Hillsborough

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 7

Current Resident: I love the fact that Hillsborough is such a friendly place to live. All of the people are connected through a social media site called Nextdoor, and they people who post on the site are very active when it comes to warning their neighbors about stormy weather or recent break-ins.
Read 7 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 11,312 Population

West Menlo Park

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 1

Current Resident: I love West Menlo Park, I grew up here and it was a great, family friendly fun enviornment. It has the best weather and is only 45 minutes from the best city San Francisco and only 30 minutes from a beach, Half Moon Bay and an hour from Santa Cruz. The people here are all so nice and caring in my opinon
Read 1 Review

• A+

• A+

• 3,830 Population

Foster City

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 14

Current Resident: Foster city gives you a very peaceful and safe vibe. May seem far from other cities, but it's actually not. It's close enough to any freeway entrance and accessible to many shops and restaurants. The only complain I would have is maybe a bit of traffic during rush hours on the 92, but it's nothing you can't deal with. I think moving to Foster city was a great idea especially if you have a family and don't like too much noise! I would definitely recommend Foster city.
Read 14 Reviews

• A+

• A

• 32,967 Population

Burlingame

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 22

Former Resident: If you are looking for a small suburban town to invite your friends out for lunch, this is the place to go! It is modern, clean, and well-kept. You must go to Burlingame Avenue, where you will find a long street full of restaurants and outdoor patio seating. Enjoy!
Read 22 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 30,118 Population

Belmont

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 39

Current Resident: Belmont is a great place to live, whether you're just starting a family or settling into retirement. It's small suburb, located between San Francisco and San Jose, making it a convenient and fun place to live. Not to mention, it's only a 20 minute drive to the beach. As a community member of Belmont my entire life, I experienced going to the reputable public neighborhood schools, and playing local recreational sports. Belmont is a very safe and welcoming area to live in, with many parks, hiking trails, rolling hills, landscapes and cityscapes. Some people have argued that it doesn't have a "Main Street downtown" however I like the small town feeling. Belmont has the qualities that I would for look to raise a family in the future.
Read 39 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 26,918 Population

Menlo Park

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 49

Current Resident: Menlo Park is a neighborhood with an outstanding public school system with supportive teachers, after school programs for kids, and safe transportation to/from. Additionally, the people are generally nice and neighborly. The downtown area is enjoyable, though rather limited in what it offers. However, the street fairs and Wednesday night 'Off the Grid' food trucks draw a good crowd.
Read 49 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• 33,319 Population

San Carlos

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 46

Former Resident: We lived in San Carlos for 5 years, and put both our sons through the schools. Their education was excellent, caring and ushered both boys towards their goals in high school. We loved living here, but it is much too expensive. We were forced out by housing prices that were ridiculous. We loved the social aspects of San Carlos, the wonderful community and the many, many family friendly activities. I wish we still lived there!
Read 46 Reviews

• A+

• A

• 29,596 Population

Atherton

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 10

Current Resident: It is a small and lovely town. It has the simplicity of a small town but an environment and business of a big city. It looks like you have the pros of a big and small city all in one place called Atherton.
Read 10 Reviews

• A+

• A

• 7,127 Population

San Mateo

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 40

Current Resident: San Mateo is the ideal place to raise a family with it's outstanding schools, close knit community, diversity, beautiful parks, the Marina Lagoon, an amazing destination downtown, and a plethora of restaurants to dine at.

In my neighborhood, NorthEast Parkside, the homes are all well-kept (yes, they are all well over a million dollars, but money doesn't buy everything), and genuinely good neighbors who are compassionate and caring. I have the key to my neighbor's house and they have mine... that is just how much we trust and rely on each other.

The only drawback to San Mateo is, of course, the high cost of living and housing prices. The median price of a home in San Mateo is currently $1.4 million so those looking to enter the housing market are finding it nearly impossible, many are driven out of the market which is unfortunate.
Read 40 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 102,224 Population

Ladera

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

• A

• A+

• 1,514 Population

Millbrae

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 47

Current Resident: Millbrae overall is a really safe neighborhood filled with pleasant residents and restaurants. Millbrae is home to the Bart Station, Caltrain Station, and multiple bus stops. Not to mention, it is only 10 minutes away from SFO! It is a cute area and has reputable elementary, middle, and high schools.
Read 47 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 22,522 Population

Portola Valley

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 1

Current Resident: I am a current high-school senior who moved to Portola Valley during middle school. Quaint little town in the midst of the bustling Bay Area. Not too far from Palo Alto or Redwood City. A couple overpriced but nice neighborhood markets and a local farmer's market. Cute library, local field and playground. Lots of families. Local gas station is insanely expensive. Local school is alright. Very little diversity given the area's high cost of living (but in all honesty what place in the Bay Area doesn't have a high cost of living?) and it is predominantly white. Local middle school was not terrible in my opinion, there were some good teachers although the administration was bizarre and school community again lacking in diversity. Not much to do unless you drive somewhere or like biking, hiking, or riding horses.
Read 1 Review

• A

• A+

• 4,550 Population

Woodside

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 2

Current Resident: Woodside is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Mixed in with the spectacular northern California woodlands, but still close to San Francisco, San Jose, and other bustling cities in between, Woodside is the perfect combination. However, it is absurdly expensive.
Read 2 Reviews

• A

• B+

• 5,496 Population

Brisbane

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 1

Current Resident: It's a quiet and hidden town located outside of San Francisco, it's calming and relaxing because the views are spectacular! The little village is hidden away from all the noise and traffice of the Bay Area and the views at night are beautiful with a sky full of stars!
Read 1 Review

• A

• B

• 4,568 Population

El Granada

• Town in California
• 1

Current Resident: We've only lived here for a couple of years, but so far we couldn't be happier.

Safe, friendly community. Most homes appear well maintained. Easy commute over the hill if planned around weekend traffic and regular commute times.

Depending on exactly where you live, walkability could be great or very hilly. Beach, mountains, dog friendly.

Unless you surf or fish young singles might find EG boring...or it might be a nearby romantic getaway.

So glad to ditch the stress.
Read 1 Review

• A-

• B+

• 6,132 Population

San Bruno

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 60

Current Resident: San bruno is a family friendly city. On an average day you will see lots of dog walkers, happy kids/families saying Hi to one another. We have YouTube close to our Bay hill shopping center where lots of youtube employees stop by the local Starbucks to pick up their mobile orders. All ages live in San bruno so it's a nice and friendly place to live!
Read 60 Reviews

• A-

• B+

• 42,736 Population

Pacifica

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 75

Current Resident: It's a chill beach town. Has the world's nicest taco bell! It's annoying that the only way in and out of town is highway 1, but it's cool to be close to half moon bay and sanfrancisco. It's a nice town to live in that's near a lot of fun activities
Read 75 Reviews

• A-

• A-

• 38,844 Population

Redwood City

• Town in California
• 49

Current Resident: I have lived in Redwood City all of my life. I'm 18 and the local public schools. Redwood City is positioned conveniently between two major airports, SFO and SJC.

Public transportation is good as CalTrain runs right through the city. We are also bordered by Highways 101 and 280 with easy access to San Jose, San Francisco and even the East Bay.

Traffic on the peninsula is often congested, so you need to plan your routes and times.

There's plenty of wholesome activities including the Marine Science Center, many parks, and expansive walking trails.

The city hosts many events downtown and has a beautiful theater district. Dining is great and there are many grocery stores to choose from.

I'm glad I grew up here!
Read 49 Reviews

• A-

• B

• 82,595 Population

Half Moon Bay

• Town in California
• 37

Former Resident: Half Moon Bay is a beautiful place to visit, live and staycation. The prime times to visit this town are from August to October. There are many things to do in Half Moon Bay like surf, walk down their quaint main street, visit the beaches, go for hikes and enjoy coastal dining. It is a safe place for children and a wonderful travel destination for people of all ages.
Read 37 Reviews

• A-

• B+

• 12,281 Population

South San Francisco

• Town in California
• 79

Current Resident: There is a variety of housing, shopping, eating, and dining options. There are sites to visits and lots of activities. There is also several health care options for general doctors, dentists, chiropractors, clinics and hospitals. Tons of nail and hair salons. The schools have good ratings too!
Read 79 Reviews

• B+

• B

• 66,587 Population

Emerald Lake Hills

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 1

Current Resident: Calm, friendly, gorgeous, and peaceful neighborhood. Good K-8 public school. Neighbors are friendly and helpful to each other.
Read 1 Review

• B+

• C

• 4,716 Population

Broadmoor

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 1

Niche User: I love that Daly City is very safe and I have many stores, shopping malls and restaurants close by. Also it is very close to San Francisco and I do not worry too much about parking tickets.
Read 1 Review

• B+

• B

• 5,159 Population

Daly City

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 172

Current Resident: Daly City is a comfortable city filled with kind people. Closely located to the vibrant and sometimes hectic city of San Francisco, Daly City is the perfect place to settle down. The public schools around the area are welcoming and safe, and there are numerous resources for students like myself, such as well-kept libraries and programs. Transportation is made easy with the SamTrans bus system. Also, there is a wide variety of authentic Asian cuisine, due to our large population in the area. We have irresistible Filipino food! If you're looking for a welcoming city environment, but want to avoid high costs of living and transportation, Daly City is a good option.
Read 172 Reviews

• B+

• B

• 105,543 Population

Moss Beach

• Town in California
• 3

Current Resident: Its right next to a couple beaches. Its near plenty of hiking trails to go on with good scenery. Good restaurants are also nearby. Its a beautiful place to visit or live.
Read 3 Reviews

• B+

• B+

• 3,706 Population

Colma

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA
• 1

Nearby Resident: Colma is a great place if you're looking for a nice place away from the noisy city, but still be close to it. It has a great train and bus commute system which makes it easier for those that don't drive or helping the elderly get to places. Colma is extremely small compared to the other suburb Daly City, but if you want to go San Francisco its just a BART ride away. Colma hosts over 8 cemeteries so it's a very quiet place to live at, but the nightlife in Colma is to die for.

Overall Colma is a place if you need to take the bus somewhere, but I hope that finally fix the town hall. It's been in renovation for a couple of years, without any real results.
Read 1 Review

• B

• B-

• 1,540 Population