Moving To Burlingame California is an exciting idea for many people who want small-town charm with quick access to San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The town checks a lot of boxes — great downtowns, parks, good schools, and convenient access to the airport. It is also one of the more expensive places to live in the Bay Area. Below I explain seven practical things to consider so you can decide if Moving To Burlingame California is right for you.
Table of Contents
- 1. Cost of Living and Housing in Burlingame, CA
- 2. Who Typically Buys in Burlingame, CA
- 3. The Housing Stock in Burlingame, CA
- 4. Lot Sizes, Condos and New Construction Realities
- 5. Remodeling and Construction Costs Are Steep
- 6. Inventory Is Low in Burlingame, CA
- 7. Burlingame, CA Big Positives
- Practical Checklist Before Moving to Burlingame California
- Summary: Is Moving to Burlingame California Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Burlingame, CA
- Final Thoughts
1. Cost of Living and Housing in Burlingame, CA
If affordability is the top factor for you, then Moving To Burlingame California will need careful planning. Local costs go well beyond the sticker price of a home. Eating out, childcare, groceries and services are all higher here than the national average.
The most important number to know is the median home price. In recent years the median sale price in Burlingame hovered around $2.7 million, with the average near $2.8 million. Those figures make Burlingame one of the priciest cities in San Mateo County and the peninsula overall.
To buy a typical family home here many buyers need very high household incomes. If you are thinking about Moving To Burlingame California, plan for mortgage payments, property taxes, and ongoing maintenance tied to high local labor and materials costs.
VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN BURLINGAME, CA
2. Who Typically Buys in Burlingame, CA
Buyers in Burlingame tend to work in a handful of industries: high-tech, biotech, healthcare and finance. Those sectors pay well relative to national averages, and that helps explain local purchasing power.
When considering Moving To Burlingame California, think about your job location and industry. If you work in tech, biotech, or at a hospital or financial firm nearby, living here reduces commute stress to many employers. If your job is far down the peninsula or in the South Bay, budget extra time for rush-hour drives.
3. The Housing Stock in Burlingame, CA
Most homes in Burlingame were built decades ago. New construction exists at the high end, but the bulk of inventory is older houses — think early 1900s through mid-20th century. That brings character, but it also means you should budget for updates.
Common issues in older Burlingame houses include drainage and moisture problems, termite damage, and aging stucco or siding. Even expensive houses can have these maintenance needs because of the region's topography and rain patterns. If you plan on Moving To Burlingame California and purchasing an older home, arrange thorough inspections and factor repair costs into your offer.
4. Lot Sizes, Condos and New Construction Realities
Lot size expectations are important. Most Burlingame lots are modest — around 5,000 to 6,000 square feet. Larger, flat lots are rare and come with a premium. If you want a 7,500-plus square foot lot in a flat neighborhood, prepare to spend significantly more.
Condos in Burlingame are also limited. There is not a robust supply of new condominium buildings; many existing units are 25 to 40 years old. That is worth knowing if you are considering Moving To Burlingame California and prefer a condominium lifestyle or want new construction at a lower price point.
5. Remodeling and Construction Costs Are Steep
The Bay Area has among the highest construction costs in the world. Labor rates and material prices are substantially higher than in most U.S. regions. For people Moving To Burlingame California who plan to remodel, expect sticker prices to reflect those costs.
Typical ranges to budget for renovations:
- Kitchen remodel:$70,000 to $150,000 (even a well-done Ikea kitchen costs far more once labor is added)
- Bathroom remodel:$25,000 to $40,000
- New roof:$25,000 to $40,000
- Heat pump/AC installation:$10,000 to $15,000 (not including ductwork)
- Solar with battery storage:$25,000 up to $100,000 depending on system size and battery choices
These costs matter because they affect total ownership expenses. If you are Moving To Burlingame California and buying an older property, make a realistic plan for what you will update and how much it will cost over time.
6. Inventory Is Low in Burlingame, CA
Burlingame has limited turnover. In some recent years the number of single-family homes sold dropped to fewer than 200 annually. That means you might wait longer to find a property that checks all your boxes.
Because inventory is tight, offers can be competitive. If you are serious about Moving To Burlingame California, prepare a clear strategy: get preapproved, know what trade-offs you will accept, and be ready to move quickly when the right home appears.
7. Burlingame, CA Big Positives
Despite the price and practical considerations, Burlingame has many strengths. The town offers two lively downtowns — Burlingame Avenue and Broadway — plenty of green space, hiking trails, and a warm, community-oriented feel that appeals to families and professionals alike.
If you are Moving To Burlingame California for quality of life, you will appreciate the parks, neighborhood events, and the classic downtown atmosphere. Schools here are highly regarded, and local amenities support an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle.
Commuting: When Burlingame is convenient and when it is not
Burlingame occupies a convenient middle spot on the peninsula. Commuting north to San Francisco can be quick when traffic cooperates — roughly 25 to 45 minutes to the financial district depending on conditions. Caltrain serves downtown Burlingame and the Millbrae transit hub, offering a solid transit alternative.
Commuting south into Silicon Valley during rush hour can be challenging. If your job is down the valley, plan your schedule and route carefully. Tech shuttles are still common in the area and can be an excellent option for some commuters.
Noise, airplanes and what to expect
Proximity to highways, El Camino Real, Caltrain, and SFO means that some properties will experience noise. Living a few blocks from US-101 or El Camino can bring road noise. Homes near Caltrain tracks might hear horns. Rainy days can shift airplane flight paths and make overhead traffic more noticeable.
Many newer or renovated homes with dual-pane windows and insulation keep noise levels comfortable. If noise sensitivity is a major concern, prioritize house orientation and distance from transit corridors when touring properties.
Weather and microclimates
The peninsula has pronounced microclimates. Burlingame sits in a pleasant zone, but temperatures and wind vary as you move north or south along the coast and through the peninsula. Afternoons here tend to get breezy, and the temperature can be cooler than inland areas such as Palo Alto or San Jose.
When Moving To Burlingame California, try to visit neighborhoods at different times of day and on different seasons to understand how weather and wind affect each location.
Parking and downtown ease
Parking in downtown Burlingame is reasonable compared with larger cities. You may need a few extra minutes during peak hours or weekends, but a public garage offers all-day spots at low daily rates. Parking is a first-world inconvenience rather than a daily crisis.
Schools: choice and trade-offs
Burlingame has excellent schools, but the town offers fewer public school options than larger cities. The local district feeds into a single public middle school and one high school for most neighborhoods. That simplicity appeals to families who value community cohesion but limits choice for families who want multiple public high school options.
Private school options exist but are not as numerous as in larger neighboring cities. If schools are a top priority and you want many public or private choices, factor that into your decision when Moving To Burlingame California.
Nightlife and culture
Burlingame is not a late-night party destination, and most residents prefer a quieter evening scene. There are quality wine bars, longstanding restaurants, and a friendly dining scene that stays lively into the evening, but the big nightlife hubs are in San Francisco. If you want a relaxed community with good restaurants but not a club scene, Burlingame is a good fit.
Practical Checklist Before Moving to Burlingame California
Use this short checklist to evaluate a potential move:
- Confirm your commute times to work during peak hours.
- Get a detailed inspection for older homes focusing on drainage, termites, and foundation issues.
- Budget realistically for remodeling and upgrades based on local contractor rates.
- Decide whether a smaller lot or an older home with character is preferable to new construction.
- Tour neighborhoods at different times to assess noise, wind, and parking.
- Investigate school boundaries and private school options if you have children.
Summary: Is Moving to Burlingame California Right for You?
Moving To Burlingame California offers an appealing mix of small-town charm, excellent location, and strong schools, but it comes with a cost. High purchase prices, limited inventory, older housing stock, and expensive construction and remodeling are real factors to weigh.
If you value walkable downtowns, access to trails and parks, a short hop to SFO, and the option to get into San Francisco or Silicon Valley without extreme commuting, Burlingame could be a great destination. If budget flexibility and tolerance for older homes are limited, consider nearby towns with different price points and housing mixes.
Ready to make a move or just want to learn more about Burlingame, CA? Call or text 650-822-7088 to get personalized advice and neighborhood guidance. I’m happy to schedule a tour or answer any questions you have about moving to Burlingame.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Burlingame, CA
Is Burlingame expensive to live in?
Yes. Burlingame ranks among the more expensive cities on the peninsula. Expect higher costs for housing, dining, childcare, and services. Median home prices are in the multi-million-dollar range, and remodeling costs are higher than national averages.
Can I find new construction if moving to Burlingame California?
New construction exists but is limited and tends to be at the high end of the market. Most properties are older, and new builds command premium prices.
How is the commute to San Francisco from Burlingame?
Commutes to San Francisco can be convenient — 25 to 45 minutes to downtown depending on traffic. Caltrain provides a solid transit alternative. Commuting south to the heart of Silicon Valley during rush hour can be slower and more frustrating.
Are there good schools in Burlingame?
Yes. Burlingame schools are highly regarded. The town has fewer public school options than larger nearby cities, but the local middle and high schools are strong and well-regarded.
Will airplane noise be a problem?
Airplane noise is occasional, especially when flight paths shift during bad weather. Some neighborhoods experience more noise from highways, El Camino, or Caltrain. Modern windows and insulation reduce noise significantly.
Final thoughts
Moving To Burlingame California is a choice that balances lifestyle benefits with tangible costs. It is a town with great community character and strategic location, but it asks buyers to accept higher prices, potential maintenance on older homes, and a competitive market. If those trade-offs fit your priorities, Burlingame is a wonderful place to put down roots.
If you are planning a move, visit neighborhoods multiple times, get solid inspections, and plan budgets for both purchase and ongoing upgrades. Thoughtful preparation makes Moving To Burlingame California a rewarding decision rather than an expensive surprise.
Read More: The Top Neighborhood on Every Burlingame Home Buyer's Wishlist: Burlingame Park
