Introducing: Millbrae

In the 1860s, Darius Ogden Mills purchased land from José de la Cruz Sánchez to build a country estate. Bordered by what is now Skyline Boulevard, the Bayshore Highway, Millbrae Avenue, and Trousdale Drive, the estate became known as "Millbrae" from "Mills" and the Scottish word "brae," which means "rolling hills" or "slope."

Millbrae's economy is driven in part by its proximity to local transportation options including San Francisco International Airport. The city’s transit center provides quick connections to anywhere you want or need to go in the Bay Area, and tourists often choose to stay in Millbrae to take advantage of shops, restaurants, and more along El Camino Real and Broadway Avenue.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Introducing: Hillsborough

The Town of Hillsborough is a primarily residential community west of U.S. 101 and east of I-280, a short commute away from San Francisco and minutes from SFO, with easy access to Caltrain. Incorporated more than 100 years ago, the town has retained its charm and continues to serve as an escape from the pressures of the big city.

In addition to a generally quiet, peaceful atmosphere, Hillsborough also offers award-winning schools and high quality public services. Once dominated by large estates, the town is home to several historic mansions that hearken back to a more regal time. Meanwhile, nearby cities of Burlingame and Foster City give Hillsborough residents options for a night out.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Introducing: Burlingame

Burlingame strikes the perfect balance between small town charm, industrial character, and world class offerings. Named for former U.S. Ambassador Anson Burlingame and known for numerous eucalyptus groves, a walkable downtown, and excellent public schools, this city truly offers the best of all worlds.

Burlingame is known as the City of Trees, which makes sense when you consider that it’s home to 18,000 trees in the public right of way. This is due in no small part to an ordinance "prohibiting cutting, injuring, or destroying trees," which was passed shortly after the city incorporated in 1908. Today, Burlingame enjoys a booming industrial community thanks to its proximity to San Francisco International Airport.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Introducing: Foster City

Foster City literally rose out of the marshes of the San Francisco Bay, on the eastern edge of San Mateo. The city was named after T. Jack Foster, a real estate tycoon who owned much of the land that was forged into the eventual city, and who played a key role in its design. His family firm, Foster Enterprises, is still active in Bay Area real estate today.

Despite being built on engineered landfill, Foster City maintains an extensive 218-acre lagoon that functions as a drainage system and keeps the city from flooding, even during the infamous El Niño rainstorms in the late 1990s. Meanwhile, surrounding cities experienced major drainage problems. (Keep reading for more on Foster City’s innovative flood protections.)

In 2009, Forbes ranked Foster City 10th on their list of America's Top 25 Towns to Live Well. Money magazine has also recognized Foster City as one of the Best Places to Live. Like most of Silicon Valley, it boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers, and cool, wet winters.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Introducing: Los Gatos

The Town of Los Gatos is nestled at the base of the Sierra Azules along the southwestern edge of the Santa Clara Valley. Locals and visitors can shop and dine at some of the finest spots the Bay Area has to offer, stroll down the friendly streets of a historic and charming Downtown, enjoy the natural beauty of parks and trails, and take advantage of fun family events that happen year round.

Los Gatos is one of Santa Clara County’s oldest communities, incorporated in 1887 and still retaining its small town charm. Unique architecture, pedestrian-friendly design, and safe neighborhoods make it one of the most desirable locations in the Bay Area real estate market. The town is also an inclusive community with a wide spectrum of ages, family sizes, and incomes.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.