Known as "The City of Good Living," offering a vibrant, highly livable community with a charming, walkable downtown.
San Carlos delivers a lively yet approachable Peninsula lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Ideally situated between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the city combines a thriving downtown, welcoming neighborhoods, and exceptional convenience, making it one of the Peninsula's most desirable places to call home.
San Carlos has a rich history dating back to the 1700s when Lt. Juan Manuel de Ayala and his crew anchored the ship San Carlos in the bay, giving the city its name. Today, the community has evolved into a vibrant destination while maintaining the friendly atmosphere and charm that have long defined it.
Laurel Street serves as the heart of the city, offering residents and visitors an inviting mix of restaurants, boutiques, cafés, community events, and local gathering places. Throughout the surrounding neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, parks, and a variety of housing styles create a welcoming environment for residents of all ages.
Whether you're seeking a luxury home with hillside views, a charming bungalow, or a modern condominium within walking distance of downtown, San Carlos offers housing options to suit a wide range of lifestyles.
San Carlos attracts a diverse mix of residents, including young professionals, growing families, and longtime locals who appreciate the city's welcoming atmosphere and strong community spirit.
The city offers an impressive variety of amenities, including parks, recreational facilities, boutiques, restaurants, breweries, wineries, museums, and community events throughout the year.
Residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances convenience and activity with a relaxed neighborhood feel. The combination of a thriving downtown, strong schools, and an engaged community continues to make San Carlos one of the Peninsula's most sought-after places to live.
Laurel Street is the city's vibrant main thoroughfare and serves as the social center of San Carlos. Lined with restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and local businesses, it offers a lively atmosphere throughout the day and evening.
San Carlos offers a variety of locally owned boutiques and specialty retailers, including:
The Reading Bug remains one of the Peninsula's most unique children's bookstores, designed to feel like an enchanted forest and beloved by families throughout the region.
For entertainment, Devil's Canyon Brewing Company is a popular local gathering spot known for live music, food trucks, and family-friendly events. Several nearby wineries also offer tastings and special events throughout the year.
San Carlos offers a variety of recreational opportunities, community events, and cultural attractions.
Popular destinations include:
Burton Park serves as one of the community's most beloved gathering places, featuring playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and family-friendly amenities.
The Hiller Aviation Museum provides an engaging look at aviation history through interactive exhibits and educational programs, while the San Carlos Museum of History offers insight into the city's fascinating past.
Annual community events include:
These traditions help foster the strong sense of community that has earned San Carlos its nickname as "The City of Good Living."
The highly regarded San Carlos School District serves many of the city's students and is known for its strong academic programs and community support.
Notable schools include:
Combined with its strong schools, vibrant downtown, and welcoming neighborhoods, San Carlos continues to offer an exceptional quality of life for families and professionals alike.
30,696 people live in San Carlos, where the median age is 41.6 and the average individual income is $126,162. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around San Carlos, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Beyond The Push Fitness, Restore Fitness, and Studio Physical Therapy.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 2.91 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.61 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.01 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.61 miles | 30 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.76 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.93 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.82 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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San Carlos has 11,331 households, with an average household size of 2.7. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in San Carlos do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 30,696 people call San Carlos home. The population density is 5,015 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
