San Mateo Is Entering a Major Development Cycle
San Mateo may be known as the quiet city between San Francisco and San Jose, but that is changing quickly. More than 6,200 housing units are currently proposed or in progress across the city.
The biggest changes are concentrated around El Camino Real, Hillsdale, Bay Meadows, downtown San Mateo, and major Caltrain corridors.
El Camino Real
Nine projects along El Camino Real could add roughly 1,638 housing units, replacing older commercial properties with new apartments and condos.
Three projects are already approved, while others—including a proposed redevelopment of a Safeway site and conversion of a 12-story office building into apartments—remain in the pipeline.
Hillsdale Mall
The Hillsdale Mall redevelopment could eventually add up to 1,670 homes, along with new retail, offices, and public spaces around the relocated Caltrain station.
While this is still several years away, it could become one of San Mateo's biggest long-term redevelopment projects.
Bay Meadows
The transformation of the former horse racetrack into Bay Meadows is nearing its final stages. The master-planned community already features nearly 1,000 homes, 18 acres of parks, retail, offices, and a private high school.
The final commercial parcels have also been leased to a major technology tenant, further strengthening the area's employment base.
Downtown San Mateo
Several infill projects are adding new housing near downtown and Central Park, including Brickyard Flats, which has already been completed and fully leased.
Additional residential and mixed-use projects are still moving through the city's approval process.
New Homes Near Caltrain and Highway 101
Another major project, Bayshore Commons, could bring 256 for-sale homes, including 64 single-family homes and 192 townhomes.
Additional apartment development is also planned near West 20th Street and the Hayward Park Caltrain station.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
The new development is concentrated in specific corridors rather than established single-family neighborhoods.
That could actually make existing single-family homes in established neighborhoods more desirable due to their limited supply.
For buyers, however, the new construction pipeline could create more options—particularly for those looking for condos, townhomes, and newer homes.
San Mateo Neighborhoods to Watch
The Hillsdale and Beresford areas could be particularly interesting for buyers with a long-term outlook. New housing, retail, transit improvements, and continued investment could significantly change these areas over the coming years.
Final Thoughts
San Mateo is undergoing a major transformation, with thousands of new homes planned alongside transit, retail, office, and infrastructure improvements.
While many projects are still years away, the direction is clear: San Mateo is becoming denser, more walkable, and increasingly transit-oriented.
For homeowners and buyers, understanding where development is happening—and where it isn't—could be critical when making a real estate decision in the years ahead.