San Mateo - near College of San Mateo and 92 (Alameda: apartments, neighborhood)

[inrila]

Hello,

I am looking into couple apartments in San Mateo -- near college and 92. Can anybody tell me how good/bad is neighborhood there? I like to walk, so is it possible there or the only option will be driving to downtown San Mateo and walking there? :-)
I like the location in general, as it's between 280 and 101, which is convenient for me.

Or should I look into something north closer to Burlingame and to 101?

Any advice will be helpful, I am moving from L.A., so I am not too familiar with the area.

Thanks!

[sonarrat]

Very expensive, upscale, drive a block and you're in Hillsborough. Also tends to be foggy and windy, and it's in the hills, so you'll have to take the bus to get downtown. Not much to do except stalk the deer, though there may be some hiking trails nearby.

[inrila]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

Very expensive, upscale, drive a block and you're in Hillsborough. Also tends to be foggy and windy, and it's in the hills, so you'll have to take the bus to get downtown. Not much to do except stalk the deer, though there may be some hiking trails nearby.

What can you suggest which would not be too expensive, and will have some options except wild life? :-)

Downtown San Mateo -- there are quite few apartments there, but the ones I saw were on the expensive side - around $1500 for so-so 1 bedroom...

Any streets/ should I drive around? I like to be closer to people, walking people on the streets is what I am looking for. Yeah, San Mateo is not SF, but what would be the closest-to-the-real-city part of it?



Thanks!

[gizmo980]

The area near CSM is very nice, safe/quiet, and they do have the Laurelwood Shopping Center. Plus (as you said) it's very convenient to the freeways, and SamTrans does run up & down Hillsdale Blvd. But if you want more action try downtown Burlingame, San Carlos, or closer to downtown San Mateo... as for specific streets, drive around Burlingame Ave, Laurel Ave in San Carlos, and in San Mateo - 3rd St, 4th St, 23rd-25th St, Hillsdale Blvd, Alameda de las Pulgas, and maybe Norfolk. Most of the "stuff" on the Peninsula is really on El Camino Real, but I wouldn't recommend living on that street (constant traffic & noise). FYI, I grew up on West Poplar Ave in San Mateo, which is great but probably too family-oriented for you. Good luck!

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by inrila

What can you suggest which would not be too expensive, and will have some options except wild life? :-)

Downtown San Mateo -- there are quite few apartments there, but the ones I saw were on the expensive side - around $1500 for so-so 1 bedroom...

Any streets/ should I drive around? I like to be closer to people, walking people on the streets is what I am looking for. Yeah, San Mateo is not SF, but what would be the closest-to-the-real-city part of it?

Thanks!

The liveliest area is downtown around the San Mateo Caltrain station, but you're still going to see more cars than people most of the time. I'd suggest looking in Burlingame near Burlingame Avenue.

[inrila]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

The liveliest area is downtown around the San Mateo Caltrain station, but you're still going to see more cars than people most of the time. I'd suggest looking in Burlingame near Burlingame Avenue.

I thought that Burlingame is actually much less in foot traffic/people on streets comparing to San Mateo... Thanks, will check it out!