Welcome to San Carlos
Small in size but huge in personality, this city enclave offers a wonderful lifestyle
Welcome to the “City of Good Living” – San Carlos. With its ideal climate, charming neighborhoods, quaint downtown anchored by Laurel Street, and a thriving business district, San Carlos continually attracts new residents and businesses all while creating a community feeling. The city boasts top-rated schools, a low crime rate, and wonderful recreational and educational activities for all ages. Striking a fine balance between the picturesque neighborhoods and the industrial area, the “City of Good Living” embodies good living indeed!
Ask nearly any San Carlos resident why they chose this Peninsula city, and chances are high they’ll refer to the town’s moniker, the “City of Good Living.” Delight is in the very air in this vibrant community, where residents have a magnificent array of activities at their fingertips. Outstanding breweries, lively eateries, excellent bars, cozy coffee shops, and darling boutiques make up the core of this gorgeous area. Yet, it boasts just as many natural splendors and ways to have fun in the great outdoors.
San Carlos' verdant residential streets are also filled with breathtaking homes, many with gardens featuring lime and lemon trees. From sprawling luxury estates to modern, single-family jewels, incoming residents have a bounty of terrific real estate options from which to choose. Families tend to stay in San Carlos for generations, which amplifies its tight-knit ethos.
What to Love
- Ideally located near San Francisco and San Jose
- An abundance of impeccable parks that are perfect for kids
- An electrifying downtown
- Terrific walkability
- Sublime climate
Local Lifestyle
San Carlos’ charming vibes make it a hit with a wide range of people. Whether you're a technology professional in Mountain View, an artist in San Francisco, or a retiree who enjoys wine tasting and hiking, San Carlos may be just right for you. You’ll often find your neighbors playing in the park or enjoying any of the many downtown amenities.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
San Carlos is a destination in and of itself, especially for people across the San Francisco Bay Area who want to escape the pressures of urban life. Its culinary scene reflects this, with a sweet mix of swank and relaxed restaurants.
For a fantastic weekend brunch, beeline to Town for superb bloody Marys, banana, chocolate, and French hazelnut toast with seasonal berries, and chilaquiles with avocado and jalapenos.
When you’re in the mood for an ice-cold artisan beer and a sumptuous pastrami sandwich, you can settle onto a stool at the spirited pub, The Refuge. Prefer vino? The Cask Wine Bar has an extraordinary wine list that offers varietals from around the globe. Global fare – or Afghan food, to be exact – is found in spades at San Carlos’ Kabul Afghan Cuisine, while pizza cravings are amply satisfied at Blue Line Pizza.
And whether you want to spend a special morning with your children or have a birthday party to attend, The Reading Bug supplies an assortment of colorful children’s tales in a captivating, magical setting.
Things to Do
A huge part of San Carlos’ charm is its focus on community and the myriad of events it hosts per year. Fabulous live music and first-rate food take center stage at the annual Hometown Days at Burton Park. During the winter months, the city becomes a veritable sight to behold with the Eucalyptus Avenue Holiday Lights.
The San Carlos Art and Wine Faire is also as lovely as it is exciting, while Music in the Park, presented by San Carlos Parks & Recreation, is a terrific venue to enjoy live tunes while catching up with your neighbors.
For an old-world ambiance in a rustic-chic setting, you can dedicate a Saturday to sipping on small-batch varietals at Domenico Winery. And when you want to give your children a lesson in history, the Hiller Aviation Museum is astounding.
Schools
Children who live in San Carlos are fortunate to live near a bevy of high-achieving public schools run by the San Carlos School District. The San Carlos School District values equity among its schools and has a system where students receive an equally excellent education regardless of which school they attend. The District also believes that this system of neighborhood schools promotes maximum parent involvement. To locate your home school, the best resource is the San Carlos District school website.
Elementary Schools:
- Arundel Elementary School
- Heather Schooll
- Brittan Acres School
- White Oaks Elementary
- Mariposa Upper Elementary School
- Arroyo Upper Elementary
There are two middle schools in San Carlos:
Prefer the private route for your children, here a few of the desirable schools in the community:
- St. Charles School
- Fusion Academy (Grades 6-12)
In 2023, the San Carlos average price for a single-family home was $2,417,041, a 12% decrease from the previous year
