City Limits

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.

FOSTER CITY By the Numbers

WHERE TO GO: Chic’s Picks

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park – Originally called Central Park, this urban enclave along the Foster City lagoon was named in memory of Congressman Leo J. Ryan, who was assassinated during the Jonestown massacre in 1978. The park is home to the William E. Walker Recreation Center and features an outdoor amphitheatre, sailboat facilities, a boardwalk, and a pathway around the perimeter. Learn more

Ralston Hall – Ralston Hall is a historic landmark built by Bank of California founder William Chapman Ralston on the campus of Notre Dame de Namur University, and is also home to Notre Dame High School. It was built around a villa formerly owned by Count Cipriani, an Italian aristocrat. Learn more

Twin Pines Park – This is a treasure hidden in the middle of the city, where you’ll find a combination of picnic areas, meadows, and trails. Explore the creek or just enjoy a nice day outside with the fresh scents of nature. The park is open sunup to sundown, with plenty of parking available. Learn more

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & HANG

Iron Gate – Classic and classy, with an old world feel, top notch service, and excellent food, the Iron Gate is a historic restaurant and bar serving the finest in French and Italian cuisines. And saving room for dessert is the law around here. It’s a little on the pricey side, but worth it for special occasions. Learn more

Falafelle – All your favorite Mediterranean classics made from scratch with fresh ingredients, all of it 100% vegan, and all of it extremely affordable! Falafel balls, pita wraps, hummus, tabbouleh, dolma, and more await your taste buds. Experience a crunch and flavor you'll remember forever. Learn more

Farm House – This small and casual restaurant with a dog-friendly patio features a New American menu that pulls inspiration from diverse backgrounds and a bold collaboration of flavor, changing seasonally to incorporate the freshest ingredients. Visit them today for a warm welcome and great company.

LOCAL SCHOOLS

FOSTER CITY Library

#NOFLOODZONE

Note to potential home buyers: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has certified Foster City's levee as providing protection from a 1-percent annual chance (base) flood. This means land within the city limits is classified as Zone X, where mandatory flood insurance is not required. Learn more

#EverywhereYouWantToBe

Since 1993, Visa, Inc. has made its headquarters in Foster City — with a few years’ hiatus in San Francisco — and the company is still the City’s largest employer, occupying four buildings at the intersection of Metro Center Boulevard and Vintage Park Drive. Other companies with headquarters in Foster City include Conviva, Gilead Sciences, Sling Media, and Zoox. Learn more