San Mateo Village has a more central location than Shoreview. Besides having a neigbhorhood school and park, it is close to the CalTrain station, Whole Foods, and Hillsdale Mall. In comparison, Shoreview is a bit more isolated, east of 101 freeway and closer to the Bay. The shopping is not nearly as nice or convenient.

Shoreview has several different subareas: North Shoreview, Shoreview, Parkside, and Lakeshore. The homes in these areas tend to have more open floor plans than you find in San Mateo Village. The architectural style is more contemporary, often with flat roofs and large windows. Parkside and Lakeshore tend to have larger homes with 2 car garages, some with 2nd bathrooms and even family rooms.

Another thing to consider is the geology of the area. Much of Shoreview is built upon landfill. Numerous homes there have settling problems, and supplemental flood insurance may be required.

There are other areas to consider in the vicinity in the same price range: Sunnybrae, Fiesta Gardens, Sterling Downs, north San Mateo, San Bruno, and east side San Carlos or Millbrae. When looking for homes in a specific price range it is important to work with an area with extensive experience in selling homes on the Peninsula. Robin & Les Wrigley have 20 years experience helping first time buyers here on The Peninsula.

Hi Raymond, I think both areas are a great place for a young family. If you are thinking of Shoreview, maybe you look in the Parkside area.

What I like about the Village area is the closeness of the neighbors. It's a tight knit area.

If you have other questions about the San Mateo area, please feel free to ask. I have a team of 6 agents who specialize in San Mateo.

As for schools, please visit http://www.greatschools.com

Good luck,

Dave Tap Tapper
Realtor
Cashin Company http://www.DavidTapper.com http://www.TeamTapper.com
redt4u@aol.com
650-403-6252

Hi Raymond,
Depending on your long term plan and the age of your children, you are going to want to look at which schools your children would attend. San Mateo village is an excellent neighborhood and provides very easy access to commute corridors.

The other thing I always recommend to my clients is to contact the police station or their website to get crime statistics for a neighborhood. That will also give you some comfort when you are making a decision.

Sincerely,
David Martin
Coldwell Banker