Highlands Neighborhood
Is San Mateo, CA (Highlands) 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
Other231
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
$2,971,600
Average Rent
$5,418
Vacancy Rate
3.8%
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview of Highlands
Highlands is a suburban neighborhood in San Mateo, CA, known for its high median home price of $2,971,600, placing it above 97% of California neighborhoods.
The community features mostly medium to large single-family homes built primarily between 1940 and 1969, reflecting a well-established residential character.
SuburbanHigh IncomeFamily FriendlyHighly Educated
Quick Facts
| Work From Home Rate | 33.7% |
|---|---|
| Family Friendly Rank | Top 6.5% in CA |
Housing market and real estate character
Highlands offers predominantly owner-occupied, medium to large single-family homes, many built during the mid-20th century.
| Owner Occupied Rate | High |
|---|---|
| Large Home Rank | More large homes than 97.8% of US neighborhoods |
| Homes Built 1940-1969 | 82.5% |
| Vacancy Rate | 3.8% |
What buyers will notice right away
Most homes were built between 1940 and 1969, offering a classic mid-century suburban feel.
Vacancy rates are low, indicating strong demand and potential for price stability.
Families & Lifestyle
Highlands is attractive to families and highly educated professionals, with a strong community focus on education and quality of life.
The neighborhood's combination of top public schools, low crime, and owner-occupied homes supports family life.
High levels of education and wealth foster a community of professionals and urban sophisticates.
Executive & Professional — Nearly 70% of workers are in executive, management, or professional roles.
Work From Home — 33.7% work from home, reflecting a tech-savvy and creative population.
| Family Friendly Rank | Top 6.5% in California |
|---|---|
| Advanced Degree Holders | 41.3% |
| Luxury Car Ownership | Common |
Demographics
| Advanced Degree Rate | 41.3% |
|---|---|
| Executive & Professional Employment | 69.5% |
| Child Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| Foreign Born | 19.5% |
| Top Languages | ["English (77.1%)","Chinese (7.4%)","French","Spanish"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["Asian (29.0%)","English (14.2%)","German (12.5%)","Irish (7.9%)","Russian (4.2%)","Armenian (1.0%)"] |
Commute
Most residents enjoy short commutes or work from home, reflecting the neighborhood's suburban and professional character.
Highlands offers a high rate of remote work and short commutes, supporting a balanced lifestyle.
Remote Work — 33.7% work from home, well above national averages.
Short Commutes — Nearly half commute 15-30 minutes, shorter than typical US commutes.
Car Use — Majority drive alone, with some carpooling and walking options.
| Work From Home Rate | 33.7% |
|---|---|
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
| Drive Alone Rate | 53.2% |
| Carpool Rate | 5.1% |
| Walk to Work | 6.1% |
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 Highlands?
The median home price is $2,971,600, more expensive than 97% of California neighborhoods.
How common is working from home in Highlands?
33.7% of residents work from home, higher than 97% of US neighborhoods.
What types of homes are common in Highlands?
Mostly medium to large single-family homes built between 1940 and 1969.