Central San Mateo, San Mateo, CA
Is San Mateo, CA (Central San Mateo) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in San Mateo, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe26
Medium39
Low58
Other232
15 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape0
Child involved13
Assault5
Other1
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies conduct a traffic stop near Capistrano Road and Prospect Way involving a white pickup truck. | Capistrano Rd & Prospect Way, El Granada, CA 94019 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a report of a possible fraud incident near Guerrero Avenue and Alameda in Half Moon Bay, where a caller said they gave information to someone claiming to be from a company and requested a follow-up phone call for advice. | Guerrero Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | Fraud Report |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies were notified of a possible scam-type contact at a residence near Avenue Alhambra, where a man in his twenties asked to see a gas bill and then walked away toward Ferdinand. An area check was requested and a county report was taken. | Ave Alhambra, El Granada, CA 94018 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a paddle/surf glider person was rescued near Johnson Pier. The rescuer is returning to the boat with students. | Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers conducted a traffic stop near Broadway and Charles involving a green Honda Accord. | Broadway, Moss Beach, CA 94019 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched for a possible medical emergency involving a woman with a reported cardiac issue and difficulty breathing, referenced near Monte Verde Drive and Evergreen Avenue in Pacifica, California. | Monte Verde Dr, Pacifica, CA 94044 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic reports possible smoke, with rovers directed to the 'three bay' area to investigate. | 3rd St, Montara, CA 94037 | Fire Incident |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire and medics are responding to a medical emergency near San Carlos Avenue in El Granada involving a 77-year-old male with chest pain. | San Carlos Ave, El Granada, CA 94018 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency responders are attending to a 77-year-old male with chest pain near San Carlos Avenue in El Granada. | San Carlos Ave, El Granada, CA 94018 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were dispatched to a reported verbal disturbance at Linda Mar Beach involving the reporting party and people associated with RVs and trash in the area. The reporting party left and requested to meet officers at a nearby business. | CA-1, Pacifica, CA 94044 | Disturbance |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$1,691,319
Average Rent
$4,907
Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Nearby neighborhoods
Central San Mateo Overview
Central San Mateo is a densely urban neighborhood with a majority of renter-occupied apartments and older housing stock.
The area features many large apartment buildings and a diverse, highly educated population.
UrbanHigh RentRenter OccupiedDiverse
Quick Facts
| Vacancy Rate | 6.1% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Central San Mateo's housing is mostly large apartment complexes with a high renter occupancy and moderate vacancies.
| Renter Occupied Rate | Majority |
|---|---|
| Large Apartment Buildings | 77.8% |
| Built 1940-1969 | Majority |
What buyers will notice right away
High proportion of large apartment buildings suits renters and urban lifestyle seekers.
Vacancy rates near national median indicate balanced housing demand.
Families & Lifestyle
Central San Mateo is known for its urban sophisticates and diverse, educated residents.
High education and executive workforce support a cultured urban lifestyle.
Low child poverty rate reflects strong community economic health.
Urban Sophisticates — Among top 2.8% nationally for urban sophisticates, with refined cultural tastes.
Active Retirees — Also a good choice for active retirees seeking urban amenities.
| Same-Sex Households | 4.1% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
Demographics
| Graduate Degree Holders | 38.9% |
|---|---|
| Executive & Professional Workforce | 80.6% |
| Income Rank | Top 15% nationally |
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| Asian Ancestry | 33.9% |
| Brazilian Ancestry | 2.4% |
| Russian Language at Home | 3.3% |
| Foreign Born | 37.8% |
Commute
Residents mostly drive alone with moderate commute times.
Central San Mateo offers urban commute patterns with many residents driving alone and moderate travel times.
Short Commutes — Most commuters spend 15 to 30 minutes traveling to work.
Car Dependence — Majority drive alone, typical for urban neighborhoods.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 67.6 |
Homes for sale near 94037
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Central San Mateo?
The median home price is $1,691,319, higher than 91.8% of U.S. neighborhoods.
What types of housing are common here?
Mostly large apartment complexes and some single-family homes built between 1940 and 1999.
Is Central San Mateo a diverse neighborhood?
Yes, with significant Brazilian, Russian, Asian ancestries and multiple languages spoken.