San Mateo Photo

College Heights, San Mateo,CA

Neighborhood Data
Proximitii Score score
? /100
Amenities Score Amenities Score Locked
Transit Score Transit & Commute Score Locked
Schools Score Schools Score Locked
Health & Safety Score Health & Safety Score Locked
City Crime Score Crime (City) Score Locked
Location Crime Score Crime (Location) Score Locked
Economy Score Economy Score Locked
Housing Score Housing Score Locked

College Heights in San Mateo, CA, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it a fantastic choice for anyone considering a move to the area. This neighborhood is known for its charming homes, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. Residents often enjoy relaxing strolls around the neighborhood or spending time at local parks, such as College Heights Park, which provides a great spot for picnics, sports, and family outings. The area boasts a peaceful suburban vibe while still being close to the action, giving newcomers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and socializing.

One of the real standouts of College Heights is its convenient proximity to Downtown San Mateo, situated just to the northwest. This means residents can easily access a vibrant hub filled with fantastic dining options, trendy shops, and lively entertainment venues. Whether you want to sample delicious cuisine from a variety of international restaurants or enjoy live music and events, Downtown San Mateo is just a short drive or bike ride away. The neighborhood also benefits from excellent schools and local amenities, making it especially appealing to families looking for a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

For those who appreciate outdoor activities, College Heights is not far from scenic trails and open spaces, including the popular Coyote Point Recreation Area nearby, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, and beautiful views of the bay. The neighborhood’s accessibility to major highways and public transit options also makes commuting straightforward, whether you work in the city or further afield. Overall, College Heights combines comfortable living with a convenient location, making it a wonderful place to settle down and enjoy the best of San Mateo.

Community Snapshot

Population 1,198
Density (People/sqml.) 2,858
Median Age 45.9
Married Couples
63%
63% of the population of College Heights aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
34%
34% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

In College Heights, 34% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 34% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Age Breakdown

College Heights neighborhood age breakdown chart

College Heights demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 1,198 residents, College Heights is notably smaller than many other San Mateo neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

College Heights has a population density of 2,858, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other San Mateo neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 46, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

Crime in College Heights

Crime Safety Index Score Locked 1 2 3 4 5

 

Total Crime Incidents
Try for free within 1 mile
Score Locked per 100k people

Types of Crime

College Heights neighborhood age breakdown chart

College Heights Crime Map

The College Heights crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing

? /10
Home Price $2,000,001
Median Rent $3,206
People/Household 2.8

Home Price Breakdown

College Heights neighborhood home price breakdown chart

Rent vs Own

Rent 20% Own 80%

Year Moved In

Before 2010 65% After 2010 35%

Types of Homes in the Area

Market Trends

Year-over-Year YoY data

 

Housing costs often reflect the desirability and overall character of a neighborhood. In College Heights, home prices come in around $2,000,001, which is higher than many other areas. This elevated pricing points to a sought-after location with strong demand, well-maintained properties, and access to premium amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. Historical home price trends and appreciation rates in College Heights can serve as a window into the neighborhood’s economic strength and future potential. By understanding how the market has performed in the past, buyers and investors can better evaluate whether the area offers promising opportunities for growth and long-term value.

With an average rent price of $3,206, rental rates in College Heights are higher than many other neighborhoods. This reflects the area’s desirability and strong demand, often accompanied by well-maintained properties, premium amenities, and a high quality of life.

Walkability & Lifestyle

Coffee Shops

RareTea
Coffee Shop
min.
min.
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
min.
min.

Entertainment

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas San Mateo
Cinema
min.
min.
Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts
min.
min.

Food & Drink

Subway
Fast Food
min.
min.
Round Table Pizza
Fast Food
min.
min.

Groceries

Piazza's Fine Foods
Grocery Store
min.
min.
Crystal Springs Fish & Poultry
Seafood
min.
min.

Parks

Playground
Playground
min.
min.
Playground
Playground
min.
min.

Shops

Health by Heidi
Nutrition Supplements
min.
min.
Design Jewelry
Fashion
min.
min.

Getting Around

Transit Stops

College of San Mateo Transit Center
Bus Stop
min.
min.
West Hillsdale Boulevard & Clearview Way
Bus Stop
min.
min.

Transit Stations

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Health & Safety

Medical Facilities

Rite Aid
Pharmacy
min.
min.
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
min.
min.

Health Care

Bloom Dental
Dentist
min.
min.
Clear Optometry
Doctor
min.
min.

Safety

Fire Station Number 7
Fire Station
min.
min.
Fire Station
Fire Station
min.
min.

Top Neighborhood Schools

Name Category Grades Rating
Junipero Serra High School
451 W 20Th Ave, San Mateo, CA
High School 9 - 12 School Score
Highlands Elementary
2320 Newport St., San Mateo, CA
Elementary School KG - 5 School Score
Meadow Heights Elementary
2619 Dolores St., San Mateo, CA
Elementary School KG - 5 School Score
Borel Middle
425 Barneson Ave., San Mateo, CA
Elementary School 6 - 8 School Score
Odyssey School
201 Polhemus Rd, San Mateo, CA
Elementary School 6 - 8 School Score
Aragon High
900 Alameda De Las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA
High School 9 - 12 School Score
The Carey School
1 Carey School Ln, San Mateo, CA
Elementary School PK - 5 School Score

Education Level Achieved

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like College Heights. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in College Heights offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.

Economy

? /10
Income Per Capita $110,184
Household Income $202,388
Unemployment 1.9%

Income Breakdown

College Heights Income breakdown chart

Employment by Industry

Industry Employed
Agriculture & Mining Unlock
Construction Unlock
Manufacturing Unlock
Wholesale & Retail Unlock
Transportation & Warehousing Unlock
Information Unlock
Finance & Insurance Unlock

The economic makeup of a neighborhood often tells a deeper story about its lifestyle, opportunities, and overall character. In College Heights, median household incomes average $202,388, which is higher than many surrounding neighborhoods. This elevated earning power helps support a more upscale environment, offering residents access to premium amenities, well-maintained surroundings, and a standard of living that emphasizes comfort and quality.

The strength of a neighborhood’s local economy is often reflected in its employment landscape, shaping daily life and long-term stability for residents. In College Heights, the unemployment rate is just 2%, indicating a strong and resilient community with steady economic growth, active local businesses, and a high quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of homes are common?

College Heights in San Mateo features a mix of charming single-family homes, many built in the mid-20th century, showcasing classic California ranch and bungalow styles. You'll also find some updated residences with modern amenities, as well as townhouse complexes that offer a range of options for families and professionals alike.

Are there major highways or transit lines nearby?

Yes, College Heights benefits from convenient access to major transportation routes. The neighborhood is close to Highway 92, which connects to Highway 101, facilitating easy commutes to San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Additionally, the San Mateo Caltrain station is just a short drive away, providing frequent rail service to downtown San Francisco and other Peninsula cities.

What are some of the highlights?

One of the highlights of College Heights is its proximity to several beautiful parks, including College Park and Washington Park, which offer playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas. The neighborhood is also near the San Mateo County History Museum, providing a glimpse into the area's past. For dining and shopping, nearby Downtown San Mateo features a vibrant array of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.

Compare Nearby Neighborhoods

Location Overall Amenities Health Transit Schools Housing Economy Crime
Unlock to see 82 33 48 53 47 59 67 47
Unlock to see 75 35 68 39 88 74 35 85
Unlock to see 68 78 30 64 58 72 76 37
College Heights Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe
Unlock to see 49 46 86 39 89 33 31 74
Unlock to see 36 90 63 58 89 84 37 35
Unlock to see 25 44 59 76 33 40 32 78

Other Neighborhoods in San Mateo, CA