6 Best Neighborhoods in Burlingame, CA for Families: Cost of Living, Safety & School Options

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Top Neighborhoods in Burlingame, CA for Families

1. Ray Park

Ray Park is the neighborhood most consistently recommended for families, and for good reason. It sits in a central location with Lincoln Elementary School nearby, easy access to Ray Park itself (a well-maintained neighborhood park with open grass and play structures), and walkable proximity to both Broadway and downtown Burlingame. The streets are quiet, the trees are mature, and the homes tend to be well-kept single-family properties.

What makes Ray Park especially practical is how much it puts within walking distance. Families can handle school drop-off, a coffee run, weekend errands, and an afternoon at the park without ever getting in the car. For parents managing busy schedules, that kind of built-in convenience matters enormously.

Burlingame's well-maintained parks give kids consistent outdoor access across the city's family neighborhoods.

2. Burlingame Hills

Burlingame Hills sits on the elevated western edge of the Burlingame area and offers something most Peninsula neighborhoods can't: space, privacy, and panoramic views. Homes here tend to sit on larger lots with more separation between neighbors, making it appealing for families who want room to breathe.

The tradeoff is walkability. Burlingame Hills is a car-dependent neighborhood, and the hillside terrain means kids aren't biking to school on their own. But for families prioritizing larger homes, outdoor space, and a quieter residential setting over urban convenience, it delivers in a way most flat Burlingame neighborhoods can't match.

3. Burlingame Park

Burlingame Park is one of the city's most prestigious neighborhoods. It sits west of El Camino Real, directly adjacent to Hillsborough, and is filled with large craftsman, Tudor, and Spanish-style homes on generous lots. Mature trees line nearly every block, and the neighborhood has a timeless, established quality that's hard to replicate elsewhere in the city.

For families, Burlingame Park combines prestige with livability. It's walkable to Burlingame Avenue's dining and shops, close to Washington Park, and feeds into strong schools.

The price point reflects the demand. This is one of the most expensive pockets in the city, but families who can make it work rarely want to leave.

4. Downtown Burlingame / Burlingame Village

Downtown Burlingame sits at the heart of the city's energy, and for families who love being close to the action, it's hard to beat. The neighborhood wraps around Burlingame Avenue, giving residents walkable access to restaurants, boutique shops, the library, and the Caltrain station. 

It's urban by Burlingame standards, but still distinctly suburban in character with wide sidewalks, low-rise buildings, and a community that actually uses its downtown.

Families who prioritize convenience over square footage tend to thrive here. Homes are typically smaller and sit on tighter lots, but the payoff is a lifestyle that doesn't require a car for most daily tasks. The Burlingame Community Center and the surrounding Washington Park are both close, giving kids consistent outdoor options right in the neighborhood.

5. Easton Addition

Easton Addition is one of Burlingame's most beloved neighborhoods, and it earns that reputation through a combination of charm, walkability, and community character that few areas can match. 

The homes here are a mix of bungalows, cottages, and craftsman-style houses, many of them updated but still retaining their original architectural appeal. Streets are lined with mature trees, sidewalks are wide, and the neighborhood has a genuine small-town feel even though you're minutes from major freeways.

For families, Easton Addition is particularly strong because of how it balances access to schools, parks, and everyday amenities without sacrificing neighborhood quiet. It's close to Roosevelt Elementary and within easy reach of both Burlingame Avenue and Broadway, giving parents two distinct commercial corridors to work with depending on the errand. 

6. Lyon Hoag

Lyon Hoag is Burlingame's most underrated family neighborhood. It's one of the more affordable options in the city, which immediately gets it dismissed by buyers chasing prestige, but that's a mistake. 

The neighborhood offers solid walkability, proximity to Burlingame Avenue's dining scene, and a relaxed residential atmosphere that works well for growing families. Homes tend to be post-war construction, many of which have been updated with modern kitchens and expanded floor plans.

What Lyon Hoag lacks in architectural drama, it makes up for in practical livability. Families who want to get into Burlingame's school system without stretching their budget to the absolute limit often find Lyon Hoag to be the smart entry point. It's close to the Burlingame Community Center, and the flat, walkable streets make it easy for kids to move around independently.

How Safe Is Burlingame for Families?

Burlingame's violent crime rate is well below the national average, and the city maintains a well-funded police department with a strong community presence. In neighborhoods like Ray Park, Easton Addition, and Burlingame Village, the streets are quiet enough that kids regularly walk or bike to school on their own.

The feel does vary slightly by location. Burlingame Park, Burlingame Hills, and Easton Addition, all west of El Camino Real, have the quietest, most residential character. Lyon Hoag and Downtown Burlingame are closer to Highway 101 and carry a bit more urban energy, though both remain comfortable and secure for families.

Public & Private School Options in Burlingame

Burlingame is served by the Burlingame School District (K-8) and the San Mateo Union High School District (9-12). 

On the elementary side, schools like Lincoln Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary (in Easton Addition), Franklin Elementary, and Washington Elementary serve different neighborhoods across the city. Burlingame High School is the city's primary comprehensive high school and is well-regarded across San Mateo County, having previously earned a California Distinguished School award.

For families considering private options, the broader San Mateo County area has several well-regarded schools within a short drive of Burlingame. School access and ratings were a major factor in Ray Park's top-ranked position on this list. The city as a whole scores higher for schools than most surrounding cities, making Burlingame a strong educational environment regardless of neighborhood.

Cost of Living in Burlingame

Burlingame is an expensive city by almost any measure, but within the Bay Area context, it falls at a more attainable level than cities like Hillsborough or Atherton. 

The median home sale price in Burlingame is approximately $3.1 million, with significant variation across neighborhoods depending on lot size, home condition, and location.

Beyond the purchase price, the overall monthly cost of living for a family of four in Burlingame runs approximately $10,300, which is roughly 89% higher than the national average. 

Families should also factor in San Mateo County property taxes, which are calculated based on assessed value, as well as costs tied to home size and age. Many homes in neighborhoods like Burlingame Park and Burlingame Hills are larger, older properties that may require ongoing maintenance investment.

Best Neighborhoods in Burlingame at a Glance

How Got2Move Helps Families Relocate to Burlingame

Got2Move has moved families across California since 2006, with dedicated crews in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Choosing a neighborhood is the biggest decision, but coordinating the move itself is what determines how smoothly your family settles into Burlingame. Between older craftsman homes, hillside properties, and tighter downtown lots, each neighborhood presents different access and logistics considerations. The earlier you plan for those details, the easier the transition will be.

Got2Move is a licensed and fully insured moving company with dedicated crews based in the Bay Area who handle Peninsula relocations regularly. We offer all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees, flexible scheduling to work around your timeline, and full-service packing and specialty item protection for every type of home. Contact us today to get a personalized quote for your move to Burlingame.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the safest neighborhood in Burlingame for families?

Burlingame is safe across the board, but neighborhoods west of El Camino Real, particularly Burlingame Park and Easton Addition, have the quietest, most residential character. Ray Park is also consistently cited as especially safe due to its active park and high foot traffic from families throughout the day.

Which Burlingame neighborhood has the best schools?

Most Burlingame students continue to Burlingame High School, though San Mateo Union High School District operates on open enrollment. So the main variable at the elementary level is which school your address is zoned for. 

What is the most affordable neighborhood in Burlingame?

Lyon Hoag is one of the most accessible entry points into Burlingame's housing market, offering smaller homes at lower price points. Parts of Burlingame Village also give buyers a foothold in the city without the premium pricing of neighborhoods like Burlingame Park or Burlingame Hills.

Which Burlingame neighborhoods are best for walkability?

Easton Addition, Ray Park, Lyon Hoag, and Downtown Burlingame lead the city, with grocery stores, schools, parks, and transit all within comfortable walking distance. Burlingame Hills is on the opposite end, where hillside terrain and distance from commercial areas make it almost entirely car-dependent.

Why should I choose Got2Move for my Burlingame relocation?

Got2Move has been moving California families since 2006 with full-time, in-house crews in the Bay Area and hundreds of positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and BBB. Every move comes with all-inclusive pricing, no hidden fees, and a licensed team (CAL-T 191707) that handles everything from packing to specialty item protection. 

*Note: Prices are approximate only and may vary based on factors like distance, weight, volume, home size, seasonality, and specific services requested. Final billing may also include additional charges such as fuel surcharges, stairs, long carries, or other service-related fees. For an exact, binding quote, please contact Got2Move directly.