Sunnybrae

 

The peaceful neighborhood of Sunnybrae radiates with a traditional and family-friendly ambiance that has been drawing in residents for decades. From its position adjacent to Downtown San Mateo — where retail and dining both thrive and a dynamic nightlife dominates the evenings — and its proximity to the biggest commuter highways of the Bay Area, Sunnybrae proves that residential, suburban serenity can still be found in the urban pulse of the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

Sunnybrae is incredibly walkable, and a simple stroll through the vibrant streets will provide a visual feast of colorful mid-century homes. Plentiful local shops, niche cafes, and parks are just a quick walk away, and it isn't uncommon to find residents out and about enjoying the idyllic weather. 

 

Many houses in Sunnybrae were designed by the renowned Joseph Eichler, and their elegance has lasted for decades. Spacious lots and radiant single-family homes dominate the market, as well as pre-war homes that embody a classic mid-peninsula style. Pricewise, the real estate is affordable considering the sophisticated style of architecture and the prime location, and many properties hover around the 1-1.5 million dollar range.

 

 

A close-knit community vibe creates a neighborly environment and contributes to well-kept facilities within the bounds of Sunnybrae. Perfectly edged green lawns and families riding bicycles are common sights, with fogged sunlight illuminating tranquil morning scenes of children heading to school and parents beginning their workday.

 

Find the best of all things local by making your way just a few minutes north into Downtown San Mateo, where boutique shopping and people-watching from coffee shops are just some of the relaxing daytime activities. Between Tilton Avenue and San Mateo Central Park, a slew of niche stores and culinary delights await, including specialty shops like Atlas Skateboard Store and Dance Theatre Shop. 

 

The dining in Downtown San Mateo is equally impressive, and cuisines can range from savory German fare to casual Mediterranean. Sushi lovers will be astounded by the immaculate presentations of Sushi Yoshizumi, an exclusive, chef-driven restaurant with only two seatings each evening. 

 

Espetus San Mateo offers top-of-the-line Brazilian cuisine at their dazzling restaurant, where waiters dress in traditional Gaucho attire and sizzling meats come stacked on skewers. Connoisseur of the finest wines? The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar Restaurant carefully pair curated wines with your meal of hearty varied dishes, including fried calamari, Philly steak spring rolls, and prosciutto flatbreads.

 

For entertainment and activities, Sunnybrae provides a healthy mix between parks, outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, and festivals, most of which come from the neighborhood’s closeness to downtown. San Mateo Central Park, for instance, serves the Sunnybrae community well with its sweeping 16 acres of manicured landscape.

 

The park, which was the first public park in all of San Mateo, is additionally home to a resplendent Japanese Garden, which is considered among the most beautiful in all of California. The garden was designed by an architect of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo, Nagao Sakurai, and contains breathtaking displays of cherry blossom trees during the early spring. San Mateo Central Park is also the setting for some of the city’s most exciting events, such as the Central Park Music Series and the 4th of July in the Park festival.

 

Sunnybrae is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: