Best Suburbs Surrounding San Francisco Bay Area of California

One visit to San Francisco will show you why people leave their hearts there, with its natural beauty on a peninsula surrounded by water. The stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay along with a diverse culture make this an iconic part of California. 

In San Francisco, you can experience cuisine, music, art, and festivals. As one of the healthiest cities in the Golden State, there is abundant recreation including outdoor yoga classes, biking, golfing and fishing. Of course, California has some of the best state parks that offer an array of outdoor adventures. The opportunities for employment are vast in this technology hub, too. Find companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, and Uber adding to the thriving economy. Home to Alcatraz, the birthplace of the cable car, and the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America, there are many reasons this is a unique Cali locale.

Not ready to live in the city proper? Live in one of the desirable San Francisco suburbs.  We’ve given you the top 10 suburbs below to ponder for your next new home purchase:

10.  San Anselmo

• Population: 12,795
• Median Home Value: $1,209,300
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 34 minutes

A great place to call home about 20 miles to the north of San Francisco is San Anselmo.  This Marin County town is home to one of the oldest public libraries in California. Superior schools, including the College of Marin with a focus on sustainability and the beautiful views of Mount Tamalpais provide some of the allure of this inviting suburb.  If you are a first time California homebuyer, utilize the link to help you navigate your new homebuying experience. Your next new home in San Anselmo might just be waiting for you.

9.  Burlingame

• Population: 31,142
• Median Home Value: $2,000,001
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,185
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 74

Just 15 miles south of San Francisco, Burlingame is a beautiful city with its share of major employers including Google and Yahoo.  Bayfront Park and the Municipal Golf Course will have you out taking advantage of the great weather and fresh air.  With a charming downtown, you can stroll through the shops and enjoy a bite to eat at the delicious restaurants. This safe, family-friendly city also has outstanding schools. Peruse some of the innovative new homes in the Burlingame area.

8.  Los Altos Hills

• Population: 8,520
• Median Home Value: $2,000,001
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 67
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 3

Imagine living in an affluent area of California, Los Altos Hills is one of the wealthiest towns in the nation. This safe area offers highly rated schools and proximity to San Francisco with 35 miles between the two communities. Technology companies including Symantec and Intuit boost the economy. The Stevens Creek County Park is a popular spot to stay active. The new home market here is priced accordingly for the location, opportunity, and amenities. Learn more about closing costs in California.

7.  Moraga

• Population: 16,750
• Median Home Value: $1,226,200
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 124
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 23

Live in the charming town of Moraga, just 20 miles east of San Francisco. Contra Costa County is a great commuter locale and Moraga brings convenience, parks, recreation, and services.  Moraga is also home to Saint Mary’s College of California. The safe, welcoming vibe of Moraga feels inviting to potential new homebuyers.

6.  San Carlos

• Population: 30,754
• Median Home Value: $1,904,400
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes

Looking for safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and ease to Silicon Valley? San Carlos, CA might just be the perfect fit. This city has major employers including Intuit and Electronic Arts. With only 20 miles separating you from San Francisco, you can make your way to big city employers, delicious cuisine, and attractions. Shoreline Lake and San Carlos City Park are two spots to enjoy the outdoors. Take a look at the new home communities in and around San Carlos.

5.  Foster City

• Population: 33,511
• Median Home Value: $1,482,500
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 31 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 425
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 39

One of the amazing perks of living in Foster City is the Foster City Lagoon with its many birds and fish. Looking for entertainment? If you’re looking for a night out, the Shoreline Amphitheatre is a great option. This outdoor concert venue hosts a variety of performances, from music festivals to comedy shows. Live in Foster City where you are conveniently near Silicon Valley employers, excellent schools, and plenty of parks, restaurants, and shops.  Discover your next new home in Foster City. 

4.  Palo Alto

• Population: 68,624
• Median Home Value: $2,000,001
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,983
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 86

Palo Alto, the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” is a dynamic city named after a towering redwood tree, and is home to Stanford University, one of the world’s leading universities. Palo Alto also has a number of excellent public schools, making it a great place to raise a family. The city’s economy is driven by the tech industry, with major employers like Google, Facebook, and Tesla. The city is also home to a number of startups and venture capital firms. Palo Alto has a safe and walkable downtown area with a variety of restaurants, shops, and parks. There are also plenty of new home designs in Palo Alto to choose from, sure to check off your wants and needs list.

3.  Berkeley

• Population: 119,607
• Median Home Value: $1,111,000
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 6,256
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 618

Berkeley, an eastern suburb of San Francisco, is a vibrant and walkable city with a strong sense of community. The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a major economic driver of the area, and the city is home to a diverse population of students, professors, and professionals. Berkeley is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Indian Rock Park and Tilden Regional Park offer opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking. The University of California Botanical Garden is home to over 10,000 types of plants. The city is home to a variety of theaters, music venues, and restaurants. Give some serious thought to buying new homes in the Berkeley area.

2.  Mountain View

• Population: 19,958
• Median Home Value: $963,700
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,463
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 165

Mountain View is a vibrant city in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is a great place for tech workers, with easy access to major employers like Google, Apple, and Facebook. The city is also close to San Francisco and other Bay Area cities, making it a convenient place to live and work. Mountain View is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The city has over 30 parks and recreation facilities, offering residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. With stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, there are endless possibilities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. In addition to its natural beauty, Mountain View also has a thriving cultural scene. If you are looking for a vibrant and sustainable city with a lot to offer, Mountain View is the perfect place for you. Check out the new home communities in and around Mountain View.

1.  Albany

• Population: 19,958
• Median Home Value: $963,700
• School Ranking: A+
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 685
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 40

Located just across the bay from San Francisco, Albany is a vibrant and diverse community with several highly rated schools. Its convenient location gives residents the best of both worlds: the suburban feel with easy access to big city employers and attractions. This welcoming and inclusive community offers a variety of fun recreational opportunities, easy commutes, and stunning scenery. No wonder it was ranked #1 on Best Suburbs for the San Francisco Bay Area! If you’re looking for a great place to live, Albany should be at the top of your list. Become the next happy resident in one of the beautiful San Francisco-area new home communities.