Foster City is San Mateo County’s largest and oldest master-planned community. More than 60 years have passed since T. Jack Foster purchased Brewer Island, an empty, marshy expanse used for dairy farming and salt evaporation ponds, intending to create a thoroughly modern city. The first residents moved into Foster City on March 7, 1964. Charles Zerbe, a San Francisco firefighter with a wife and two young sons, paid $23,500 for his five-bedroom house on Pilgrim Drive. Show
Early settlers like the Zerbes had to deal with shifting sand dunes and field mice as the community built up around them. Within 10 years, though, Foster City was an incorporated city with a population of almost 10,000. Today, Foster City’s population tops 30,000. Even now, the “master planning” has not ended. New mixed-use and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods have sprung up even as city leaders and residents are treading carefully to make sure expansions don’t make a dent in the things that make Foster City unique and attractive. This is a community different from just about every other city on the Peninsula. It was marketed as “an island of blue lagoons,” because Jack Foster included almost 20 square miles of canals and lakes in his plan. Foster City was designed as an antidote to the congestion of city living, featuring large, detached homes whose backyards would often include a small dock and a patio overlooking the water. Condos were added later, many also with water views. The largest body of water in Foster City is the Central Lagoon. Here you’ll find Leo Ryan Park and the Foster City Recreation Center, both hubs of activity year-round. Every July 4, fireworks appear over the lagoon; every summer Friday night, bands play open-air in the park. Foster City makes the most of its setting, with a network of public parks and 11 miles of the Bay Trail. It boasts a skate park and a dog park, a yearly Arts and Wine Festival, a Halloween Festival, a community bike ride, and an annual Polynesian Festival that highlights the city’s diverse population. And while most of the nearby shopping and dining is found in San Mateo – the Hillsdale Shopping Center is 2.5 miles away – there are some local options, some as unique as Foster City itself. On warm summer nights, the waterfront deck outside Waterfront Pizza in the Edgewater Place Center is packed. Some diners arrive by boat. With its spacious homes and bountiful recreation opportunities, Foster City is a natural fit for families. Its four public schools, Audubon, Brewer Island, Foster City, and Bowditch Middle School have won California Distinguished School awards. In 1993, Bowditch was recognized with the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon. In 2005, Bowditch became a California Distinguished School for the second time. A third recognition was given in 2013. Foster City also boasts a high safety rating among cities in the U.S. In Foster City, the future looks as bright as the past. With a location removed from the buzz of “mainland” San Mateo County but convenient to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley, a collection of attractive, large homes and its trump card – waterfront properties, canal, lagoon, and San Francisco Bay views – it’s no wonder Foster City has remained popular and has continued to grow for over 50 years. City Guide Foster City, CA
OverviewHome to 34,000 residents, Foster City, CA, is a waterfront suburb of San Francisco. Living in Foster City means there is no shortage of views, thanks to the Central Lagoon that wraps around the entire city. For those that love getting outside, the San Francisco Bay Trail is a favorite of bikers, joggers, and dog-walkers. Plus, residents can enjoy the many parks and swimming beaches, along with kayaking and wind-surfing in the lagoon year-round. In addition, the city hosts a yearly Arts and Wine Festival, a Halloween Festival, community bike rides, and an annual Polynesian Festival that highlights the city’s diverse population. What’s it like to live in Foster City, CA ?If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Foster City, CA you'll find that the median sale price is $1,547,500 and homes stay on the market for 17 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of a single family home and a condo/co-op in Foster City are $2,375,000 and $1,069,000 , respectively. Foster City area townhouses have a median sale price of $1,525,000 , making them less expensive than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Foster City, CA Explore our Foster City housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over the years and how Foster City home prices compare to other markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Foster City, or looking for a new home improvement project, discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value. Popular neighborhoods in and around Foster CityPopular Searches
What is there to do in Foster City, CA ?Some of the best things to do in Foster City, CA, range from visiting local parks, dining at some of the best restaurants in town, and enjoying local art. You'll find plenty of unique landmarks in Foster City like San Francisco Bay and San Mateo-Hayward Bridge. Performing arts venues like Hillbarn Theatre and local galleries like Courtyard Gallery are among the many places you can visit. Home to Leo J Ryan Memorial Park, Edgewater Park, and Gull Park, there are many parks where you can spend a relaxing day. You'll find plenty of restaurants and charming cafes throughout the city. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Joy Restaurant, and Rickshaw Corner Restaurant for a small taste of what this city has to offer. Explore some of the best things to do in Foster CityWhat's the best way to get around Foster City, CA ?The best way to get around Foster City is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Foster City has a walk score of 50, meaning this area is somewhat walkable. You can also get around Foster City by bike. With a bike score of 64, there is some amount of infrastructure for biking. Somewhat Walkable Walk Score®Foster City TransportationBus Station Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city. Rail Station Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type. Tram Station Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type. Metro Station Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type. Car & Bike Rentals Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 4 car rental locations. Updated July 2022: By searching, you agree to the Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy. Do Not Sell My Personal Information REDFIN IS COMMITTED TO AND ABIDES BY THE FAIR HOUSING ACT AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT. READ REDFIN'S FAIR HOUSING POLICY. Copyright: © 2022 Redfin. All rights reserved. Patent pending. REDFIN and all REDFIN variants, TITLE FORWARD, WALK SCORE, and the R logos, are trademarks of Redfin Corporation, registered or pending in the USPTO. California DRE #01521930 NY Standard Operating Procedures TREC: Info About Brokerage Services, Consumer Protection Notice If you are using a screen reader, or having trouble reading this website, please call Redfin Customer Support for help at 1-844-759-7732. Is Foster City a rich area?Foster City is well known for its aforementioned affluence, but this little city really earns that affluence — there are few better places in the United States to live!
Is Foster City expensive to live?Foster City's housing expenses are 264% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 34% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 43% higher than the national average. Foster City has grocery prices that are 30% higher than the national average.
What is Foster City known for?Founded in 1971, Foster City is the first master planned community in California with an estimated population of 33,901. Recognized as one of the best places to live in California*, Foster City offers an urban suburban mix feel with lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
Where should I live in San Mateo?San Mateo, CA Neighborhoods
There are tons of great neighborhoods in San Mateo. The most popular San Mateo neighborhoods are Baywood, Hillsdale, San Mateo Park, and Shoreview. Baywood is one of San Mateo's most desired neighborhoods thanks to their big lots and well kept environment.
|
Is it nice to live in Foster City?
Copyright © 2024 ShotOnMac Inc.
