Living in Burlingame, CA: A Guide

Peninsula Position, Refined.

Burlingame is one of the Peninsula’s original established towns — where early 20th-century homes, deep front porches, and a mature tree canopy frame a compact, highly functional downtown. Burlingame Avenue delivers refined local retail and steady dining energy, while residential blocks just beyond stay quiet and intact. Close to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and SFO, yet distinctly residential.

Where Is Burlingame?

Burlingame sits in San Mateo County along the western edge of the San Francisco Bay. It’s bordered by Millbrae to the north, San Mateo to the south, Hillsborough to the west, and the Bay and SFO to the east.

The city stretches from the waterfront Bay Trail up into leafy residential hills, but daily life tends to cluster around Burlingame Avenue and Broadway. Unlike denser urban neighborhoods, Burlingame feels open and residential, with a defined downtown core rather than a continuous commercial grid.

Getting Around: Transit & Proximity

Burlingame offers strong regional access while maintaining a neighborhood-scaled feel. Many residents can walk to shops, cafés, and Caltrain from surrounding blocks. Many use public transport (Caltrain) for commutes, but car ownership is also more common here than in central San Francisco.

• Caltrain (Burlingame Station) – Located near downtown Burlingame Avenue. Service exists but is more limited than major Peninsula hubs, with some weekday trains bypassing the stop.
• Broadway Station – Currently weekend-only service. Weekday stops are suspended in connection with the Broadway Grade Separation Project, which is expected to restore full weekday service after construction is completed (targeted later this decade).
• Millbrae Transit Center – Approximately 1.5–2 miles away; full weekday Caltrain service plus direct BART connections into San Francisco and the East Bay. Accessible by bike, rideshare, or SamTrans bus.
• Highway 101 – Quick north–south access along the Peninsula corridor.
• Interstate 280 – Inland route connecting to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – Approximately 5–10 minutes by car.
• Bay Trail access – Waterfront paths for biking and walking along the shoreline.

How Far Is Burlingame From…?

Positioned along the Peninsula corridor, Burlingame offers quick regional access north to San Francisco and south toward Silicon Valley, with major routes and transit connections nearby.

• San Francisco (Downtown) – about 15–20 miles north
• Palo Alto – roughly 18–20 miles south
• San Jose – approximately 35–40 miles south
• Half Moon Bay – about 20–25 miles west via Highway 92
• Stanford University – around 20 miles south
• Millbrae Transit Center – approximately 1.5–2 miles north
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – about 3–5 miles north
• Oakland – roughly 25–30 miles via I-280 and Bay Bridge

What’s the Vibe?

Burlingame has a distinctly Peninsula character — polished but not flashy, affluent but understated. It’s the kind of place where historic homes with deep front porches sit minutes from a charming retail corridor. Blocks are leafy. Storefronts are independent or long-established, not fast turnover concepts.

Burlingame Avenue is the social spine: cafés that fill in the morning, boutique retail that skews classic over experimental, and dinner spots that feel neighborhood-driven rather than destination-scene. Broadway, just north, has a slightly more local, low-key tone with everyday services and longtime businesses.

Residential streets are quiet and well kept, with a noticeable sense of continuity. Many households have been here for years. Compared to denser cities nearby, there’s breathing room here.

Burlingame is known for:

• Burlingame Avenue’s refined but approachable retail mix
• Broadway’s neighborhood-serving shops and restaurants
• Mature tree canopy and architecturally intact homes
• A strong public school reputation and long-term residency
• Proximity to SFO and major job centers without feeling transient

Who Is Burlingame Best For?

Burlingame works well for:

• Professionals commuting to San Francisco or Silicon Valley who want a quieter home base
• Residents who value a walkable downtown but prefer residential calm at night
• Households prioritizing schools and long-term stability
• Buyers or renters seeking architectural character and tree-lined streets
• Those who want close access to SFO and major highways while living in a stable, residential community

It may not be ideal for:

• Renters seeking dense urban energy or late-night nightlife
• Residents who prefer fully car-free living
• Those looking for cutting-edge retail turnover or trend-driven dining scenes
• People who want high-rise living or skyline density

What About Cost of Living?

Like much of the central Peninsula, Burlingame comes at a premium. Its combination of strong schools, architectural character, and proximity to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley keeps demand high.

Housing:
You’ll find a mix of:

• Early 20th-century single-family homes with mature landscaping
• Larger estate-style properties in the Burlingame Hills
• Low-rise condo buildings and townhomes near downtown
• Small apartment communities and mixed-use buildings along key corridors

Home prices are among the highest on the Peninsula, particularly west of El Camino Real and in the hills. Rental inventory is more limited than in dense urban markets, which can keep pricing elevated.

Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, daily costs trend above national averages and align with broader Bay Area pricing:

• Dining skews toward polished neighborhood restaurants rather than budget-heavy options
• Boutique retail and independent shops dominate downtown corridors
• Grocery options include specialty markets and smaller-format stores, with larger supermarkets accessible by car within a short drive
• Services, childcare, and general household expenses reflect Peninsula income levels

In short, Burlingame delivers stability, location efficiency, and quality of life — at a price consistent with its reputation.

What’s Daily Life Like?

Burlingame Avenue is the city’s backbone. It’s a classic Peninsula main street — polished, approachable, and highly walkable. Within a few blocks, you’ll find:

• Independent coffee shops and long-standing cafés
• Sit-down restaurants that lean reservation-friendly but not scene-heavy
• Boutique clothing, gift, and home stores
• Local services like salons, banks, and small offices woven into the retail fabric
• Sidewalk patios and shaded streets that make daytime foot traffic feel steady but relaxed

Broadway offers a slightly more casual complement — everyday dining, local markets, and practical services that support daily routines.

Weekends bring families, stroller traffic, and brunch lines. Weekdays are steady with remote workers, retirees, and professionals commuting in and out. Evenings center around dinner plans rather than nightlife.

What are some great places for____?

Coffee:

• Goodthing Coffee – Independent specialty coffee shop on Burlingame Avenue known for carefully crafted espresso drinks.
• Caffe Central – Longstanding, locally owned café serving coffee, breakfast, and brunch in downtown Burlingame.
• Plucky’s Cafe – Independent Broadway café offering third-wave coffee and light bites.
• Mints & Honey – Neighborhood-owned café with espresso drinks and a brunch-focused menu.
• Gigi’s Cafe – Casual, locally operated coffee and breakfast spot in the Broadway district.

Independent Boutiques:

• Sam Malouf Authentic Luxury – High-end fashion boutique featuring European and American designer apparel, shoes, and accessories.
• Therapy Stores – Design-forward gift and lifestyle shop with home décor, jewelry, candles, and unique finds.
• [Paper Caper](https://www.papercaperburlingame.com – Classic stationery and boutique gift store with cards, paper goods, and curated seasonal items.
• euGo – Artisanal leather goods and bespoke footwear with a craftsmanship-driven focus.
• Morning Glory – Long-running women’s clothing boutique with a polished, contemporary mix on Burlingame Avenue.

Small Grocers & Specialty Markets

• Lunardi’s Markets – Family-owned Peninsula grocer known for strong produce, butcher counter, and specialty items.
• Del’Oliva – Specialty market focused on olive oils, vinegars, gourmet pantry goods, and giftable food items.
• Istanbul Market – Independent Mediterranean grocery with spices, meats, breads, and imported staples.
• Burlingame Farmers’ Market – Fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors.

Delicious Eats
A small sampling of the many great places to eat in town:

• Twelvemonth – Design-forward, plant-forward restaurant with a seasonal California menu and refined cocktail program.
• Urban Kitchen – Modern American spot on Burlingame Avenue known for polished small plates and an energetic dinner scene.
• Himali Bistro – Well-regarded neighborhood restaurant serving vibrant Himalayan and Indian cuisine.
• Mediterranean Kitchen – Longstanding local favorite for fresh Mediterranean plates and grilled specialties.
• Capri Lasagneria – Independent Italian restaurant specializing in house-made pastas and traditional lasagna.
• Mykonos – Classic Greek restaurant serving mezze, seafood, and grilled dishes in a warm, family-owned setting.

Exploring Nature
Check out our guide to nearby parks & nature trails.

• Washington Park – Central Burlingame park with lawns, playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths.
• Mills Canyon Park – Quiet hillside trails with woodland scenery and light elevation.
• Bayside Park & Anza Lagoon Loop – Flat waterfront loop along the Bay Trail with wide-open bay views.
• Coyote Point Recreation Area – Large bayfront park with trails, marina views, and open picnic space.
• Bay Trail (Burlingame section) – Scenic multi-use waterfront path ideal for walking, running, and biking.

The Bottom Line

Living in Burlingame is about living well without living loud. Tree-lined streets, early 20th-century homes, and a compact downtown create a setting that feels established and intentional. You’re minutes from SFO and major job centers, yet daily life revolves around neighborhood cafés, polished storefronts, and a pace that’s steady rather than hurried. It’s Peninsula stability with built-in convenience.

Find Your Home at Revery

Inspired new residences at Revery blend beautfully architected living spaces with thoughtful amenities built around community, convenience, and wellness.