6.3 out of 10

Lakeview

37.5438589001785 -122.354570100087
Great for
  • Clean & Green
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Safe & Sound
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Neighborly Spirit
Not great for
  • Eating Out
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Internet Access
  • Public Transport
  • Childcare
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
2yrs+

"An inexpensive option for Hillborough"

Although a model of luxury, Lakeview is a somewhat inexpensive Hillsborough option fit for the bargain home buyer. In fact, it is the only Hillsborough neighborhood with sub-2 million dollar homes, while still maintaining that (Hillsborough) charm and strong community cohesion. For perspective residents, the area is saturated with narrow lanes that gently curve around the bushy, but well-balanced landscape and end in abrupt cul-de-sacs. They lay ground to beautiful homes fit for the upper middle to upper-class. And although somewhat secluded, its closest commercial real-estate is just a 10-minute drive from Downtown San Mateo.

Lakeview’s residential aesthetic is almost unsurpassable. If you drive around the area, you’ll come across a wide variety of homes that were built within a 60 year span dating back from 1950. In fact, the neighborhood’s most influential development happened during the 1950’s, when California ranch homes (long, single story homes stretching along the roadside) were becoming a staple among San Francisco peninsula communities. As time passed, the next couple waves of development were dominated by neo-traditional, two-story homes. These residences tend to expand as much as 3,000-4,000 square feet of living space, with as much as four to five bedrooms apiece. Homes were (and still are) situated on large, hilly lots that afford canyon views of the far-reaching San Francisco Bay. And many have been upgraded (especially along Joyce Road) in recent years, with beautiful front yards setting aside room for small gardens, large lawn spaces or half circle driveways.

While nestled along Highway 280, Lakeview is one of the more convenient commuter options among Hillsborough communities. It is also within minutes of the College of San Mateo, a 2-year community college that serves San Mateo County residents. For recreation, the district is also within a short walk to the Crystal Springs Reservoir, commonly known for its isolated escape from the busy hustle and tussle of suburban life. The large forestland and lake offer beautiful green scenery and tough hiking trails. Also, the Baywood Park Tennis Courts, situated along Joyce Road, are a couple well-kept tennis courts for local community use.
Pros
  • Big Homes
  • Good Schools
  • Quiet and Safe
Cons
  • Remote
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Pretty Average but Still Expensive"

Of Hillsborough neighborhoods, Lakeview is the one that looks the most average. You get lots of large Ranch homes here of the kind that are not that unusual in many neighborhoods.

In addition, the hilly streets really do look as if they are a part of the surrounding forest rather than having the immaculate look of many of the manicured streets of Hillsborough. In part, perhaps this difference is due to this neighborhood being so far away from the heart of Hillsborough.

So does this mean that prices will be significantly lower than the usual $2-$3 million you would expect in other Hillsborough neighborhoods?

No such luck. The cheapest home you will currently find in Lakeview is going for $1.5 million. It is just a Ranch home dating from 1950. (It is actually below the usual Hillsborough requirement that homes be at least 2500 feet—probably managed to escape this because of its age.)

On the high end, you can find a 5000 foot Mediterranean style home for about $4.25 million—that is relatively low as a cap for Hillsborough, but most homes are in the mid $2 million range, so this is not really much of deal.
Pros
  • Big Homes
  • Good Schools
  • Quiet and Safe
Cons
  • Very, very Expensive
  • Average Homes
  • Remote
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish

Unranked Streets in Lakeview

"Polhemus Road is it's own world"
37.5313483668024 -122.36084564521

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