Burlingame Homes For Sale & Real Estate Guide

Burlingame Real Estate Guide

Burlingame real estate is among the most sought-after on the San Francisco Peninsula, anchored by one of the most polished small cities in the Bay Area. Nicknamed the "City of Trees" for its more than 18,000 protected trees, Burlingame packs an outsized amount of walkable retail, strong schools, and classic residential architecture into just six square miles. It sits halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, with SFO airport literally next door (for better or worse). The city has two pedestrian-friendly downtown districts, a Caltrain station within walking distance of shops and cafes, and a housing stock heavy on early 20th-century character. It's the kind of place where people walk to the farmers' market on Sunday, grab dinner on the Avenue on Thursday, and still make it to the office in San Francisco by 9 a.m.

What to Love About Burlingame

• Two walkable downtown shopping and dining districts: Burlingame Avenue ("the Ave") and Broadway
• Over 18,000 protected trees and a Green Ribbon Task Force to keep them standing
• Strong schools in the Burlingame School District, with Burlingame High School as the community anchor
• A Caltrain station right downtown, plus BART connectivity at nearby Millbrae
• The weekly Burlingame Fresh Market on Thursdays and Sundays with certified California produce and live music
• Proximity to San Francisco International Airport (a 10-minute drive)
• The annual Pet Parade on Broadway, where residents march dogs, cats, rabbits, lizards, and birds down the street
• Bayfront access via the San Francisco Bay Trail and nearby Coyote Point Recreation Area

Real Estate and Homes

Burlingame's housing market leans heavily on history. Most homes date to the early-to-mid 1900s, and architectural styles span Victorian, Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, Colonial Revival, and Tudor. The city has less new construction than most Peninsula cities, and a strict tree protection ordinance limits how aggressively homeowners can clear lots for rebuilds. The result is a housing stock with real character that feels established and well cared for.

The city has roughly 10 neighborhoods, each with a distinct feel:

Burlingame Park (Old Burlingame): The most prestigious and expensive neighborhood. It borders Hillsborough and has some of the largest lots and homes in the city. Walking distance to Burlingame Avenue. Inventory here is scarce, and most homes sell well above $2 million.

Easton Addition: More contemporary homes than other Burlingame neighborhoods. Walking distance to downtown, with a slightly more modern feel than the surrounding areas.

Lyon Hoag and Burlingables: Tree-lined streets with a strong sense of neighborhood identity. Annual block parties are common. Borders Highway 101, but also within walking distance of downtown and Washington Park. These areas have more affordable single-family homes relative to the western neighborhoods.

Burlingame Hills: Located on the western hillside, this neighborhood offers views of the Bay and the city below. Homes tend to be larger, and the terrain is hillier. Close to Highway 280 for south-bound commuters.

Mills Estates: Near Highway 280 on the city's western edge. Larger lots and a more suburban feel, but farther from Burlingame Avenue and Broadway.

Burlingame Gardens: Near Broadway Avenue and Highway 101. One of the more accessible neighborhoods in Burlingame from a price standpoint. Broadway's mom-and-pop restaurants and shops are steps away.

Oak Grove Manor / Burlingables: Well-established and sought-after, with tree-lined streets and strong walkability to Burlingame Avenue and the downtown Caltrain station.

Near downtown, you'll find more condos, townhomes, and small apartment buildings, especially along El Camino Real and near the Caltrain station. Broadway has mixed-use buildings with upstairs flats above shops. Buyers who prioritize a car-light lifestyle tend to gravitate toward downtown or Broadway-adjacent properties.

Local Tip: Aircraft noise from SFO affects some Burlingame neighborhoods more than others. Visit properties at different times of day to assess noise levels before committing. Eastern neighborhoods and areas near Highway 101 are most affected.

Lifestyle and Local Highlights

Dining and Shopping

Burlingame has two distinct commercial hearts, and locals tend to have strong opinions about which one they prefer.

Burlingame Avenue is the city's primary downtown. From California Drive to El Camino Real, it's lined with high-end boutiques, curated shops, and a full range of restaurants. Saltyard offers modern American fusion, Park and Howard Bistro serves California cuisine, and Limon delivers Peruvian classics. You'll also find an Apple Store, several retail chains, and two grocery markets. The overall vibe is polished and lively, especially on weekend evenings.

Broadway Avenue has a smaller, more local feel. Walk beneath the 1927 arch at Broadway and California Drive to reach a strip of mom-and-pop eateries, a candy shop (Preston's Candy and Ice Cream, making handmade sweets since 1946), and specialty stores. The weekly farmers' market adds to the neighborhood energy. Broadway also has easier parking than the Ave, which regulars appreciate.

Along the bayfront, Kincaid's Fish, Chops, and Steaks offers views of the Bay, and New England Lobster Market and Eatery has a 75,000-gallon lobster tank.

Schools

Burlingame is served by the Burlingame School District (K-8) and the San Mateo Union High School District. Burlingame High School is the community anchor, with shared city-district sports facilities including an aquatic center, track, tennis courts, and multiple fields. Elementary schools are neighborhood-based (Washington, Lincoln, McKinley, Franklin, Roosevelt), and each has strong parental involvement.

Outdoors and Recreation

Burlingame's parks cover the basics: playgrounds, lawns, sports fields, and tot lots. Washington Park is the largest and most popular, centrally located near downtown. For bigger outdoor experiences, Coyote Point Recreation Area in neighboring San Mateo offers picnic areas, trails, waterfront access, and a natural history museum. The San Francisco Bay Trail passes through Burlingame at Anza Lagoon off Airport Boulevard, connecting to a 350-mile regional network.

The city runs active recreation programs for youth, adults, and seniors throughout the year.

Commute and Access

Burlingame's Caltrain station is a significant asset, situated right downtown and providing direct service to San Francisco and San Jose. The Millbrae BART/Caltrain intermodal station is one stop south, connecting to the broader BART system. SamTrans Route 292 links Burlingame to SFO.

For drivers, Highway 101 and El Camino Real run north-south through the city, and I-280 is accessible from the western neighborhoods. SFO is about a 10-minute drive. Peak-hour traffic can slow things down on El Camino Real and near the highway on-ramps, but overall the location is hard to beat for accessibility.

Community Events

• Burlingame Fresh Market: Thursdays and Sundays with certified California produce, craft vendors, and live music
• Burlingame Pet Parade: Dogs, cats, rabbits, and more march down Broadway
• Burlingame on the Avenue: An annual festival featuring jazz, rock, and blues bands
• Art in the Park and Jazz in Washington Park: Seasonal outdoor events that draw families and neighbors