Located just south of San Francisco in San Mateo County, San Carlos, called the “City Of Good Living”, is a highly affluent and artsy city that’s renowned as a place of beautiful homes and trendy urban centers combined into one. San Carlos is near the site where the first Spanish explorers landed on the West Coast, and the city served in conjunction with San Francisco as a port area. Back then, San Carlos was very small, only starting its first school at the end of World War I. After World War II, the population exploded with the development of several electric plants, and the area has been a center of industry ever since. Naturally, such an affluent city is home to many notable people, like film director Kathryn Bigelow and NASA astronaut Rex Walheim.
San Carlos, CA Population & Demographics
San Carlos has a population of 30,154 distributed over 5.5 miles at a population density of about 5,500 people per square mile. The median age here is 41.8, which is about somewhat higher than the California average of 36.5. The median household income in San Carlos is $182,083, which is more than double the average household income for the state of California, being $75,235.
San Carlos’s population is primarily Caucasian, with Whites making up 68% of San Carlos’s population. However, there is a significant African-American community in the city, consisting of 16% of the population, and there is also a decent-sized Hispanic community as well. San Carlos’s gender ratio is slightly skewed, with 52% of residents being female.
San Carlos’s zip codes are 94070 and 94071, while the area code is 650. If you’re thinking about commuting to San Francisco for work or other reasons, you’ll be relieved to know the drive from San Carlos CA to San Francisco is only a short 25 minutes.
Thinking about moving to this community, but wondering if San Carlos is a safe place to live? With an A+ rating on Areavibes, San Carlos is most certainly a safe place to live. The overall crime rate here is 54% lower than the national average, with property crime being 52% lower, and violent crime being 64% lower.
Cost of Living in San Carlos, CA
San Carlos is a pricey place to live, with the cost of living here being 88% higher than most places in the United States, according to Payscale. Homes in San Carlos will cost you around $1,230,828, which is more than double the average California home price of $505,000. If you choose to move to San Carlos, you’ll find that you’ll be paying more for things like groceries, utilities, and transportation. San Carlos’s rent is similarly expensive, being around $2,913 for all units.
San Carlos is heavy on the wallet, but it’s also a city rife with opportunity in every respect. The price is well worth it!
San Carlos, CA Schools & Colleges
San Carlos is served by the San Carlos Elementary School District, although there are certain areas in San Carlos outside of its jurisdiction. The school district here is one of the best in the area, with 100% of its schools being considered “Above Average” on GreatSchools. Some highlights in terms of local schools include the Arundel Elementary School, Central Middle School, and Brittan Acres Elementary School, all of which have a 9/10 rating. Rest assured, your child will be in good hands during your stay in San Carlos!
San Carlos, CA Climate & Weather
Located on the San Francisco peninsula,the city’s s weather t won’t leave you feeling too out of sorts. You can expect lows of 39 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. San Carlos experiences less than the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 27 inches per year as compared to 38 inches. Meanwhile, San Carlos does not experience snow, as to be expected. The best times to visit San Carlos, in terms of comfort rating, are April and October.
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Best Neighborhoods in San Carlos, CA
While it might be a little compact by most city’s standards, coming in at only 5.5 square miles, San Carlos has plenty of distinct communities for all kinds of folks! Check out some of your neighborhood options below:
If you’re looking to live large, check out the large lots in Alder Manor, a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city known for its spaciousness and quietness. However, if you want to take advantage of San Carlos’ urban nature and be right in the center of the city, there are few choices better than Howard Park, which is essentially right on top of San Carlos’ downtown.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in San Carlos, CA.
Jobs in San Carlos, CA
Those planning on making a living in San Carlos should know that wages and cost of living have been static, according to Payscale. The most popular positions of employment are Software Engineer, Research Associate, Biotechnology, and Food Scientist. The largest employers in this area are Natera, Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc., and Kagome, Inc.. The average salary for a worker in San Carlos is $92k a year, while the average hourly wage is $24.95.
San Carlos is right in the heart of America’s tech capital, so it should go without saying that there’s plenty of opportunity to make money here. Check out the latest listings for jobs in San Carlos, CA here.
Things to Do in San Carlos, CA
San Carlos is part of the San Francisco metropolitan area, so it goes without saying that there’s plenty to do! Whether it’s shopping or fun attractions for the whole family, San Carlos has got you covered! Check out shopping centers nearby like the San Carlos Marketplace for all your shopping needs! You should also check out some of the best things to do in San Carlos, CA below:
Hiller Aviation Museum
In terms of aviation museums, Hiller is probably among the best, and it’s right here in San Carlos! With everything from a replica of the very first plane to fly, to a military drone with a 200 foot wingspan, Hiller Aviation Museum is sure to be a hit with the boys (and men who still have a boy in their hearts).
601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070, (650) 654-0200
Burton Park
A veteran’s park with plenty of amenities to please the kids, like a playground and water spray play area, and lots of space to have picnics, as you’d expect out of any decent outdoor area, Burton Park has a lot to offer prospective San Carlos residents.
900 Chestnut St, San Carlos, CA 94070, +16508024382
San Carlos, CA Additional Attractions:
Places to Eat in San Carlos, CA
Alongside its host of things to do, San Carlos is also home to plenty of great eats! Check out some below:
The Refuge
A combination bar and restaurant, renowned for their healthy burgers and variety of excellent Belgian beers, the Refuge is a favorite among locals when it’s time for a night out. Check out one of the best-rated pubs in San Carlos!
963 Laurel St, San Carlos, CA 94070, (650) 598-9813
Town
Maybe not the easiest restaurant to Google, but a favorite among San Carlos locals nonetheless! Serving a wide array of excellent California vineyard wines with steaks and other luxurious dishes, this is possibly the best spot in the city for a night out!
716 Laurel St, San Carlos, CA 94070, (650) 595-3003
Moving to San Carlos, CA Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful and safe communities
- Housing market with incredible resale value
- Employment opportunities aplenty
Cons:
- Expensive to live in
Ready to take that last step and start your journey to making San Carlos your new home? Give AMS Relocation a call! Our crew of highly-trained San Carlos, CA professional movers will ensure your move is a stress-free process at affordable rates! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
