Check out our Belmont Neighborhood Guide

We got such positive feedback from our San Mateo Neighborhood Guide, we decided to dive into Belmont. Belmont is one of the more desirable cities on the peninsula for families because of their top notch schools.

Belmont has more of a Village Feel

If you’re looking for urban living, Belmont may not be the city for you. Though there are shopping and restaurants conveniently located to all Belmont neighborhoods, one shopping complex on each side of the city and one in the middle, very few locations are walkable and none are considered “downtown.”

Looking for a Downtown Urban Lifestyle?

For those of you looking to live more in a neighborhood setting with great schools, Belmont may just be the ticket. Belmont does have a variety of terrain both steeply sloped and flat lots as well as neighborhoods with sidewalks and neighborhoods with dirt shoulders.

If a more urban lifestyle with a genuine downtown appeals to you, check out our San Mateo Neighborhood Guide. We think you’ll more likely find the neighborhood you’re looking for there.

What Are You Looking for in a Belmont Neighborhood?

Whether you prefer a flatter neighborhood, or a more rural neighborhood with no sidewalks, you can use our Belmont Neighborhood Guide to find out which neighborhood is right for you.

Head Over to Our Belmont Neighborhood Guide and Check it Out!

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

Hallmark is located at the top of Ralston Ave and is one of the easier Belmont neighborhoods to start or end your daily commute.

Highway 92 and 280 are Only 2 Minutes Away

When you drive out of Belmont’s Hallmark neighborhood and turn left, you’ll reach the entrances to two of San Mateo County’s major freeways, Highway 280 and Highway 92. Highway 92 connects Highway 280 with Highway 101 and is also the same Highway that takes you across the San Mateo – Hayward Bridge.

Highway 280 is the Best Freeway for Commuting

Most people agree that Highway 280 is the best freeway to use for your daily commute. With considerably less traffic than 101, you could cut minutes off your commute. Whether you are headed north towards San Francisco, or South towards Palo Alto and San Jose, Highway 280 would be my choice. Even if your employer is located closer to Highway 101, I’d take my chances working my way down after making most of my trip on 280.

How Bad is Traffic in the Morning?

Though we have seen more congestion in the last 10 or so years, it doesn’t take more then 5 minutes to get on either freeway. If you leave before 8am or after 9am, traffic dies down even more. Sure beats the Ralston/Highway 101 grind in the morning. Plus, in the afternoon, there really isn’t any backup, especially when compared to Ralston Ave/Highway 101.

Hallmark’s Easy Access to Freeways Makes You Seem Closer to San Francisco and Palo Alto

Because there is such easy access to the major San Mateo County freeways, it seems like traveling to Palo Alto and San Francisco takes much less time than if you left from say the Sterling Downs Neighborhood of Belmont (which is closer to Highway 101). You can be in Palo Alto in 20 minutes and San Francisco in 25 minutes.

Commuting from Hallmark is a Breeze

Overall, commuting from Hallmark is a breeze when you consider your other options. The good news is, most of the land surrounding Belmont’s Hallmark neighborhood is a protected game preserve, so there will be virtually no growth and keep traffic to a tolerable level.

Considering a Move to Belmont’s Hallmark Neighborhood?

Let us help you find the right home for you. Being Hallmark residents for more than 20 years, we can help you find the best streets and let you in on the tips we’ve learned while living here. Call us at (650) 655-2500 or email us at info@LivingWellinSanMateo.com to schedule a no obligation consultation. In the meantime, check out our Buyer Representation Page to learn a little bit about how we work.

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

Belmont Homes Between $600k and $700k

Belmont is one San Mateo County City that prefers to keep the “Country” feel. With only a small geographical area that could be considered downtown, most of Belmont is comprised of single family homes in neighborhoods.

Top Notch Schools Make Belmont a Desirable Place to Live

Because of the top notch schools, Belmont is considered one of the more desirable cities to live in San Mateo County. Belmont is home to some more expensive homes, that can be found at the top of Ralston Ave in Hallmark and some more moderate (well at least moderate compared to the rest of San Mateo County) neighborhoods.

What Can You Buy in Belmont for $600,000 – $700,000?

There are two Belmont neighborhoods with homes that sell for between $600,000 and $700,000: Belmont County Club and Homeview – Sterling Downs.

What Can You Buy in Belmont Country Club?

For between $600k and $700k you can expect to buy a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1,000 sq foot house on a 4,500-6,500 sq ft lot in Belmont Country Club.

Where is Belmont Country Club?

Belmont Country Club is bordered by Ralston Ave, El Camino, Ruth Ave and Alameda de las Pulgas.

View Belmont Country Club in a larger map

What Type of Neighborhood is Belmont Country Club?

Belmont Country Club ranges from hilly terrain with no sidewalks, to a more flat neighborhood with sidewalks and a short walk to shops and restaurants. Belmont Country Club is most known for its steep sloping lots on either side of Alameda. Architecturally, the homes are very different and some of the homes towards the top of the hill have spectacular views.

What Can You Buy in Homeview – Sterling Downs?

By going a bit down Ralston to the Homeview – Sterling Downs neighborhood of Belmont, you’ll get one more bedroom and about 100 more sq ft of living space on average. Most homes between $600k and $700k in Belmont’s Homeview – Sterling Downs neighborhood are 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 1,100 sq ft homes on 4,500 to 6,500 sq ft lots.

What Type of Neighborhood is Homeview – Sterling Downs?

Homeview – Sterling Downs has more of a neighborhood feel for a more moderate price. The neighborhood is fairly flat and there are sidewalks throughout. The pride of home ownership is apparent here, with many homeowners improving and maintaining their home’s exterior appearance.

Where is Homeview – Sterling Downs?

Homeview – Sterling Downs is located to the East of El Camino over Highway 101.

View Homeview – Sterling Downs, Belmont in a larger map

Search Belmont Homes Between $600k and $700k

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

There seems to be fewer places to buy Christmas trees in San Mateo than when I was a kid. Maybe its because I’m not paying as much attention to Christmas trees as I did when I was 10, or maybe there really are fewer places. In any case, if you’re looking for a place to buy a Christmas tree in San Mateo, here are a few places I’ve found.

Where to Buy Christmas Trees in San Mateo

Home Depot

2001 Chess Drive, San Mateo
Xmas trees from $20-$50

Rite Aid

666 Concar Drive, San Mateo
There are two tree lots in this parking lot

Best Christmas Trees are in Half Moon Bay

When I was a kid we use to love going to Half Moon Bay with my parents and godparents the day after Thanksgiving, getting on a bumpy hayride that dropped you off in the middle of a forest, picking our tree and watching my dad and godfather cut it down. Then they would have to drag it back to the hayride, throw it on the truck then get it off the truck, tie it to the car and drive over 92. To this day I’m not really sure why they did this for so many years as I know now how miserable this experience must have been for them. But, my sister and I loved it so maybe that’s why.

My point in telling you this long story is if you have kids, going to a tree farm in Half Moon Bay is a must do. Here are a few that allow you to cut your own tree down.

Santa’s Tree Farm

78 Pilarcitos Creek Road, Half Moon Bay
www.SantasTreeFarm.com

Lemos Tree Farm

12320 San Mateo Road (Highway 92), Half Moon Bay
www.LemosFarm.com

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• Best San Mateo Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights with Map
  
• Redwood Shores Homes Decorated for Christmas
  
• BBest Belmont Neighborhoods Decorated for Christmas with Map
  
• Best Redwood City Neighborhoods to Tour Christmas Lights with Route Map
  

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

Redwood Shores Tour of Christmas Lights

Even having lived in Redwood Shores for two years after I came back from college, I had never taken the time to drive around during Christmas and notice the homes decorated with lights. So, when I headed down there last night to check it out, I must say I was very pleasantly surprised at just how many Redwood Shores home owners decorated their house for Christmas. If you’re looking to take your kids to see the lights, I’d definitely take a trip down to Redwood Shores. It is worth it.

Preview of Redwood Shores Homes Decorated for Christmas

For a preview of what you’ll see, check out my video of Redwood Shores homes decorated for Christmas.

Best Route to Tour Redwood Shores Homes with Christmas Lights

For the best route, view the Google Map below.

View Larger Map

You can also view the Google Map here.

A Few Notes About the Redwood Shores Home Tour

A few notes about the tour. When you are driving down Redwood Shores Pky heading to the first neighborhood, make sure you tell the kids to look to the right. There are several houses on the corners of the streets on the right side down Redwood Shores Parkway that are decorated. That will give them something to look at on the long drive down Redwood Shores Pkwy.

Then, when you get to The Embarcadero, drive slowly and look left and right for all of the decorated homes to the right and to the left. Also, make sure to go down both sides of Seabrook Court. There are some cool decorations on both sides of Seabrook Court.

The Big Reveal

In my Best San Mateo Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights, I promised to give you the best street in Redwood Shores to tour homes decorated for Christmas. That street is Dory Lane, between Marlin Drive and Cringle Drive, which is the last stop on your tour. There is a home on the corner of Cringle Drive and Dory Lane that even has their own radio station with Christmas music so you can “listen to the lights.”

Search Redwood Shores Homes for Sale

To search Redwood Shores homes for sale, use the map below.

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

Looking to tour Christmas Lights in San Mateo?

We suggest you head over to the San Mateo Park and El Cerrito Park neighborhoods of San Mateo, CA. Not only are there some really nice houses, but many San Mateo Park home owners decorate their homes for Christmas. San Mateo Park does have a bit more traffic than Belmont’s Hallmark neighborhood, but you should have no problem going slow enough for the little ones to see, especially one some of the side streets.

Preview of San Mateo Park Homes Decorated for Christmas

For a preview of what you’ll see, check out my YouTube video of San Mateo Park homes decorated for Christmas.

Route of San Mateo Park Lights

San Mateo Park and El Cerrito Park are located between Barroilhet Ave and W Poplar Ave in San Mateo. The best way to access these neighborhoods is via El Camino Real.

For the best route to see the San Mateo Park lights, here is a Google Map. It can get a bit confusing with the way the streets are lined up, so if you get lost, just wind your way through the neighborhood. Every street seems to have at least a few decorated.

View Larger Map

You can also view the route on Google Maps here.

Stay Tuned for the Redwood Shores Homes Tour

Last night I headed over to Redwood Shores. I was pleasantly surprised with how many homes were decorated. There was one street that won the best decorated street, hands down. In my next post, I’ll reveal the street and give you a best route to tour Redwood Shores homes decorated for Christmas.

Search San Mateo Park Homes for Sale

Use the map below to search San Mateo Park homes for sale.

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

When looking for Belmont neighborhoods where homeowners decorate their homes with Christmas decorations and lights, head on up Ralston Ave in Belmont (or take Highway 92 and exit Ralston Ave) and head over to Belmont’s Hallmark neighborhood.

Hallmark Neighborhood is One of Belmont’s Best

Belmont’s Hallmark neighborhood is one of Belmont’s best neighborhoods to check out Christmas Lights. Many homeowners decorate their houses with lights, snowmen, reindeer and other Christmas decorations. And, there isn’t too much traffic, so you can usually drive around slow enough for the little ones to see the lights.

Best Route to Check Out the Christmas Decorations

I’ve mapped the best route to take when touring Belmont’s Christmas Lights from Hallmark Drive and Ralston Ave, Belmont.

View Larger Map

If you’d prefer to view this route in your browser visit this link.

Here’s a Sample Tour of Belmont’s Best Neighborhood for Christmas Lights

The other night, I took this tour myself. Here are the highlights.

Want to Add a Few More Homes to Your Tour?

You should drive down Christian Drive, which is the neighborhood right before the entrance to Highway 92 and 280. For the route, view the map below or check out this link.

View Larger Map

Search Belmont Homes for Sale

To view Belmont homes for sale, use the map below.

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

Check Out West Side Redwood City’s Central Park

If you’re looking for a neighborhood to check out Redwood City homes decorated for Christmas, you should head over to West Side Redwood City’s Central Park neighborhood. 3 of the 4 homes on Redwood City’s best homes decorated for Christmas are in this neighborhood. Although Jefferson does run right in between the route I’ve given, I have arranged it so you will only be making right turns on Jefferson, with the exception of crossing over Jefferson to get to the other side of the neighborhood. However, if you do this tour closer to 7pm or later, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem.

Preview of Redwood City Homes Decorated for Christmas

To see a preview of Westside Redwood City Homes decorated for Christmas, check out my video.

Redwood City Homes Decorated for Christmas Route Map

The route I’ve mapped out below seems to be the best route to tour Redwood City homes decorated for Christmas.

View Larger Map

You can also view the route on Google Maps here.

Check Out the Other Cities We’ve Highlighted

We’ve checked out Belmont, San Mateo and Redwood Shores. Check out their posts here.

• Best Redwood Shores Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights with Map Route
  
• Best San Mateo Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights with Map Route
  
• Best Belmont Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights with Map Route
  

Search Redwood City Homes for Sale

Click on the map below to search Redwood City homes for sale.

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

Most Walkable San Mateo Neighborhoods

The most walkable San Mateo neighborhoods are going to be found near the revitalized Downtown area, which is between 2nd and 5th Street from about B Street to El Camino and near the new Bay Meadows Development.

Specific Neighborhoods Near Downtown San Mateo

The closest to Downtown San Mateo are Hayward Park and the Eastern Addition neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are a stones throw from restaurants, movie theater, shopping and other Downtown amenities.

If you want to get a bit farther away, you can cross El Camino to the San Mateo Park, Aragon and Baywood neighborhoods. The homes closest to El Camino would be considered the most walkable homes in these neighborhoods. However, with mostly flat terrain, a greater percentage of each of these neighborhoods are easily accessible to the Downtown area.

Specific Neighborhoods Near Bay Meadows

Near Bay Meadows, you’ll have the Bay Meadows neighborhood, Fiesta Gardens neighborhood and San Mateo Village neighborhood that will provide a great deal of walkability. The homes closest to Hillsdale Blvd in San Mateo Village and the townhomes located in Bay Meadows will be closest to shopping, restaurants and transportation. Fiesta Gardens is a bit longer of a walk, but still manageable with the flat terrain.

Curious About a Specific Address?

We’ve included the Walkscore for City Gardens Townhomes at 128 N El Camino, San Mateo in the Walkscore tile below. If you’re curious about a specific address, enter it into the box below.

Want to Learn More About these Neighborhoods?

Visit our San Mateo Neighborhood Guide for detailed descriptions of each of these neighborhoods.

Considering a Move to San Mateo?

Call us at (650) 655-2500 or email us at info@LivingWellinSanMateo.com to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll help you come up with a game plan to buy San Mateo real estate.

Search Walkable San Mateo Homes

Search Walkable San Mateo Condos

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.

If you have bought a home in San Mateo County in the last several years, you may be eligible for a reduction in your property taxes. Upon request, the tax assessor will reassess the tax value of your home. By following a few rules, you may save yourself some money.

How to Lower Your San Mateo County Property Taxes – Thank Prop 8

In 1978, California voters passed Proposition 8, which allows for a temporary tax reduction when a home’s market value on Jan. 1 is less than the prior year’s assessed value.

Let’s say you bought a house in 2006 for $500,000. In January 2008, it should be assessed at $510,000, allowing for the 2 percent inflation adjustment which the law permits.

But suppose comparable homes in your neighborhood are now going for $400,000. You might qualify for a $100,000 reduction in assessed value, which would save you about $1,000 on your tax bill. Here is how to apply…

How to Apply

The first step is an informal review. Homeowners who think the value of their home Jan. 1 is less than the assessed value can request an informal review from their county assessor. The tax assessor, using sales data as of Jan. 1 for comparable homes in the neighborhood, will determine whether a temporary reduction is warranted. Homeowners can request an informal review by filling out this form.

If homeowner and assessor cannot agree on a value through this informal process, the homeowner can file a formal appeal with the county’s assessment appeals board. The appeal must be filed by Sept. 15 or Nov. 30, depending on the county, and might require a fee. The homeowner who disagrees with the tax assessor’s determination may submit his or her case to the appeals board, which has the final authority on the property’s value.

Property Tax Reduction is Only Temporary

You should be aware that the Proposition 8 reduction is only temporary. After you are granted a reduction, the assessor will automatically review your home’s market value as of Jan. 1 each year and may adjust the assessed value; however, the assessed value cannot go higher than it would have been had you never received the temporary reduction.

For more information, visit the San Mateo County CARE website or email the San Mateo County Tax Assessor at assessor@smcare.org to request a “Decline in Value” Reassessment Application Form.

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Raymond Stoklosa, Chela Stoklosa and Rebecca Williamson are Realtors with The RayChel Realty Group specializing in Santa Clara and San Mateo Real Estate.