Hillsborough

Hillsborough is located in the heart of the San Mateo Peninsula and is one of the Bay Area’s most distinctive luxury residential communities. The town is almost entirely low-density residential, with no commercial or industrial zoning, so shopping and dining are concentrated in nearby Burlingame and San Mateo. Despite the lack of a traditional downtown, Hillsborough offers convenient access to Downtown Burlingame, SFO, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley.

Housing in Hillsborough is dominated by large single-family homes and estate properties. The town has long maintained a minimum lot size of approximately half an acre, or 21,780 sq.ft., and current development standards also require new homes to meet a minimum floor-area threshold of roughly 2,500 sq.ft. Large lots, generous setbacks, mature trees, and winding residential streets create a strong sense of space, privacy, and estate-style living.

Hillsborough’s planning philosophy is unusually residential in character. Because commercial and industrial uses are prohibited, non-residential land is largely limited to schools, public facilities, parks and open space, and a small number of institutional or recreational uses. As a result, the town has very little high-density housing and an owner-occupancy rate of approximately 93.5%.

Education is another major draw. Hillsborough is served by the highly regarded Hillsborough City School District and is also close to several well-known private schools on the Peninsula.

From a real-estate perspective, Hillsborough’s true scarcity is not just luxury housing, but the combination of large lots, extremely low density, mature landscaping, privacy, and an almost entirely residential environment. For buyers seeking estate-style living with convenient access to Burlingame, SFO, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley, Hillsborough remains one of the Peninsula’s most unique luxury markets.

POPULATION
11,206
July 1, 2025 population estimate
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$250K+
2020–2024 ACS · Census reporting ceiling
BACHELOR'S DEGREE OR HIGHER
83.8%
Residents age 25 and older

Race & Ethnicity

Major Census population categories in Hillsborough
White
51.2%
Asian
33.4%
Two or More Races
10.2%
Hispanic / Latino
4.5%
Black / African American
0.5%
White is shown here as White alone, not Hispanic or Latino. Hispanic / Latino is an ethnicity category and may overlap with Census race categories, so the percentages above should not be added together to equal 100%.
OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING
93.5%
Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied
MEDIAN AGE
47.0
Median age of Hillsborough residents · 2024 ACS
FOREIGN-BORN POPULATION
27.1%
More than one-quarter of Hillsborough residents were born outside the United States
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts and 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Hillsborough town, California. Population reflects the July 1, 2025 estimate. Income, education, housing and demographic figures primarily reflect 2020–2024 ACS data. Current home prices and real-estate market activity are presented separately using MLS market data.

Schools

Hillsborough Public Schools

Hillsborough City School District is a small K–8 district consisting of three elementary schools and one middle school. The district does not operate a public high school; high school students are served by San Mateo Union High School District.

HCSD · ELEMENTARY

Elementary Schools

Hillsborough City School District operates three public elementary schools: North, South, and West Hillsborough. All three have long histories of academic recognition and state-level awards.
HILLSBOROUGH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
North Hillsborough School
One of Hillsborough's three public elementary schools. The school has received multiple California Distinguished School recognitions over its history.
HILLSBOROUGH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
South Hillsborough School
One of the district's three public elementary schools, with a longstanding record of academic and program recognition.
2025 California Distinguished School
HILLSBOROUGH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
West Hillsborough School
One of Hillsborough's public elementary schools, with a history of receiving California Distinguished School, National Blue Ribbon, and J. Russell Kent awards.
2025 California Distinguished School
HCSD · GRADES 6–8

Middle School

William H. Crocker Middle School is Hillsborough City School District's only public middle school, serving students in Grades 6–8.
HILLSBOROUGH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
William H. Crocker Middle School
Grades 6–8. Crocker has a long record of school recognition, including California Distinguished School honors, J. Russell Kent Awards, and National Blue Ribbon recognition.
2026 California Distinguished School
HISTORIC RECOGNITION
Four-Time National Blue Ribbon School
Crocker has historically received National Blue Ribbon School recognition four times, one of the school's most notable long-term distinctions.
INNOVATION
J. Russell Kent Awards
Crocker has received multiple J. Russell Kent Awards for Innovative Programs, recognizing programs in areas such as student leadership, media, community service, and interdisciplinary learning.
HIGH SCHOOL · SMUHSD

High School

Hillsborough City School District does not operate a public high school. High school students are served by San Mateo Union High School District.
SAN MATEO UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
High School Assignment
Hillsborough students transition into San Mateo Union High School District for Grades 9–12. The specific high school assignment depends on the property's address and current attendance boundaries.
DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS
San Mateo Union High School District
The district includes schools such as Aragon High School, Burlingame High School, Hillsdale High School, Mills High School, and San Mateo High School.
BUYER CONTEXT
K–8 and High School Are Separate Systems
Buyers should distinguish between Hillsborough City School District, which serves K–8, and San Mateo Union High School District, which serves the high school level.

Understanding Hillsborough Public Schools

Hillsborough's public-school structure is unusually compact: three elementary schools feed into one middle school, while high school students continue into San Mateo Union High School District.

ELEMENTARY

3 Public Elementary Schools

North Hillsborough, South Hillsborough, and West Hillsborough make up the district's elementary-school system.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

1 Public Middle School

William H. Crocker Middle School is HCSD's only public middle school and serves Grades 6–8.

LONG-TERM RECORD

Longstanding Recognition

Hillsborough public schools have a long history of receiving California Distinguished School, National Blue Ribbon, and J. Russell Kent recognition.

Important for Buyers: Hillsborough City School District serves K–8 only. High school students are served by San Mateo Union High School District. School assignments are address-specific and depend on current attendance boundaries. Buyers should verify the assigned elementary, middle, and high school for each property through the applicable school district's official tools. Historical API scores are no longer part of California's current school accountability system.

Hillsborough & Nearby Private Schools

Hillsborough is home to two highly regarded independent private schools: The Nueva School and Crystal Springs Uplands School. Both now operate multiple campuses, with different grade levels located in different cities.

INDEPENDENT · GIFTED EDUCATION

The Nueva School

PreK–12 · Hillsborough / San Mateo

The Nueva School is an independent PreK–12 school designed for gifted learners.

The school operates across two campuses: the Hillsborough Campus serves PreK–8, while the San Mateo Campus serves Grades 9–12.

The Hillsborough Campus is located at 6565 Skyline Boulevard and spans approximately 33 acres.

Nueva's educational approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, interdisciplinary study, creativity, and social-emotional development.

Although Nueva is a PreK–12 school overall, the Upper School is located in San Mateo's Bay Meadows area, not on the Hillsborough campus.

PreK–12 Gifted Learners Independent Project-Based
INDEPENDENT · COLLEGE PREP

Crystal Springs Uplands School

Grades 6–12 · Belmont / Hillsborough

Crystal Springs Uplands School is an independent day school serving Grades 6–12.

The school operates two campuses: the Middle School for Grades 6–8 is located in Belmont, while the Upper School for Grades 9–12 is located in Hillsborough.

The Hillsborough Upper School is located at 400 Uplands Drive.

The school currently reports an average class size of approximately 14 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of about 9:1.

Crystal emphasizes a balance between academic rigor and student well-being. Its Upper School offers school-designed Advanced Topics courses rather than a traditional AP curriculum.

Grades 6–12 Independent College Prep 9:1 Ratio
Private School Note: Both The Nueva School and Crystal Springs Uplands School operate multi-campus programs. Nueva's Hillsborough Campus serves PreK–8, while its Upper School is in San Mateo. Crystal's Middle School is in Belmont, while its Hillsborough campus serves the Upper School. Admissions requirements, grade configurations, tuition, and campus arrangements may change, so families should confirm current information directly with each school.

Market Trend

Home Price Trends

Market Activity

Latest available MLSListings data · Updated automatically

Neighborhoods

01
WEST HILLSBOROUGH

Skyfarm

Larger Lots · Newer Homes · Hillside Privacy

Skyfarm is one of Hillsborough's lower-density western residential areas. Many homes were built from the late 1970s onward, with large custom homes and estate-style residences especially common. Typical lots are approximately 0.6–1 acre or larger, with winding hillside streets and greater spacing between homes.

0.6–1+ Acre Late 1970s+ Custom Homes
02
CENTRAL / WEST HILLSBOROUGH

Carolands

Ranch Homes · Larger Lots · Established Neighborhood

Carolands is one of Hillsborough's classic large-lot residential areas. Many homes date from the 1950s–1970s, with Ranch homes, traditional residences, and later custom rebuilds. Typical lots are often around 0.5 acre or larger.

0.5+ Acre 1950s–1970s Ranch Homes
03
UPPER HILLSBOROUGH

Lakeview

Cul-de-sacs · Hillside Homes · Low Density

Lakeview sits in the higher western portion of Hillsborough, near I-280 and the Crystal Springs area. Many homes were built during the 1950s–1970s, with typical lots of approximately 0.5–1 acre. Curving roads and cul-de-sacs are common throughout the area.

0.5–1 Acre 1950s–1970s Cul-de-sacs
04
LOWER HILLSBOROUGH

Ryan Tract

Established Homes · Lower Hillsborough · Convenient Location

Ryan Tract is a mature residential area on the Burlingame side of Hillsborough. Many homes date from the 1920s–1960s, with continued remodeling and rebuilding over time. Typical parcels are approximately 0.5 acre, while the neighborhood still retains a traditional estate character.

0.5 Acre 1920s–1960s Lower Hillsborough
05
NORTH / CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH

Country Club Manor

Level Terrain · Mature Landscaping · Architectural Variety

Country Club Manor is located near Burlingame Country Club and has relatively level terrain. Many homes date from the 1940s–1970s, with typical lots around 0.5 acre. Architectural styles include Ranch, Mediterranean, Tudor, and French-inspired homes.

0.5 Acre 1940s–1970s Mature Trees
06
CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH

Homeplace

Diverse Architecture · Estate Lots · Old and New Homes

Homeplace is one of Hillsborough's most varied neighborhoods in both architecture and lot size. The area includes pre-war estates, 1950s–1970s Ranch homes, and newer custom rebuilds. Typical parcels are approximately 0.5–1+ acre.

0.5–1+ Acre Pre-War–1970s Estate Homes
07
CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH

Hillsborough Park

Estate Homes · Mature Trees · Curving Streets

Hillsborough Park is an established estate neighborhood with mature landscaping and winding residential roads. Many homes were built during the 1930s–1960s, followed by extensive remodeling and rebuilding. Typical lots are often 0.5 acre or larger.

0.5+ Acre 1930s–1960s Estate Setting
08
SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH

Tobin Clark Estate / Polo Terrace

Newer Homes · Large Custom Residences · Estate Scale

Tobin Clark Estate is one of Hillsborough's later-developed residential areas. Many homes were built from the late 1980s through the 2000s and beyond, with typical lots of approximately 0.5–1+ acre. Large custom homes and estate residences dominate the area.

0.5–1+ Acre Late 1980s+ Large Custom Homes
09
LOWER HILLSBOROUGH

Hillsborough Heights

Historic Homes · Level Streets · Classical Architecture

Hillsborough Heights is a mature lower-Hillsborough neighborhood with a strong traditional character. Many homes were built during the 1920s–1950s, with typical lots around 0.5 acre. Mediterranean, Tudor, French, and traditional estate architecture is common.

0.5 Acre 1920s–1950s Historic Character
10
SOUTHEAST HILLSBOROUGH

Brewer Subdivision / Upland

Level Terrain · Mid-Century Homes · Urban Convenience

Brewer Subdivision / Upland sits in southeastern Hillsborough and is among the town's closest residential areas to Downtown San Mateo. Many homes date from the 1940s–1960s, with typical lots of approximately 0.5 acre. Mid-century Ranch homes and later custom rebuilds are common.

0.5 Acre 1940s–1960s Level Terrain
01 · WEST HILLSBOROUGH

Skyfarm

Skyfarm is one of Hillsborough's lower-density and more private western residential areas.

Development here is generally newer than in lower Hillsborough, with many homes built from the late 1970s onward and additional construction throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and later decades.

Typical parcels are approximately 0.6–1 acre or larger, and some properties extend beyond that range. Homes are more widely spaced and streets follow the natural hillside terrain.

The key distinction is that buyers should evaluate usable lot area, slope, driveway configuration, retaining walls, and how the house sits on the land rather than relying on acreage alone.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Large custom homes · Estate residences · Late 1970s+
CHARACTER
Low density · Private · Hillside · Larger parcels
ACCESS
Western Hillsborough · Near I-280 / Crystal Springs side
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Western Hillsborough around Skyfarm Drive and surrounding hillside residential streets.
BUYER NOTE
Compare usable land rather than acreage alone. Slope, driveway design, and retaining walls can materially affect usability.
02 · CENTRAL / WEST HILLSBOROUGH

Carolands

Carolands is one of Hillsborough's classic large-lot residential areas.

Many homes were built during the 1950s–1970s, with spacious Ranch homes, traditional residences, and later custom rebuilds.

Typical parcels are often approximately 0.5 acre or larger. Some elevated properties may also capture Bay or surrounding-area views.

The neighborhood is defined by mature landscaping, larger lots, and a noticeable mix of older and newer homes. Mid-century houses and recently rebuilt custom residences may appear on the same street.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Ranch homes · Traditional homes · Custom rebuilds
CHARACTER
Mature · Large lots · Established · Mixed housing eras
ACCESS
Central-western Hillsborough
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Residential area around the historic Carolands estate and surrounding central-western streets.
BUYER NOTE
House condition and renovation level can create substantial value differences even among similar-sized lots.
03 · UPPER HILLSBOROUGH

Lakeview

Lakeview is located in the higher western portion of Hillsborough and is characteristic of upper Hillsborough.

Many homes date from the 1950s–1970s, including mid-century Ranch homes, traditional residences, and later custom rebuilds.

Typical lots are approximately 0.5–1 acre. Curving roads and cul-de-sacs are common, contributing to lower traffic and greater privacy.

Compared with lower Hillsborough, terrain is generally more varied. Buyers should pay particular attention to driveway slope, usable backyard space, overall topography, and the actual view orientation.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Mid-century Ranch · Traditional homes · Custom rebuilds
CHARACTER
Quiet · Low density · Curving streets · Cul-de-sacs
ACCESS
Western Hillsborough · Near I-280 and Crystal Springs
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Upper western Hillsborough near the Crystal Springs side.
BUYER NOTE
Evaluate slope, driveway configuration, and usable yard area rather than total parcel size alone.
04 · LOWER HILLSBOROUGH

Ryan Tract

Ryan Tract is a mature residential area on the Burlingame side of Hillsborough.

Many homes date from the 1920s–1960s, with continued additions, remodels, and larger rebuilds over time.

Typical parcels are approximately 0.5 acre. The area includes historic estates, traditional homes, Ranch homes, and newer custom construction.

Its defining advantage is the combination of Hillsborough's low-density residential environment with convenient access toward Burlingame.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Historic estates · Ranch homes · Traditional homes · Rebuilds
CHARACTER
Mature · Convenient · Lower elevation · Estate feel
ACCESS
Burlingame Avenue · El Camino Real · Caltrain direction
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Northern / northeastern lower Hillsborough near Burlingame.
BUYER NOTE
Street location, lot orientation, and proximity to commercial corridors can affect privacy and value.
05 · NORTH / CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH

Country Club Manor

Country Club Manor is a traditional Hillsborough neighborhood with relatively level terrain and mature landscaping.

Many homes date from the 1940s–1970s, with typical parcels around 0.5 acre.

Architectural styles are varied, including Ranch, Mediterranean, Tudor, French-inspired homes, and later custom rebuilds.

Compared with western hillside neighborhoods, this area often offers more usable yards, mature tree canopy, and easier everyday access.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Ranch · Mediterranean · Tudor · French-inspired · Rebuilds
CHARACTER
Mature trees · Level terrain · Traditional residential setting
ACCESS
Near Burlingame Country Club and northern Hillsborough
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Residential area surrounding the country club and adjacent central-northern streets.
BUYER NOTE
Lot shape and remodel quality may matter more than raw lot size in this established area.
06 · CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH

Homeplace

Homeplace is one of Hillsborough's most varied neighborhoods in both architecture and lot size.

The area includes pre-war estates, many 1950s–1970s California Ranch homes, and newer large custom residences.

Typical parcels are approximately 0.5–1+ acre, with some estate lots extending beyond that range.

A long-held Ranch home may sit only a short distance from a large Tudor or French-inspired estate, so lot size, house size, age, and renovation level vary substantially.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Ranch homes · Tudor · French-style estates · Custom rebuilds
CHARACTER
Diverse architecture · Large lots · Mature residential setting
ACCESS
Central Hillsborough · Convenient to both Burlingame and San Mateo
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Broad central Hillsborough residential area.
BUYER NOTE
Compare each property individually; the range of lot sizes and housing conditions is unusually wide.
07 · CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH

Hillsborough Park

Hillsborough Park is an established estate neighborhood with mature landscaping and a classic residential character.

Many homes date from the 1930s–1960s, followed by decades of remodeling, additions, and rebuilding.

Typical lots are generally 0.5 acre or larger, with traditional estates, mid-century homes, and newer custom residences.

Streets are often curved and heavily landscaped. Some sections are more level than western Hillsborough, making yards and outdoor areas comparatively easier to use.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Traditional estates · Mid-century homes · Custom residences
CHARACTER
Mature trees · Estate environment · Curving roads
ACCESS
Central Hillsborough
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Central Hillsborough around Hayne Road, Vista-area streets, and surrounding residential roads.
BUYER NOTE
Older estates may have extensive remodel histories; review additions, systems, and permit history carefully.
08 · SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH

Tobin Clark Estate / Polo Terrace

Tobin Clark Estate is one of Hillsborough's later-developed neighborhoods and is known for larger-scale residences.

Many homes were built from the late 1980s through the 2000s and beyond, making the housing stock noticeably newer than in many of Hillsborough's traditional neighborhoods.

Typical lots are approximately 0.5–1+ acre, with large custom homes and estate-style residences especially common.

Buyers often find larger interior square footage, more modern floor plans, deeper setbacks, and wider driveways.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Large custom homes · Estate residences · Late 1980s+
CHARACTER
Newer housing stock · Large-scale homes · Deep setbacks
ACCESS
Southern Hillsborough · Near San Mateo side
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Southern Hillsborough around Tobin Clark and Polo Terrace residential streets.
BUYER NOTE
Newer construction does not eliminate due diligence; review slope, drainage, and construction quality carefully.
09 · LOWER HILLSBOROUGH

Hillsborough Heights

Hillsborough Heights is a mature lower-Hillsborough neighborhood with a strong classical residential character.

Many homes date from the 1920s–1950s, with extensive remodeling and rebuilding in later decades.

Typical lots are around 0.5 acre, with Mediterranean, Tudor, French, and traditional estate architecture.

Terrain is generally more level than in western Hillsborough, mature landscaping is common, and access toward San Mateo and Burlingame is convenient, creating a balance of historic character and lower-Hillsborough accessibility.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Mediterranean · Tudor · French · Traditional estates
CHARACTER
Historic · Tree-lined · Lower elevation · Established
ACCESS
Convenient to San Mateo and Burlingame
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Eastern / lower Hillsborough near the San Mateo side.
BUYER NOTE
Older homes may have substantial additions and system upgrades; evaluate permit history and renovation quality carefully.
10 · SOUTHEAST HILLSBOROUGH

Brewer Subdivision / Upland

Brewer Subdivision / Upland sits in southeastern Hillsborough and is among the town's closest residential areas to Downtown San Mateo.

Many homes date from the 1940s–1960s, with typical parcels around 0.5 acre.

Common housing includes mid-century Ranch homes, traditional residences, and properties that have undergone major remodels, additions, or complete custom rebuilds.

The area's defining feature is not oversized acreage, but rather the combination of relatively level terrain, half-acre-scale lots, and unusually strong urban convenience.

NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS
HOUSING
Mid-century Ranch · Traditional homes · Custom rebuilds
CHARACTER
Level terrain · Mature trees · Established residential streets
ACCESS
Downtown San Mateo · El Camino Real · Caltrain direction
APPROX. BOUNDARIES
Southeastern Hillsborough near the San Mateo border.
BUYER NOTE
This area offers unusually strong urban access for Hillsborough; compare street exposure and privacy property by property.
Neighborhood Note: Hillsborough neighborhood names and boundaries are approximate real-estate references rather than official administrative districts. Lot sizes and construction eras shown above represent common patterns within each area and do not apply to every property. Individual homes may vary significantly in parcel size, usable land, slope, construction date, renovation history, street exposure, and views.