About San Mateo County

Founded in 1856, San Mateo County is in the heart of the San Francisco peninsula. With 455 square miles of land and nearly 58 miles of Pacific coastline, San Mateo County is home to more than 720,000 residents, making it the 15th most populous county in California.

The county is host to 20 cities and towns and 23 public school districts and three community colleges. Known for its scenic beauty and strong economy, San Mateo County boasts a diverse workforce that includes agriculture, hospitality, transportation, technology and biotechnology.

Learn more at: smcgov.org

City of Redwood City

The City of Redwood City is a San Francisco Bay Area community located in the heart of Silicon Valley – the technology-rich region extending from the San Francisco Peninsula to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood City is the third-largest city within the County of San Mateo with over 85,000 residents, and enjoys an average of 255 sunny days a year, which it boasts via the city slogan: “Climate Best by Government Test”. Incorporated in 1867, Redwood City is home to the San Mateo County History Museum (located in the county’s old courthouse) and has the only active deep water port within the south bay of San Francisco. 

Redwood City is in an advantageous mid-Peninsula location. Known as the entertainment hub of the San Francisco Peninsula, the City’s vibrant downtown offers residents, visitors, and businesses a unique retail, entertainment, and restaurant experience.

Redwood City is the center of it all in more ways than one. Home to world-class firms like Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Kaiser Permanente, and Stanford University Health, and offering a welcoming environment to start-ups, high-tech companies, and small businesses, Redwood City is known for being business friendly. There are exciting new housing, life sciences, and recreational developments breaking ground throughout Redwood City. Whether you are looking to expand your business or visit one of our exciting downtown restaurants, Redwood City is the place to be.

Learn more at redwoodcity.org

City of Belmont

Belmont, meaning “beautiful mountain” in French, is a peninsula community halfway between San Francisco and San Jose. Situated primarily on the hills overlooking San Francisco Bay and the coastal range, the area is abundant in trees, vast canyons and gorgeous wooded hillsides. Homes are nestled throughout, reflecting a solid residential base.

The small, but busy downtown has easy access to freeway and rail transportation and is a mix of locally owned shops and commercial shopping. The population of close to 26,000 works in San Mateo County with only 17% commuting elsewhere. There are excellent private and public schools with exceptionally high test scores and one of the few peninsula Universities in Notre Dame De Namur on the site of the historic Ralston Mansion.

Belmont has a rich heritage of fine homes from the turn of the twentieth century. During the late 1990s housing demand increased dramatically, in large part due to the growth of the nearby headquarters of Oracle Corporation. Belmont continues to enjoy the security of a very low crime rate, less than one-fifth the national average.

The adopted Vision Statement developed by members of the community captures our distinctive community character:

• Belmont prides itself on being unique
• Its small-town ambiance sets it apart as a tranquil, safe and desirable place to live
• We get involved in town matters because we care about living here
• We connect with each other in all kinds of gathering places
• Our strong sense of community and enjoyment of the town’s assets and activities deepen as we become better informed and connected

Learn more at belmont.gov

City of San Carlos

Known as the “City of Good Living,” San Carlos has much to offer residents and visitors alike.

A community spirit, a small-town feel, and excellent schools make it an ideal location for families and businesses. Just 25 miles south from San Francisco and San Jose to its south, our community is in the northern part of Silicon Valley. It is served by both the San Francisco and San Jose International Airports, while also being home to an airport of its own.

San Carlos is a truly dynamic mid-Peninsula city with a healthy business climate, a broad-based economy, strong employment and tax bases, and quality city services. Successful businesses, along with well-maintained streets and parks, quality police and fire protection, and high property values benefit those who visit San Carlos, as well as the over 30,000 residents and over 3,000 businesses that call San Carlos home.

San Carlos hosts numerous service clubs and non-profit organizations and can boast a population dedicated to volunteerism. San Carlos attracts many for its proximity to three big cities, its lovely neighborhoods, a charming downtown, a growing commercial/industrial area,

and a variety of parks and recreational activities.

Learn more at cityofsancarlos.org

City of Menlo Park

Menlo Park is a city of beautiful, tree-lined neighborhoods and active commercial districts. Located conveniently between the major metropolitan areas of San Francisco and San Jose, Menlo Park is home to approximately 36,000 residents in its 19 square miles. The stunning natural surroundings of the city afford views of the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Coastal Range to the west. Menlo Park’s climate is moderate to warm, with an average of 265 sunny days a year.

Menlo Park’s residents reflect a range of backgrounds and interests and tend to be well-educated and actively engaged in community life. Excellent public and private schools serve its many young families, while residents of all ages enjoy the City’s numerous parks and recreational facilities. The city’s close proximity to Stanford University and Menlo College provides a multitude of academic, cultural, and athletic event opportunities. The arts and leisure activities of the major urban areas of San Francisco and San Jose are close by. These and many other amenities contribute to Menlo Park’s outstanding quality of life.

Located in the heart of Menlo Park is a downtown featuring unique and upscale shops and restaurants. Set in a pleasant, pedestrian-oriented atmosphere, Menlo Park’s downtown area attracts locals and visitors alike. Known worldwide as the “Capital of Venture Capital,” Menlo Park is well situated to benefit from and help shape new technologies and markets originating from Silicon Valley. The city hosts such major employers as SRI International, Meta (formerly Facebook), Pacific Biosciences, E*TRADE Financial Corporation, and CSBio Co.

Learn more at menlopark.gov

Menlo Park Design District – Downtown Guide

The San Francisco Peninsula is the region’s official convention and visitors’ bureau focused on attracting meetings, conventions, business, and individual travelers, thereby enhancing the economic growth of the area we serve.

Learn more at thesanfranciscopeninsula.com