Burlingame: Peninsula Living at Its Finest
Known as the “City of Trees,” Burlingame offers a rare blend of refined charm and everyday livability. Tree-lined streets, well-kept homes, and a strong sense of community give the city a timeless feel, while its location between San Francisco and Silicon Valley makes it especially appealing to professionals and families alike.
Burlingame’s housing landscape is diverse and thoughtfully developed, ranging from classic Tudors and Craftsman homes to updated mid-century properties and modern residences. Many neighborhoods are walkable, calm, and family-friendly, with pride of ownership evident throughout.
At the heart of the city are two distinct downtown areas. Burlingame Avenue delivers upscale shopping, fine dining, and a polished atmosphere, while Broadway offers a more relaxed, neighborhood-focused mix of cafes, restaurants, and local businesses. Together, they create a lifestyle that feels elevated but never overdone.
Whether you’re drawn to strong schools, beautiful surroundings, or a location that makes commuting easy, Burlingame continues to be one of the Peninsula’s most sought-after places to call home.
Burlingame’s tree-lined neighborhoods and proximity to the Bay create a lifestyle that feels both peaceful and connected.
Burlingame at a Glance
Key details buyers want to know before calling Burlingame home
Population
Approximately 30,000 residents call Burlingame home, creating a strong sense of community while maintaining the conveniences and amenities of a larger city.
School Districts
Burlingame School District serves grades K–8 with highly rated elementary and middle schools. Burlingame High School consistently ranks among the top in the county.
Single family homes
Typical pricing ranges from $1.3M to $8M+ depending on location, lot size, and architectural style. Premium properties in Burlingame Hills command higher values.
Parks & Recreation
With 16 city parks, Burlingame provides ample outdoor space for residents, including neighborhood parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and scenic areas that support an active, family-friendly lifestyle year-round.
Condos & Townhomes
More accessible entry points range from $1.1M to $2M+, offering modern amenities and lower-maintenance living for professionals and downsizers alike.
Location Benefits
Minutes from SFO Airport, 20 minutes to downtown San Francisco, and 30 minutes to Silicon Valley. Caltrain station offers convenient peninsula-wide transit access.
Is Burlingame the right fit for you?
Burlingame attracts buyers who are intentional about where and how they live. This is a city for those who value exceptional schools, long-term stability, and a refined lifestyle over trends or short-term gains. Understanding whether Burlingame aligns with your priorities, budget, and expectations is key to a satisfying long-term investment.
Burlingame is a natural fit for executives and senior professionals working in San Francisco or Silicon Valley. With Caltrain access, proximity to Highway 101 and 280, and a central Peninsula location, commuting is efficient and predictable. Many residents choose Burlingame specifically for its ability to support demanding careers without sacrificing quality of life.
Transit-Savvy Professionals
Burlingame tends to attract buyers focused on preservation of wealth rather than speculation. Established neighborhoods, limited inventory, and sustained demand from high-income households contribute to consistent property values over time. Buyers who succeed here are typically aligned with a long-term ownership mindset.
Long-Term Value Seekers
Families drawn to Burlingame often prioritize academic excellence and long-term educational stability. The city’s highly regarded public schools, strong parent involvement, and community commitment to education make it especially appealing to households planning to stay through multiple school cycles. For many, the premium price point reflects the value placed on education.
Education-Focused Families
Burlingame appeals to those who appreciate walkable downtown districts, high-end shopping, and a polished yet understated lifestyle. Burlingame Avenue and Broadway offer upscale dining, boutiques, and everyday conveniences, supporting a way of life that feels elevated without being flashy.
Lifestyle-Oriented Buyers
What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing in Burlingame
Market Dynamics
Burlingame’s real estate market operates at the top tier of the Peninsula, driven by limited inventory, exceptional schools, and sustained demand from high-earning professionals and executives. The city’s blend of luxury homes, walkable downtown districts, and proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley consistently attracts buyers with significant purchasing power.
Well-priced homes often receive multiple offers, not only because of location, but because Burlingame represents a long-term lifestyle investment. Buyers entering this market should expect competition and be prepared to act decisively when the right property becomes available.
Preparation Matters
Preparation is non-negotiable in Burlingame. Buyers benefit from strong financial positioning, clear priorities, and the ability to move quickly in competitive situations. Flexibility around non-essential features and confidence in decision-making often separate successful buyers from those who miss opportunities in this market.
Inventory Constraints
Burlingame’s housing stock is both limited and highly desirable. Inventory varies by neighborhood, school assignment, and proximity to downtown areas like Burlingame Avenue and Broadway. Buyers who understand these micro-markets and come prepared with strong pre-approval and defined budget parameters are best positioned to compete effectively.
Strategic Timing
Rather than waiting for ideal market conditions, Burlingame buyers focus on securing the right property when it becomes available. Timing in this market is less about seasonal shifts and more about readiness. Working with knowledgeable local representation can help identify opportunities early and navigate competitive offer strategies.
Due Diligence
Many Burlingame homes reflect established ownership, custom construction, and long-term investment. Thorough inspections, careful review of disclosures, and an understanding of property history are essential. In a high-value market, due diligence protects not just the purchase, but the long-term integrity of the investment.