New Study Ranks San Mateo Tops for Walkability

Downtown San Mateo is in the top 3 of most walkable neighborhoods in the Bay Area, according to a new survey published by brokerage RedFin and Walk Score, which calculates area’s walkability.

San Mateo’s Downtown scored 93 in Walk Score’s survey, edged out only by Berkeley and San Rafael’s downtowns, ranking at numbers 1 and 2 respectively.

“A major perk of this area is that it’s an affordable neighborhood, with great access to the Caltrain station. Transportation is everything here; it is an easy walk to the main station from any point of Downtown San Mateo,” says Redfin Agent Matthew Weller.

Weller also noted that the area’s restaurants, new and longstanding, alongside classic shops that have been here for over 30 years all help make Downtown San Mateo a great place for diverse and unique shopping options.

Other indicators of San Mateo’s success:

  • In a national survey, Rand McNally ranked San Mateo the best small town for food in 2013.
  • Another national poll ranked the City number two for best mid-sized cities for restaurants just behind Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  • San Mateo ranked 12 in another national poll for most livable places. Reasons: historic buildings, parks, restaurants, sustainability and use of commuter rail (Caltrain). And let’s not forget – the weather.

Recent studies show that walkability is an increasingly important factor both residents and workers. According to report from the Regional Planning Association, 56% of millennials and 46% of baby boomers prefer to live in more walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods (such as Bay Meadows!).

Come unwind at the Peninsula’s next streetfront retail and entertainment destination. Delaware Street – Bay Meadows’ welcoming social street – features over 40,000 square feet of Midurban retail space. With recent news of Bay Meadows’ first retail tenants – Blue Bottle Coffee and Tin Pot Creamery – there’s no stopping momentum for this special gathering place boasting artisan eateries, as well as specialty fitness and unique retail. Delaware street was carefully designed with angled parking and large landscaped walkways to create a walkable and inviting experience that is highlighted by our large Town Square. Interested in retail leasing at Bay Meadows? Contact RetailWest to learn more >