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San Carlos

San Carlos is nicknamed “The City of Good Living” which is a fitting name for this quaint town on the peninsula. The population is just over 30,000 and it sits on about 5.5 square miles, spanning from highway 101 up to highway 280. People are very drawn to its charming downtown space on Laurel Street that is full of restaurants and small shops. The businesses still has a very “mom and pop” feel to them. The city also has a fun wine district that sits on the eastside of El Camino Real. San Carlos has four k-3 schools, two 4th-5th schools, two middle schools, and is served by Carlmont and Sequoia high schools depending on location of the residence in the city. Burton park is the largest park in the city and is home to many community events, including concerts in the park during the Summer months.
 

Alder Manor  

Alder Manor has two distinct areas. The area closer to Alameda de las Pulgas and below Eaton Park has a gentle slope, and most of its streets have sidewalks. It is slated for Redwood City schools, which can be a surprise for home buyers starting their search. The portion above Eaton park and around Crestview Drive is mostly slated for San Carlos schools. It is more “in the hills” than the lower area. Most streets have sidewalks, lots are slightly larger, and many properties have views across the Bay or to the south. 

The draw: Near nature, larger lots, and views 

 

Beverly Terrace  

When you hear “San Carlos Hills” this is typically the area that referred to. Lots are generally lots, although not always usable due to the terrain, and have more trees. Some homes have spectacular views up to San Francisco. Everything is a little more spread out in this area, and life is more about privacy and views than being “close in”. Although the amenities of San Carlos’ are not far away. 

The draw: Space & views!

 

White Oaks

This is one of the most “in demand” neighborhoods of San Carlos. The elementary school of the same name is in this pocket, although not all of the area generally referred to as “White Oaks” is slated for White Oaks Elementary - some of it is slated for Brittan Acres. This neighborhood is mostly flat and has sidewalks. While there is no park in this neighborhood, San Carlos’ most popular park, Burton Park, is nearby. And there are many great shops and restaurants on Laurel Street. 

The draw: A wonderful sense of community with lots of bicycling and walking

 

Howard Park  

Howard Park is the neighborhood surrounding the heart of San Carlos - our downtown. It also encompasses Burton Park, the largest San Carlos park and an anchor to our community. In addition to single family homes, this area has many condo buildings, including some of the newest construction in San Carlos. 

The draw: Tree-lined streets, architectural charm, and amazing access to downtown San Carlos

 

Clearfield Park  

Just east of downtown San Carlos, this quaint neighborhood is often under people’s radars. It has two pockets - one south of Holly Street and one north of it. Both areas are small and have a great sense of community. Laureola Park is its hidden gem. 

The draw:  A slightly more affordable area with fantastic access to the Laurel Street shops and restaurants, Caltrain, and highway 101  

 

Cordes

Just to the north of downtown San Carlos, is this varied neighborhood that borders Belmont. This area is hilly and has many spectacular views out to the Bay and western hills. Arguello Park is in this area, which is a sprawling park with typical park amenities but also more natural space. 

The draw: Views and proximity to downtown San Carlos as well as access to Carlmont High School

 

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Overview for San Carlos, CA

30,696 people live in San Carlos, where the median age is 41.6 and the average individual income is $126,162. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

30,696

Total Population

41.6 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$126,162

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for San Carlos, CA

San Carlos has 11,331 households, with an average household size of 2.7. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in San Carlos do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 30,696 people call San Carlos home. The population density is 5,014.88 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

30,696

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

41.6

Median Age

48.41 / 51.59%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
11,331

Total Households

2.7

Average Household Size

$126,162

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in San Carlos, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby San Carlos. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Around San Carlos, CA

There's plenty to do around San Carlos, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

17
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
26
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Amanda Hogberg Fitness, Glorious Academy, and Workout with Leo.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Active 1.69 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.61 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.22 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.56 miles 14 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 3.83 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 1.08 miles 53 reviews 5/5 stars
San Carlos is nicknamed “The City of Good Living” which is a fitting name for this quaint town on the peninsula. The population is just over 30,000 and it sits on about 5.5 square miles, spanning from highway 101 up to highway 280. People are very drawn to its charming downtown space on Laurel Street that is full of restaurants and small shops. The businesses still has a very “mom and pop” feel to them. The city also has a fun wine district that sits on the eastside of El Camino Real. San Carlos has four k-3 schools, two 4th-5th schools, two middle schools, and is served by Carlmont and Sequoia high schools depending on location of the residence in the city. Burton park is the largest park in the city and is home to many community events, including concerts in the park during the Summer months.
 

Alder Manor  

Alder Manor has two distinct areas. The area closer to Alameda de las Pulgas and below Eaton Park has a gentle slope, and most of its streets have sidewalks. It is slated for Redwood City schools, which can be a surprise for home buyers starting their search. The portion above Eaton park and around Crestview Drive is mostly slated for San Carlos schools. It is more “in the hills” than the lower area. Most streets have sidewalks, lots are slightly larger, and many properties have views across the Bay or to the south. 

The draw: Near nature, larger lots, and views 

 

Beverly Terrace  

When you hear “San Carlos Hills” this is typically the area that referred to. Lots are generally lots, although not always usable due to the terrain, and have more trees. Some homes have spectacular views up to San Francisco. Everything is a little more spread out in this area, and life is more about privacy and views than being “close in”. Although the amenities of San Carlos’ are not far away. 

The draw: Space & views!

 

White Oaks

This is one of the most “in demand” neighborhoods of San Carlos. The elementary school of the same name is in this pocket, although not all of the area generally referred to as “White Oaks” is slated for White Oaks Elementary - some of it is slated for Brittan Acres. This neighborhood is mostly flat and has sidewalks. While there is no park in this neighborhood, San Carlos’ most popular park, Burton Park, is nearby. And there are many great shops and restaurants on Laurel Street. 

The draw: A wonderful sense of community with lots of bicycling and walking

 

Howard Park  

Howard Park is the neighborhood surrounding the heart of San Carlos - our downtown. It also encompasses Burton Park, the largest San Carlos park and an anchor to our community. In addition to single family homes, this area has many condo buildings, including some of the newest construction in San Carlos. 

The draw: Tree-lined streets, architectural charm, and amazing access to downtown San Carlos

 

Clearfield Park  

Just east of downtown San Carlos, this quaint neighborhood is often under people’s radars. It has two pockets - one south of Holly Street and one north of it. Both areas are small and have a great sense of community. Laureola Park is its hidden gem. 

The draw:  A slightly more affordable area with fantastic access to the Laurel Street shops and restaurants, Caltrain, and highway 101  

 

Cordes

Just to the north of downtown San Carlos, is this varied neighborhood that borders Belmont. This area is hilly and has many spectacular views out to the Bay and western hills. Arguello Park is in this area, which is a sprawling park with typical park amenities but also more natural space. 

The draw: Views and proximity to downtown San Carlos as well as access to Carlmont High School

 

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