Is Hillsborough good for families with young kids?

[Anonymous]

DH is considering a job offer that would bring us to the Bay Area. He would work in SF and, based on my background, I could probably find a job anywhere in SF or on the Peninsula. We have two young kids (6 and 2) and are trying to find family friendly communities with good public schools (although we could go private). Budget is up to $5mm. My grandparents lived in Hillsborough; so, I have fond memories of visiting them and being able to find other kids to play with. It also seems pretty centrally located, which would let me work wherever I found a job after the move. It’s been almost 20 years since I’ve been there, though, so I’m not sure how the community has changed.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it is good for families with very strong schools. Major downside is the cost of housing, but you will be fine with that budget. You may also want to look at other nearby Peninsula communities.

[Anonymous]

I would choose Atherton over Hillsborough but to be honest the commute to SF is awful from both. I’d rather live in SF and send kids to private

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for your input! Traffic sounds like it has become a real nightmare in the Bay Area. I hadn’t considered living in SF proper, but ease of commute is a huge consideration for us. I’ll start looking into neighborhoods and school options in the city!

[Anonymous]

What about Burlingame? Good schools, family-oriented...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for your input! Traffic sounds like it has become a real nightmare in the Bay Area. I hadn’t considered living in SF proper, but ease of commute is a huge consideration for us. I’ll start looking into neighborhoods and school options in the city!

Even living in the city doesn't;t necessarily help. You have to find out about the particular commute. I love in Orinda and my commute is faster than people who live in Richmond or Sunset. IT all depends.

[Anonymous]

most of the area of hillsborough have no sidewalks, and I thought most of the kids went to private schools.

[Anonymous]

I’m in Burlingame, a few blocks from Hillsborough border.

I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old. Whenever I try to take a walk I’m struck by the narrow streets, lack of sidewalks, and what seems like lack of parks / playgrounds in Burlingame.

I really appreciate that I can walk (.5 miles) to the Caltrain. We live (rent small apartment / don’t have your housing budget) walking distance to town and next to a playground. If I had your budget I’d look in Burlingame instead.

I’m also charmed by the town of San Carlos, but the commute is longer.

What are you looking for in housing / activities / experiences etc?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would choose Atherton over Hillsborough but to be honest the commute to SF is awful from both. I’d rather live in SF and send kids to private

+1

[Anonymous]

If your kids like the Flintstones, Hillsborough will be heaven.

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/flintstone-house-hillsborough-petition-280-13718103.php

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m in Burlingame, a few blocks from Hillsborough border.

I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old. Whenever I try to take a walk I’m struck by the narrow streets, lack of sidewalks, and what seems like lack of parks / playgrounds in Burlingame.

I really appreciate that I can walk (.5 miles) to the Caltrain. We live (rent small apartment / don’t have your housing budget) walking distance to town and next to a playground. If I had your budget I’d look in Burlingame instead.

I’m also charmed by the town of San Carlos, but the commute is longer.

What are you looking for in housing / activities / experiences etc?

I used to live in Burlingame, on the "wrong" side of the tracks. There are two parks close to Washington ES. We used to go to either of them a lot. Close to downtown Burlingame and caltrain. Lots of families from SF come to this park to escape the "cold" summer. We also used to walk to downtown Burlingame, and DH would take Caltrain to SF. Really nice place to live. Only downside was the train noise, and housing cost, but sounds like OP could more than afford that area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:most of the area of hillsborough have no sidewalks, and I thought most of the kids went to private schools.

+1 was just about to post to this. Most of the homes are huge and behind gates. I hardly saw anyone walking around there. Maybe it's different now.

[Anonymous]

I’m the Pp who mentioned lack of sidewalks / playgrounds in Burlingame - meant to say Hillsborough. It is not very walking friendly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:most of the area of hillsborough have no sidewalks, and I thought most of the kids went to private schools.

+1 was just about to post to this. Most of the homes are huge and behind gates. I hardly saw anyone walking around there. Maybe it's different now.

Isn't Atherton the same? We lived there (in a guest cottage) during grad school and I never saw children walking or biking -- come to think of it, I never saw people. (The lemon tree in our yard was lovely, though.)