I think My Peninsula Home Search website is the best to give all the answers of your questions.

To Mike Wong:

I live in Foster City but never have heard anything regarding breast cancer rates here. Would you care to cite your source of data showing that Foster City is the #1 city in the country for breast cancer? I haven't been able to find any data on the net that shows incidence by city.

If you've found it, I'be very interested. If not, please use care in making such assertions.

Thanks very much!

Wait a few more months, or even a year or so and you should be able to get want you want for $850k. Prices are dropping monthly, and forecast to continue to do so. Don't sacrifice on space because once you have kids you'll need more and be forced to move again. Transaction costs are too high.

YES GREAT QUESTION. NOW FOSTER CITY IS NICE BUT SOME PEOPLE DONT LIKE LANDFILL.
AND FACT THAT IT IS CLOSE TO THE BAY. AND THAT IT FINISHED NUMBER ONE CITY IN WORLD FOR BREAST CANCER RATES A COUPLE OF YRS AGO.
SAN CARLOS IS NICE AND GOOD SCHOOLS ITS LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE AND THAT A PLUS.
I WOULD HAVE TO SAY SAN CARLOS WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND INVEST.
AND NOT EVERYONE LIKES FOSTER CITY BUT BELMONT, SAN CARLOS ARE STILL IN DEMAND
PLEASE CHECK MY LISTING IN BURLINGAME BELOW
http://WWW.818PENINSULAAVE.COM

San Carlos has better weather (less windy, warmer), more character, an attractive downtown, a train station, and a larger variety of homes.

Foster City has better parks, more modern homes, has multiple locations on the lagoon, has more townhouses and apartments than homes, and has a very clean feel.

Both have great schools.

In terms of having an 850k cap you will have better luck with townhouses in Foster City, because homes there are usually ad least 3 bed 2 bath and rarely dip below 900k. As for San Carlos you may be able to find something that is 2 bed 2 bath under 850k, but it probably would need work or be on a busy street. Also San Carlos has an east side which is small and more industrial, but would offer more in your price range.

Now that you have narrowed down the cities you like, try to find out which areas with in the city you like most. Then see if they fit your price range. For more info or other areas that may fit your interest please email or call me 650-245-1005.

Hi M-
As Dave stated below both are totally different communities. San Carlos is older and has a cute downtown that a lot of homes are close enough to walk to, so you can get a coffee or dinner by just walking out your door. Foster City is a bit more isolated and not as convenient to everything but still an easy drive to everywhere, but not as many restaurants and shops. The weather is good in both places. It just depends what you are looking for: Foster City is newer and there are sidewalks and parks more of a suburban feel. San Carlos is a cute little area with sidewalks depending where. Both areas have great schools so that is always good for resale. Belmont is great too as are parts of San Mateo and Redwood City. If you haven't looked at any homes in the areas you are thinking you should do so and I can always schedule a tour for you to get a feel.

Hi M,

Both Foster City and San Carlos have distinct "personalities". I would have to say that the biggest difference between the two would be that Foster City is a newer community. San Carlos is more spread out and each area of SC has it's own feeling. Both have a great sense of community. For example, Foster City puts on a wonderful fireworks display for the 4th of July and free concerts on Friday nights during the summer. San Carlos has done an excellent job over the past five years or so to revitalize the downtown, adding some great restaurants and shopping. They too have a great Art and Wine Fair. Now for the bad news, M...
You may find a single homes in Foster City within your budget. But it would probably need some updating. You can probably do better is San Carlos. You may also consider Belmont, and parts of San Mateo. I don't mean this to be a sales pitch, but I have a great cash back program for buyers. Visit my website http://(www.iResidentialRealty.com) for details. Good luck to you.