Burlingame

 

 

One of the sunniest and most hip suburbs of San Francisco, the city of Burlingame is often applauded for its dedication to maintaining its verdant landscaping and charming streets. Burlingame is nestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains and is sometimes referred to as a “city of trees” due to its abundance of protected trees. The city is also adjacent to the SFO airport and has access to several major arteries that put the dynamic metropolis of San Francisco just 25 miles away.

 

Incorporated in 1908, Burlingame has a long history of drawing in residents with its beautiful scenery and incredible mild weather. Sheltered by the hills, Burlingame avoids the wind and fog of other areas on the San Francisco Peninsula. Since its incorporation, Burlingame has become a relatively wealthy suburb, and its residents benefit from proximity to the city without needing to live amongst its energetic streets. 

 

Residential housing in Burlingame is replete with an assortment of styles, including plentiful historic homes built before the 1940s. Homes here tend to be slightly higher in price, with most coming in around 1-2 million dollars. However, the sublime views of the bay and mountains coupled with the luxury of these houses make the price more than palatable. Architectural designs range greatly and can include brand new, single-family contemporary builds, charming, historic Spanish Revival houses, and radiant Mediterranean estates that make every day a paradise.

 

Burlingame is a good mix of families and professionals, many of which are commuters into the city. It’s the kind of place where quaint residential neighborhoods can still have more urban accouterments, including thriving retail and dining, along with a bevy of nature to explore. 

 

The upscale area around Burlingame Avenue is the go-to spot for the best of local shops and restaurants, as well as a large number of chain and name-brand stores. Here, you can walk the well-kept streets and buy from names like Apple, lululemon, Madewell, Sephora, and Kate Spade.

 

When you dine out in Burlingame, you’re treated to a wide variety of cultures and culinary options. Those who can’t get enough traditional Japanese hot pot meals can try the menu at Shabu House, where your meal is cooked right at the table. The explosive flavors of Burmese cuisine come to life at Mingalaba Restaurant, and when eating here, you’ll have a hard time not ordering a little bit of everything. 

 

Limón Rotisserie dishes out the dynamic cuisine of Peruvian fare and has become a well-established Bay-area chain. In need of a bit of sweetness? In addition to an all-day menu of classic American fares, the Copenhagen Bakery and Cafe boasts tons of baked goods like danishes, pastries, and specialty cakes. 

 

Though it’s surrounded by lush natural beauty and serves outdoor recreationists well with facilities such as the picturesque Crystal Springs Golf Course and the gentle hiking trail at Mills Canyon Park, much of Burlingame’s activities are exciting city-oriented events. 

 

Several of the city’s events occur in its parks, such as the family-friendly Burlingame Music in the Washington Park free summer concert series. Activities for the kids are included in this event, as is the option to purchase food from on-site vendors—though most attendees chose to bring picnic baskets and set up on the lawn. In the summer months, traveling acting troupes often stop into town to perform. However, the main event of the season takes place in the nearby Redwood City. During the annual San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, troupes from all over the country perform the best of Shakespeare in a free park environment.

 

Arguably the cutest celebration of the year, the Pet Parade gives residents a chance to showcase their cutest pet costumes and win awards. A special two-day event, Burlingame on the Avenue shuts down the street and fills it with food vendors, live music performances across multiple genres, and merchant booths.

 

Burlingame is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: