Sugarloaf, San Mateo

Although its ridiculous name, Sugarloaf is a large, affluent community within the heart of San Mateo. The district spans about 2.2 square miles with over 10,000 residents, one of the city’s most populated neighborhoods. It also includes the San Mateo Medical Center and the enormous Laurelwood Park, tow big pluses for young families. Demographically speaking, the population is predominately white, with a decently-sized asian population. Moreover, these residents typically live within their middle-class means, residing in a mix of mediocre homes.

Nestled between US Route 92 and South El Camino Real, Sugarloaf’s residential quarters are a mixed bag of ordinary homes planted on ordinary properties. If you head towards the western side of Laurelwood Park, you’ll come across larger, newer, two-story homes. They include two-car garages, sizable driveways and more maintained front yards. According to the 2010 US Census, the neighborhood average estimated price is just above $1 million while rents can tip towards $1,700/month. Moreover, median household income circles around $100,000 year to year.

For your shopping needs, the Hillsdale Shopping Center anchors the northern edge of the neighborhood. The area is outfitted with a couple shopping options including a Nordstrom, a Macy’s, Trader Joe’s, a Barnes & Noble, American Eagle, a food court, and handful of restaurants (with abundant parking). Elsewhere, the Laurelwood Park lies on its southwestern corner and takes up much of the district’s land area. The parkland offers a playground, picnic tables and a large multi-use playing field. For public transit, Hillsdale Caltrain is situated on the corner of South El Camino Real and West Hillsdale Boulevard. The train connects locals up and down the San Francisco peninsula (which includes San Jose).