Living in Burlingame, California in 2026: Schools, Real Estate, Walkability & Lifestyle Guide

Living in Burlingame, California in 2026: Schools, Real Estate, Walkability & Lifestyle Guide

If you’re thinking about moving to the San Francisco Bay Area and want a city that’s walkable, tree-lined, commuter-friendly, and known for top-rated schools, Burlingame should absolutely be on your radar.

Located in the heart of the Mid-Peninsula, Burlingame combines charm, convenience, and long-term real estate value in a way few Bay Area cities can.

Let’s break down what makes Burlingame one of the most desirable places to live in 2026.

Where Is Burlingame Located?

Burlingame sits between San Mateo and Millbrae on the Mid-Peninsula, perfectly positioned for commuting.

Residents enjoy:

• Direct access to Highway 101
• Quick access to Highway 280
• A centrally located Caltrain station
• Easy connection to BART via Millbrae
• Roughly 20–25 minutes to San Francisco
• 25–40 minutes to Silicon Valley

Whether you commute north or south, Burlingame offers flexibility and convenience.

A City Designed With Intention

Burlingame’s modern history dates back to the mid-1800s, when prominent San Francisco businessmen sought cleaner air and a quieter lifestyle on the Peninsula.

The arrival of the railroad transformed Burlingame into a thoughtfully planned residential community with a central commercial corridor — what we now know as Burlingame Avenue.

One of the most defining decisions made early in the city’s development was the preservation and planting of trees. Today, Burlingame is often called the “City of Trees,” with mature tree-lined streets that add character and long-term appeal.

Burlingame Avenue: The Heart of the City

Burlingame Avenue is the city’s vibrant downtown core — and one of the most walkable promenades on the Peninsula.

Here you’ll find:

• High-end boutiques
• Lululemon, Sephora, and Apple
• Family-owned shops
• Coffee houses and bakeries
• Award-winning restaurants
• Toy stores like Five Little Monkeys
• Specialty luggage stores
• Luxury watch retailers

It’s a true lifestyle destination — not just for Burlingame residents, but also for nearby Hillsborough homeowners, one of the most exclusive communities in the Bay Area.

Because Hillsborough has no downtown of its own, many residents come to Burlingame for dining, shopping, and daily essentials — adding to Burlingame’s desirability and supporting strong property values.

Restaurants Worth Talking About

Burlingame’s food scene is diverse and high quality.

Local favorites include:

• La Corneta – Classic Mission-style burritos
• Tuna Kahuna – Some of the best poke bowls in the Bay Area
• Mikonos Meze – Elevated Greek cuisine with a lively evening vibe
• Mason Alise – Beautiful French pastries and artisan coffee
• Lemon (Peruvian cuisine)
• Blue Line Pizza
• Lotus Falafel & Shawarma

Whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch or enjoying a vibrant dinner, Burlingame offers options for every occasion.

Parks, Schools & Community Living

A major community anchor is Washington Park, located near Burlingame High School.

• Washington Park offers:
• Tennis courts
• Pickleball courts
• Bocce courts
• Playgrounds
• Open lawn areas
• Community gathering space

There are also multiple neighborhood parks scattered throughout the city.

But one of Burlingame’s biggest draws is its highly rated school districts — consistently among the top-performing in the Bay Area. This is a major reason why families choose to plant roots here.

Burlingame Real Estate Market (2026)

As of early 2026:

Single-Family Homes

• Range: ~$1.2M (fixers) to $10M+
• Average: ~$3.2M

Condos & Townhomes

• Range: ~$625,000 to $2.5M
• Average: ~$1M

Over the last 10 years, Burlingame has experienced over 70% appreciation in home values.

Homes frequently sell within two weeks, often with non-contingent offers. Competition remains strong due to:

• Top schools
• Commute convenience
• Walkable lifestyle
• Proximity to Hillsborough
• Limited inventory

Burlingame continues to be a high-demand market with long-term stability.

14 Distinct Neighborhoods

• Burlingame is not one-size-fits-all. The city includes 14 distinct neighborhoods offering:
• Tree-lined residential streets
• Hillside homes with views
• Larger estate properties
• Walk-to-downtown living
• Quiet family-oriented enclaves

There’s truly a neighborhood for every buyer profile.

Why People Choose Burlingame

Buyers choose Burlingame for:

• Top-rated schools
• Strong property appreciation
• Walkable downtown
• Central Peninsula location
• Established community feel
• High quality of life

It offers a rare mix of suburban calm with urban convenience.

Is Burlingame Right for You?

If you're looking for a family-friendly, walkable, commuter-friendly Peninsula city with strong long-term value — Burlingame is one of the best options in the Bay Area.

It’s not the most affordable market — but historically, it’s been one of the most stable and consistently appreciating.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Burlingame?

If you’re considering buying or selling real estate in Burlingame or anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, our team would love to help.

We provide local insight, strategic guidance, and clear communication — whether you're purchasing your first home or selling a luxury property.