A perfumed city.
City Limits
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.
HILLSBOROUGH By the Numbers
Population: 11,436
Median age: 47.6
Median household income: $238,750
Median property value: $2M
Median house value: $5.5M
WHERE TO GO: Chic’s Picks
The Flintstone House – Designed by architect William Nicholson and built in 1976 using sprayed concrete over balloon-shaped forms, this local landmark is now painted a deep burnt orange color reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge. The house can be seen to the east while heading northbound on I-280 just past the Bunker Hill exit. Learn more
Carolands Chateau – This 46,050 sqft, 4.5 floor, 98 room mansion is a California Historical Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An example of American Renaissance and Beaux-Arts design, Carolands is one of the last of the houses built during the Gilded Age, a period of great mansion-building that included stately California houses such as Filoli Mansion. Learn more
Sidney Bazett House – Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939 and completed in 1940, the Bazett House is a largely untouched example from his "Usonian" period. The house was once home to another famous designer, Joseph Eichler, and his time living there is said to have influenced his own housing developments in the 50s and 60s. Learn more
WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & HANG
Curry Hyuga – Made fresh daily from a special blend of aromatic spices, Curry Hyuga brings authentic flavors of Japan to the Bay Area. Classically trained in kaiseki cuisine and passionate about making good food accessible to everyone, their chef shares his twist on this popular Japanese fare. Learn more
Stella Alpina Osteria – True to its name, the menu at Stella Alpina infuses the flavors of the Alps with a mountain inn vibe of warm hues, soft lighting, exposed dark wood beams, and dark hardwood floors. Signature dishes like Veal Osso Buco over Mascarpone Polenta and Nonna's Housemade Potato Gnocchi will leave you wanting seconds. Learn more
Saltyard Restaurant – The Saltyard offers a taste of modern American fusion with a European touch. This sophisticated hotspot in nearby Burlingame features a winning combination of warm and impeccable service, simple yet creative dishes, and a passion for detail. Learn more
LOCAL SCHOOLS
BURLINGAME Library
#SIZEMATTERS
In 1953, Hillsborough changed its minimum lot size to one-half acre, which is still in effect today. Zoning laws have varied throughout the years, but the intention behind the laws has basically stayed the same: to preserve a stately character.
#PLAYBALL
As with any wealthy enclave, Hillsborough has had some famous residents, most noticeably baseball players including Hall of Famers Rickey Henderson and Greg Maddux, J.T. Snow, Pat Burrell, Troy Tulowitzki, and Andre Ethier.
