Living in Burlingame, California

Burlingame is a prosperous Bay Area community of roughly 31,000 residents situated on the Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose. The city blends suburban comfort with urban walkability, strong schools, and a median household income of $165,940. Most residents are college-educated professionals who value proximity to major job centers and quality of life.

What life is like here

Daily life here centers on tree-lined neighborhoods, excellent pedestrian access (walk score of 89), and a bike-friendly infrastructure (83 bike score). The rhythm is relaxed suburban with professional undertones: morning commutes to tech or finance jobs, afternoon errands in a walkable downtown, weekend activities at nearby parks like Washington Park or Village Park. The climate stays mild year-round, making outdoor recreation consistent.

This area attracts established families, young professionals seeking stability, and empty nesters who want walkability without urban density. The vibe is prosperous but not showy, focused on schools, local parks, and maintaining a tight-knit community. Median rents run around $2,591 monthly, and the median home value sits at $2,000,001, reflecting strong demand and limited turnover.

Burlingame by the numbers

Key demographics and lifestyle indicators for Burlingame, California.

Population	30,995
Median household income	$165,940
Median home value	$2,000,001
Median gross rent	$2,591
Bachelor’s or higher	64.3%
Owner-occupied	52.2%
Walk Score	89
Bike Score	83

Who this city works well for

• Affluent families with school-age children. Strong K-12 schools like Burlingame High School and Burlingame Intermediate School, plus a population where 64 percent hold bachelor’s degrees or higher.
• Tech and finance professionals. Proximity to Silicon Valley and San Francisco job markets, with an unemployment rate of only 4.6 percent and median household income well above regional averages.
• Walkable neighborhood seekers. Walk score of 89 and bike score of 83 mean most errands are accessible without a car, plus bay trail access for commuting and recreation.
• Owner-occupants planning long-term stability. 52 percent owner-occupancy rate and strong home values signal a stable community where residents stay put.

Honest tradeoffs to weigh

• High housing costs. Median home values exceed $2 million, putting homeownership out of reach for many middle-income buyers without substantial equity or family support.
• Limited rental diversity. Median rents of $2,591 are steep for the Bay Area, and rental inventory skews toward larger units aimed at established households rather than young singles or small families.
• Car culture outside walkable core. While downtown is very walkable, peripheral neighborhoods still require a car for shopping and commuting, despite decent bike infrastructure.

Neighborhoods to know

The city divides into a few distinct character zones, each with slightly different housing stock and community feel. Exploring these pockets helps buyers understand where they might feel most at home and what commute patterns look like.

Schools nearby

Public schools here consistently rank well across the Bay Area. Burlingame High School serves as the academic anchor, and Burlingame Intermediate School draws strong enrollment from families across all neighborhoods. Nearly two-thirds of the adult population holds a bachelor’s degree or advanced credential, creating an educated, engaged parent base that supports both public and private school options.

• Burlingame High School
• Burlingame Intermediate School…
• Crocker Middle School
• Bay Club Broadway Tennis and Pickleball
• Mercy High School

Daily life and amenities

Parks and outdoor space are generous. Washington Park and Village Park anchor neighborhood recreation, while Bay Trail Access opens up miles of pedestrian and bike pathways along the bay shoreline. For dining and groceries, Safeway and Mollie Stone’s Markets serve routine shopping, and the Burlingame Farmers Market brings seasonal produce and local vendors to the downtown. Restaurants like Grand Harbor Seafood and Dimsum, Mykonos, and Topgolf Burlingame cater to a range of tastes and occasions.

Parks

• Washington Park
• Burlingame Parks & Recreation Department
• Village Park
• Ray Park
• Bayside Park

Grocery

• Safeway
• Mollie Stone’s Markets
• Lunardi’s Markets
• Istanbul Market SF

Restaurants

• Topgolf Burlingame
• HL Peninsula Pearl
• Grand Harbor Seafood and Dimsum Restaurant
• Mykonos

Frequently asked questions about Burlingame

Is Burlingame a good place to buy a home?

For affluent buyers seeking strong schools, walkability, and community stability, yes. The 52 percent owner-occupancy rate and low turnover signal neighborhood health. However, homes exceed $2 million on median, so it suits established professionals and families with substantial down payments or existing equity. Renters or first-time buyers with modest budgets will struggle here.

What is the job market like in Burlingame?

The unemployment rate of 4.6 percent is below regional averages, reflecting a stable workforce with strong ties to Bay Area tech, finance, and healthcare sectors. Most residents commute to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, or San Mateo County for employment. The location offers good highway and transit access to major job centers.

Are the schools good in this area?

Yes. Burlingame High School and Burlingame Intermediate School are well-regarded public options. With 64 percent of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, the community supports strong academics. Private school options like Mercy High School also serve the area. School funding and parent involvement remain above typical Bay Area benchmarks.

Is it easy to walk or bike around Burlingame?

Very much so. The city scores 89 for walkability and 83 for bikeability, meaning most errands, shopping, and dining are reachable on foot or by bike. Downtown is especially pedestrian-friendly, and bay trail access extends recreation opportunities. Outer neighborhoods remain somewhat car-dependent, but infrastructure is improving.

What do residents spend on rent here?

Median gross rent runs approximately $2,591 monthly, which is steep even for the Bay Area. This reflects strong demand and limited rental supply. Expect to pay 40 to 50 percent more than comparable rentals inland or further south on the Peninsula.

What kind of people live in this city?

Mostly affluent professionals, established families, and educated empty nesters. With a median household income of $165,940 and a high percentage of college-educated residents, the community skews toward dual-income households working in tech, finance, healthcare, and professional services. It is family-oriented and stability-focused rather than transient or youth-focused.