Imagine cutting your commute in half while living on tree-lined streets, surrounded by world-class dining, and sending your kids to some of the Bay Area’s top schools. Welcome to Burlingame, a charming Peninsula city where historic character meets modern convenience — and where the median home price of $2.7 million reflects its undeniable desirability.
A City of Trees with a Storied Past
Known as the “City of Trees,” Burlingame’s history dates back to the mid-1800s when San Francisco merchant William Davis Merry Howard planted thousands of eucalyptus trees across his property. Later, banker William Ralston named the area after his friend, diplomat Anson Burlingame. Officially incorporated in 1908, the town became a haven for families rebuilding after the San Francisco earthquake — and it continues to attract residents seeking that same community-centered appeal.
Today, Burlingame covers just six square miles and is home to about 31,000 residents, offering small-town charm with Peninsula convenience.
Neighborhoods with Distinct Character
Burlingame is made up of 12 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality and price point.
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Burlingame Park: Just steps from Burlingame Avenue, this postcard-perfect neighborhood features Tudor revival homes and cozy bungalows shaded by lush trees. Homes here rarely hit the market — and when they do, they can sell for over $9 million.
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Easton Addition: Burlingame’s “crown jewel,” this area blends early-1900s charm with timeless elegance. Craftsman, Mediterranean, and Tudor-style homes line its wide, tree-shaded streets. With average home prices around $3.3 million, Easton Addition offers an attractive alternative to nearby Hillsborough.
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Burlingame Hills: For those seeking panoramic Bay views and estate-like properties, the hillside neighborhoods deliver luxurious living with space to breathe.
Closer to downtown, you’ll also find condos and townhomes perfect for buyers who value walkability and modern convenience — like the featured Burlingame Terrace townhome, offering stylish living just steps from both Broadway and Burlingame Avenue.
Lifestyle, Dining, and Community
Few Peninsula cities rival Burlingame’s blend of sophistication and small-town warmth. Downtown Burlingame Avenue and Broadway Avenue are bustling hubs of boutique shopping, cozy cafés, and restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide.
Some local favorites include:
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New England Lobster Eatery for classic seafood and clam chowder
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Urban Kitchen for comfort food with a healthy twist
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Mikonos for one of the best Greek dining experiences in the Bay Area
Beyond dining, parks and recreation are part of everyday life. The city maintains 19 parks, from family-friendly playgrounds to scenic open spaces like Mills Canyon Park and Crystal Springs Regional Trail. Washington Park, home to the new $52 million Community Center, hosts concerts, movie nights, and community campouts that bring neighbors together all summer long.
Top-Rated Schools for Growing Families
Education is a major draw for Burlingame families. Local public schools such as Franklin, Lincoln, Roosevelt, McKinley, Washington, and Hoover Elementary all score between 7 and 8 out of 10 on GreatSchools.
Burlingame Intermediate School continues the strong academic tradition, and Burlingame High School — rated 10/10 — is celebrated for its award-winning music and arts programs. Private school options also abound for families seeking alternative learning paths.
Connected and Convenient
Burlingame’s location couldn’t be better for commuters. The Caltrain runs directly through town, offering quick access to both San Francisco and San Jose. Highway 101, El Camino Real, and San Francisco International Airport are minutes away — ideal for frequent travelers and tech professionals working across the Bay Area.
The city’s bike-friendly streets and walkable downtown make it easy to leave the car behind, whether you’re running errands or heading to dinner.
A Home for Every Lifestyle
Whether you’re drawn to historic homes with timeless charm, hillside estates with sweeping views, or walkable townhomes near dining and transit, Burlingame has something for everyone.
As Realtor Spencer Hsu highlights, Burlingame truly offers “the perfect blend of charm, convenience, and character” — a rare balance in the Bay Area.
Ready to explore Burlingame?
From luxury estates to hidden-gem townhomes, this Peninsula city continues to define what it means to live where luxury meets lifestyle.