San Carlos, CA

Nicknamed “The City of Good Living”, San Carlos is a beautiful city, with easy access to San Francisco, San Jose, and other major cities in the Bay Area. San Carlos is known for being a friendly community with safe and family-friendly neighborhoods and excellent schools. And, the weather remains mild and pleasant almost all year round, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.

The median home value in San Carlos, CA, is about $2,101,920. According to San Carlos realtors, home prices have gone up 0.9% over the past year. The average time a house spends on the real estate market is 39 days.

The average rent for an apartment is $2,310 – depending on the location, home size, and property features.

City highlights

The gorgeous city of San Carlos boasts a picturesque landscape that includes parks, canyons, hills, and lakes. The residents can enjoy hiking, jogging, and leisurely walks at numerous walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.

San Carlos residents benefit from a high standard of living, excellent schools, numerous amenities, and cultural opportunities.

The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with various galleries, museums, and theaters. And, there are interesting annual events and festivals, such as the Hometown Days, Art and Wine Faire, and the Farmers’ Market to enthrall everyone.

San Carlos has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops that cater to different tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for casual dining or fine dining, you’ll find plenty of options in San Carlos. The city also has a vibrant shopping scene, with several boutiques, specialty stores, and malls.

Geographic location

San Carlos is located in San Mateo County, in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, United States. It’s approximately halfway between San Francisco and San Jose. The city covers an area of about 5.5 square miles.

Since it’s located in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula, San Carlos is a convenient base to explore the Bay Area’s major attractions. The city is just a short drive away from San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the Pacific coast.

Climate

San Carlos has a Mediterranean climate, which means mild winters and dry summers. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities.

Demography

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of San Carlos was estimated to be about 30,722 – with a population density of 5,676.6 inhabitants per square mile. The ethnic makeup of San Carlos is 71.1% Whites, 0.7% African Americans, 0.1% Native Americans, 17.6% Asians, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 8.2% residents from two or more races.

The median age in San Carlos is 43.7 years and the gender makeup is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in San Carlos is relatively high – approximately 70% higher than the national average. It’s reflective of the region’s affluence and desirability. Furthermore, the high cost of living is primarily due to the high home values.

Other expenses such as transportation, healthcare, and groceries are also higher than the U.S. average. However, the city has a strong economy and job market, which helps to offset the high cost of living for many residents.

The median household income is approximately $138,180 and the per capita income is $63,460. The poverty rate is about 3.5%.

Transportation

San Carlos is primarily a car-centric city with most of the residents relying on personal vehicles for transportation. SamTrans does operate several bus routes, providing convenient transportation to neighboring cities such as Redwood City, Menlo Park, and San Francisco. And, Caltrain is a great option for traveling to San Francisco and San Jose.

The city also has a well-maintained network of bike lanes and pedestrian paths for those who love to be on their own.

Schools

Some of the best San Carlos schools (based on academic performance, student-teacher ratios, extracurricular activities, and overall reputation) include San Carlos Charter Learning Center, Arroyo School, Central Middle School, and Tierra Linda Middle School. Having said that, if you’re moving to San Carlos, you should do thorough research and visit the local schools to get a sense of their environment before making a decision for your children.

What is the city like?

San Carlos is known for its scenic beauty, with more than 10 parks and open spaces, including Burton Park, which has a playground, picnic area, and tennis courts. The city is also home to the San Carlos Airport, which has a number of flying schools.

San Carlos Downtown features many restaurants, shops, and cafes. The San Carlos School District serves the city and has some excellent schools.

Overall, San Carlos is a vibrant community that offers a high quality of life, small-town charm, easy access to popular attractions, all amenities, and a sense of community.

Most importantly, San Carlos is considered one of the safest cities in California, making it an excellent place to raise a family.