Welcome to Hillsdale
Between land and sea south of San Francisco, this quaint suburban dream is a much-loved escape from urban hustle
Arbored streets and a bevy of shopping opportunities are just the start of the appeal in Hillsdale, whose charm is as abounding as the leafy native trees. Located around the
Hillsdale Shopping Center and the soft greens of the
Peninsula Golf & Country Club, Hillsdale is an affluent neighborhood nestled between the rugged hills and the radiant waters of San Francisco Bay in South San Mateo. On its eastern boundary, California State Route 82 provides convenient access to the rest of the bay area.
Composed of several subdivisions embodying an idyllic suburban life, Hillsdale is a retreat from the urban into a more verdant, family-friendly way of living. The neighborhood found its beginnings in the 1930s and 1940s when developer David D. Bohannon began laying the plans for the shopping center and residential areas.
The real estate in Hillsdale is brimming with diversity, including charismatic bungalows from the 1950s, stylish new-build townhomes, post-war Cape Cods, and private-feeling, stately single-family homes for 1-3 million dollars. Those searching for apartments or condos will love those available at Bay Meadows, whose urban-meets-community neighborhood is tucked within the bounds of Hillsdale.
What to Love
- Under 30 minutes from downtown San Francisco
- Lively shopping and dining within arm’s reach
- Excellently priced homes replete with architectural diversity
People & Lifestyle
Hillsdale’s great number of wonderful schools contributes to its status as a family-friendly enclave, in addition to its many well-maintained park spaces. Shoppers and retail enthusiasts can revel in the wide variety of stores — both designer and local — nearby, and those who desire the perfect blend of urban and suburban can find their perfect harmony here.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
Hillsdale is notable for the presence of the
Hillsdale Shopping Center, which was historically home to some of the first suburban branches of stores such as Sears and Macy’s. The center is renowned for its more than 120 stores, which feature brands including Nordstrom, Apple, Ethan Allen, and lululemon.
More than just retail, the Hillsdale Shopping Center is also a mecca for epicurean dining and invigorating fun. Exquisite Japanese fare is the specialty at
Yayoi, while
Shake Shack serves up their classic California burgers. At
Pinstripes, bocce and bowling come together with delicious made-from-scratch gourmet fares like wood-fired pizzas and seasonal gelato.
Lean back and enjoy an unforgettable movie experience at
Cinépolis, where the chairs themselves are decked out in surround sound software to create the ultimate viewing. Guests can order from a fine-dining menu and have their meals delivered via the theater’s waiters, elevating the “dinner and a show” trope to an elegant level.
Things to Do
Whether you’re a video game connoisseur or an outdoor enthusiast, a retail fanatic, or a foodie, Hillsdale has the capability to cater to a wide variety of interests and hobbies. At the Hillsdale Shopping Center, the cutting-edge games of
Sandbox VR allow visitors to dive feet first in a sensory adventure, paired with cinematic visuals and exhilarating fantasy challenges.
Nearby,
Laurelwood Park acts as the city’s largest, coming in at 225 acres. Massive and lush, this scenic park has a plethora of trails to explore, which lead to the stunning vistas from Sugarloaf Mountain. Those in need of small-scale event space can turn to Beresford Recreation Center, whose indoor playground makes the perfect setting for a children’s party.
Schools
Hillsdale is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Junipero Serra High School, 9-12, private Catholic high school and the #1 all-boys high school in San Francisco Bay Area
- Hillsdale High School, 9-12, one of the top public high schools in San Mateo County
- Abbott Middle School, 6-8, highly rated public middle school
