Top 10 Reasons to Live in Burlingame, CA
1. Unbeatable Location & Transit Access
Burlingame’s location is one of its greatest advantages. Set squarely on the San Francisco Peninsula, it offers effortless access north to the city and south to Silicon Valley, with Caltrain and BART nearby and Highway 101 running along its eastern edge. Just minutes from San Francisco International Airport, it’s uniquely positioned for commuters, frequent travelers, and anyone who values both connectivity and a quieter residential base.
2. Exceptional Education
The Burlingame School District consistently earns high marks for academic performance, while nearby private options—such as Mercy High School at the historic Kohl Mansion—add further prestige. With a strong emphasis on quality education from elementary through high school, the city offers an environment where students can thrive.
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3. Historic Character & Tree-Lined Streets
Burlingame’s character is defined by its historic charm and distinctive streetscapes. Known as the “City of Trees,” it preserves thousands of mature eucalyptus and oak trees that line residential blocks, creating a canopy of greenery. Architectural diversity adds to the appeal—Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and Spanish-style homes sit alongside thoughtfully designed modern residences.
4. Thriving Downtown & Walkability
Downtown Burlingame invites a balanced, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle where boutique shopping and inviting dining coexist under the canopy of heritage trees. Fashion aficionados browse the curated selections at Les Deux Copines or Sam Malouf, while design enthusiasts explore refined home décor at Anthem and discover charming gifts and stationery at Paper Caper. Culinary highlights range from Danish pastries at Copenhagen Bakery & Café to Parisian delicacies at Maison Alyzée, with Pizzeria Delfina serving wood-fired favorites and Park & Howard Bistro offering seasonal American plates in a stylish setting. Numerous other shops and eateries create a downtown scene that blends sophistication with timeless small-town charm.
5. Outdoor Living & Green Space
Burlingame’s reputation as the “City of Trees” is more than a name—it’s a lived experience. Tree-lined residential streets create a natural canopy, while expansive parks and trails bring outdoor life to the forefront. Washington Park, the city’s oldest, offers open lawns, tennis courts, and shaded picnic areas that serve as a community hub. Along the waterfront, Shorebird Sanctuary and nearby Coyote Point Recreation Area provide sweeping Bay views, a marina, sandy beach, and miles of trails perfect for walking, running, or cycling. For pet owners, Burlingame Dog Exercise Park (near Bayside Park on Airport Boulevard) provides a fully fenced off-leash area where dogs can run freely, making it a popular destination for residents with four-legged companions.
6. Safety & Community
Burlingame is known for its welcoming, close-knit atmosphere, where tree-lined streets and walkable neighborhoods foster a genuine sense of comfort. Community events like farmers’ markets, summer concerts, and seasonal festivals bring residents together, reinforcing the city’s small-town spirit despite its central Peninsula location. Families are drawn to the area not only for its schools and amenities but also for the peace of mind that comes from living in a place with a strong reputation for safety and civic pride.
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7. Mild, Pleasant Climate
Burlingame benefits from a warm-summer, Mediterranean-style climate—think gentle warmth with evening coolness, not extremes. Summer days average in the low 70s °F, often peaking mid-day near the upper 70s before slipping into refreshing lows in the mid-50s as twilight sets in.
Rain falls mostly between November and April—summers are virtually dry, with precipitation nearly unheard of during July through September. This extended stretch of sun-soaked skies—often stretching from late spring through early fall—creates perfect conditions for effortless outdoor moments, whether you're lounging on a terrace or exploring the bay trail
8. Wide-Ranging Amenities
Burlingame provides access to exceptional healthcare anchored by Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, a full-service Sutter Health hospital offering advanced care in cardiology, surgery, neurology, and more. Outpatient services are supported by the Burlingame Center, along with options like One Medical and Premier Medical Care, ensuring residents have convenient choices for everything from routine visits to specialized treatment.
Community life is enriched by the award-winning Burlingame Public Library, a hub for events, study spaces, and even free California State Park passes. Beyond the library, the city maintains a robust network of parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and the Burlingame Recreation Center, alongside cultural touchpoints such as the Historical Society Museum and more.
9. Robust Economy & Investment Potential
Burlingame's economy has evolved well beyond its early roots in auto retail and chocolate-making, shifting into a vibrant mix of technology, biotech, and innovative commerce. Historic manufacturers like Guittard Chocolate Company, the oldest continuously family-owned chocolate business in the U.S., remain cornerstones of the local industrial legacy.
The city now welcomes a rising wave of tech and life-sciences firms, including startups like Lyra Health, strongDM, Tallac Therapeutics, Spot AI, and Color Health—all actively shaping Burlingame’s reputation as an emerging biotech and secure infrastructure hub.
Other high-profile companies and institutions—such as Color Genomics, Natsume, DataStax, Jobvite, and visionary ventures including xAI—point to Burlingame’s growing draw for tech talent and innovation.
10. Affluence & High Livability
Burlingame stands out for its exceptional quality of life, balancing sophistication with charm and a strong sense of place throuh the city’s tree-lined streets, pristine parks, and architectural heritage. A significant proportion of households report high annual incomes, reflecting both the professional nature of the local workforce and the community’s overall prosperity. Enjoy beautifully maintained neighborhoods, premium services, and palpable civic pride.
There's No Place Like Burlingame
From historic homes to meticulously preserved urban forestry to a walkable downtown, Burlingame radiates refined, well-rounded livability. Modern new apartments at Revery offer blend exceptional lifstyle and wellness amenities with considered design details that add luxury, ease, and comfort to every day. Contact us to learn more about move-in specials, available rentals, and more.
