Foster City,CA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Foster City, CA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discover the Charm of the Best Neighborhoods in Foster City, CA
Foster City, CA, is a picturesque community nestled along the San Francisco Bay, known for its scenic waterways and family-friendly atmosphere. When exploring the best neighborhoods in Foster City, you'll find a unique blend of modern living, lush parks, and waterfront views that make this city stand out. Whether you’re strolling along the lagoons or enjoying one of the many outdoor dining spots, Foster City neighborhoods offer a welcoming vibe that appeals to a variety of lifestyles.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
The housing market in Foster City is competitive but rewarding, with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Neighborhoods like Mariners Island and Bayport are popular choices for families and professionals seeking spacious, modern homes with waterfront access. While affordability can be a challenge here, especially compared to other parts of the Bay Area, the quality of life and amenities make the investment worthwhile. The Foster City neighborhoods map highlights clusters where you can find newer developments alongside well-established communities, each offering unique perks.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
Foster City is often praised for its low crime rates and strong sense of community safety. Neighborhoods such as Southport and Hillsdale are known for their stable environments, with active neighborhood watch programs and community events that foster connection among residents. The city’s commitment to public safety is evident in its well-maintained public spaces and responsive local police force, making it one of the safest places to live in San Mateo County.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Each Foster City neighborhood has its own distinct personality. For example, the vibrant community around the Foster City Lagoon is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, while areas near Leo J. Ryan Park offer a more laid-back, family-oriented atmosphere with playgrounds and picnic areas. Culinary lovers will enjoy the variety of restaurants lining Foster City Boulevard, featuring everything from casual cafes to upscale dining. The city’s culture is one of inclusivity and outdoor living, with regular community festivals and farmers markets enhancing the neighborhood spirit.
Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?
While Foster City itself doesn’t host major universities, it is conveniently close to several prominent institutions in the surrounding areas. The neighborhood near the Foster City Lagoon offers easy access to the College of San Mateo, located just a short drive away. Additionally, San Francisco State University and Skyline College are within commuting distance, making Foster City an ideal home base for students and faculty who prefer a suburban lifestyle. The Foster City neighborhoods map shows how these educational hubs connect seamlessly to local transit routes.
What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?
Many people might not realize that Foster City was originally built on reclaimed marshland, which gives it an extensive network of lagoons and waterways that are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Another hidden gem is the Foster City Dog Park, a favorite spot among pet owners that often goes unnoticed by newcomers. Plus, the city hosts a unique annual event called “Foster City Art & Wine Festival,” which brings together local artists and wineries, showcasing the creative and social side of these neighborhoods. Exploring the Foster City neighborhoods map can reveal these fun and lesser-known aspects that make living here truly special.
Foster City Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town Center | 43.5 | 25.7% | $1,113,300 | $154,286 | 7.6 |
| Famous Ships | 39.2 | 33.9% | $1,508,729 | $188,639 | 7.8 |
| Constellations and Stars | 43.5 | 30.3% | $1,431,220 | $182,346 | 7.9 |
| Explorers | 41.1 | 35.7% | $1,562,520 | $186,836 | 8.0 |
| Pilgrim-Triton | 41.3 | 33.7% | $1,538,900 | $192,110 | 8.3 |
| Vintage Park | 39.6 | 29% | $1,194,200 | $146,850 | 8.4 |
| Chess | 41.1 | 35% | $1,587,850 | $178,864 | 9.2 |
| Boats | 42.4 | 33.8% | $1,762,158 | $187,431 | 9.2 |
| Lincoln | 41.1 | 35% | $1,587,850 | $178,864 | 9.2 |
| Fish | 43.5 | 32.6% | $1,738,367 | $184,878 | 9.5 |
Foster City neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Foster City—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Foster City, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Foster City
| Crime |
Reported |
Foster City /100k |
CA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | 6.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 7 | 22.1 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 13 | 41.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 22 | 69 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | 22.1 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 176 | 555.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 29 | 91.5 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 212 | 669 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 234 | 739 | 2,564 | 2,119 |