burlingame offers historic homes, bungalows, cottages, luxury estates, modern rebuilds, townhomes, condos, and select properties near downtown, Broadway, the hills, or the Bayfront. Lot size, architecture, and walkability vary by neighborhood.
What schools serve Burlingame?
Elementary and intermediate students are generally served by Burlingame School District, while high school students commonly attend Burlingame High School through San Mateo Union High School District. Buyers should verify school assignment by address.
What are popular things to do in Burlingame?
Popular activities include shopping and dining on Burlingame Avenue, visiting Broadway, spending time at Washington Park, walking or biking near the Bay Trail, visiting Bayside Dog Exercise Park, and exploring nearby Coyote Point Recreation Area.
Who is Burlingame best suited for?
Burlingame is best suited for buyers who want a charming Peninsula city with tree-lined streets, excellent convenience, strong schools, polished shopping and dining, and easy access to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and SFO.
30,526 people live in Burlingame, where the median age is 41.5 and the average individual income is $97,803. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Burlingame, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Butter Meats, California Spice Basket, and OutFit.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 1.46 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $ | 0.35 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.22 miles | 14 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.3 miles | 17 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.23 miles | 21 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.74 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.23 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.59 miles | 14 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.44 miles | 59 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.44 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.22 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.52 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.35 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.26 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.16 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.25 miles | 24 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.14 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.25 miles | 19 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.14 miles | 14 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.24 miles | 32 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.15 miles | 41 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.28 miles | 80 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.88 miles | 19 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Burlingame has 12,347 households, with an average household size of 2.42. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Burlingame do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 30,526 people call Burlingame home. The population density is 6,948.53 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
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10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
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Average individual Income
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