Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a remote worker and With a population of 104K, San Mateo is a mid-size city. Crime rate is something to consider -San Mateo sits at 250.9 per 100K. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
16 upvotes
7 Replies
Landon Sanchez
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much pricey but now it's pretty good.
29 upvotes
Isabella
seconding this
20 upvotes
omaha_jaxon
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
Emily Diaz
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
Christian W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Anna H.
glad someone said it
6 upvotes
Emily O.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Riverside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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