Great climate! Too Expensive! Other better commu
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6/6/2007
I've lived in San Mateo for about 20 years. The truth is this community consists of a majority of hispanics, asians, middle easterners, and pacific islanders, -- the rest caucasian. There are lots of rich punks riding around blasting thier car stereos. People are not friendly in general, and there is a definite division between "have and have nots." Housing is deplorable and renters pay sky high rents($1,500-$2,500 per mo) for sub-housing properties of mostly older dumps. Affordable condos are run by incompentent boards and lackasdasial property management. I know this from experience. Thus, affordable housing in nice neighborhood is rare find in San Mateo or nearby cities of Belmont, Burlingame, Redwood City. The town is overrun with too many chinese restaurants and only a few nice American or Mediterranean restaurants. Nordstrom, Macy's and Sears are the only decent stores around to shop. The best schools would be private.
Upside, situated 17 miles from San Francisco. Climate is great! Sunny most of the time, not too hot or too cold! If you are either mortgage free or have a small mortgage, you can survive. For families,(singles too), I recommend nicer communities like Pleasanton, San Ramon and Livermore or even Novato or Petaluma, slightly less expenseive. The further out --- the better quality of life. If you are single find a nice neigborhood in San Francisco or Marin and be sure to have a job that pays at least $75K annually.
Folks, this is the real scoop about San Mateo!
Christine | Palo Alto, CA