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Ed StephensColdwell Banker Realty
Burlingame

Welcome to

Burlingame

The City of Trees

Burlingame

Overview

Burlingame is located 16 miles south of San Francisco on the San Francisco Peninsula. Burlingame extends all the way from the shores of San Francisco Bay into the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and is celebrated, worldwide, for its stunning natural beauty and year-round mild climate.

Throughout the year there are festivals and celebrations commemorating Burlingame’s history and national holidays. Every year the Artzfest transforms Burlingame Avenue into a celebration of art, music, and food. In Washington Park, in the summer, there are Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, plus Shakespeare in the Park. The renowned farmers market operates every weekend, encouraging people to meet and mingle. Sponsored by the Humane Society, there is the annual Pets on Parade, with rescued animals offered for adoption. On Burlingame Avenue and Broadway, sidewalk cafes of every cuisine reach out and entice with their aromas and sounds. Along the bay at Coyote Point there is wind sailing and kite flying. The CuriOdyssey museum showcases rescued native animals in their natural environments, teaching children as well as adults about science and habitat preservation. Miles of shoreline are designated as a shorebird sanctuary, along with a bayside walking trail. The residence of many artists, Burlingame is home to the renowned Peninsula Art Museum.

Top:Cyclists on a downtown shopping streetBottom:A tree-shaded street in downtown Burlingame

With strong development and architectural controls, Burlingame has relentlessly retained the charm and allure of a small town. While other Peninsula towns widened their roads and cut down the trees, Burlingame still has the original towering eucalyptus trees along the historic El Camino Real and the commuter train tracks. Mills Canyon Park offers miles of hiking trails, original small creeks and arroyos still flow freely, and Burlingame remains the “City of Trees.”

The history of Burlingame

Burlingame began its historic journey in the late 19th century as the vision of a group of real estate investors that included William Ralston, Francis Newlands and William Sharon, whose names, as well as those of other Burlingame pioneers, are memorialized in the naming of many of Burlingame’s streets. The inspiration for Burlingame came from the City Beautiful movement championed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect of New York’s Central Park, and the Arts and Crafts movement adopted by such architects as Frank Lloyd Wright. Also having much influence over the future of Burlingame was John McLaren, the architect of Golden Gate Park.

Top:Storybook houses in the Easton AdditionBottom:Fall color over a Burlingame street

Burlingame was to be a residential park. All streets would be lined with trees. The streets would form graceful, landscaped crescents, circles and squares. Small parks would be within walking distance of every home. The largest park, Washington Park, would include sprawling lawns, playing fields, and tennis courts. With the emphasis on walking, “secret” stairs and pathways, mostly obscured by foliage, would connect streets and parks. Wherever there was land whose configuration or topography prevented development, trees were planted. At the entry to Burlingame, a majestic Mission-style train depot was built that would lead to Burlingame Avenue and Burlingame’s future downtown. Later annexations to Burlingame would bring the Easton Addition, Ray Park, Mills Estates and several other neighborhoods. Included in the planning were amenities such as exceptional schools, utilities, and public services such as fire and police.

From the beginning of Burlingame’s incorporation, development was closely monitored. Zoning was enacted that clearly defined commercial and residential uses. Size and scale, as well as architectural guidelines, were imposed to preserve the small-town charm of Burlingame for posterity. After the 1906 earthquake, Burlingame boomed, and the streets of Burlingame’s first neighborhoods filled with charming shingle Craftsman homes with welcoming front porches and verandas and adorned with locally mined stone, manufactured brick, stained glass and whimsical weathervanes. Along the commercial part of Burlingame Avenue, exquisitely detailed buildings of the period were built. Burlingame boomed again in the 1920s with the construction of period revival colonials, English Tudors, Spanish villas and other styles popular during that era. Decorative street lamps and rustic stone pillars with names such as Poppy Hill remain to this day. With the rise of Silicon Valley and the nearby biotech industry, Burlingame boomed again, attaining status as one of the most desirable and expensive towns in the entire country. Still, it is the sense and power of community that identifies Burlingame. The scale of Burlingame lots and a welcoming, inclusive culture encourage neighborliness and civic involvement.

Places to know

Parks, golf, landmarks and more in Burlingame

  • Washington Park, Burlingame15 photos

    Park

    Washington Park

    Washington Park, located in Burlingame, California, is a beloved community park offering a variety of recreational amenities and beautiful green spaces. The park features expansive lawns, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities, including tennis courts and a baseball field. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along shaded pathways, participate in community events, or simply relax in the serene environment.

    Recently, the park has enhanced its offerings with a new community center, providing modern facilities for a range of activities and programs. The community center hosts classes, events, and gatherings, serving as a vibrant hub for residents. With its well-maintained gardens, scenic beauty, and state-of-the-art community center, Washington Park is a cherished gathering spot in Burlingame, attracting families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

  • Crystal Springs Golf Club, Burlingame5 photos

    Golf

    Crystal Springs Golf Club

    Crystal Springs Golf Club, located in Burlingame, California, is a renowned golf destination known for its challenging course and breathtaking scenery. Set in the scenic Crystal Springs Reservoir area, the 18-hole championship course offers stunning views of the water, rolling hills, and surrounding forests. Designed by Herbert Fowler and renovated by William F. Bell, the course features well-manicured fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens, providing an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The club also offers practice facilities, a pro shop, and a welcoming clubhouse with dining options. With its picturesque setting and top-notch amenities, Crystal Springs Golf Club is a favorite destination for golf enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area.

  • Kohl Mansion, Burlingame21 photos

    Landmark

    Kohl Mansion

    Kohl Mansion, located in Burlingame, California, is a historic estate built in 1914, known for its stunning Tudor-style architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. This elegant mansion is a cherished landmark and serves as a premier venue for special events.

    Kohl Mansion is a magnificent Tudor-style estate that stands as an iconic piece of Burlingame’s history. Originally built by Charles Frederick Kohl, a prominent businessman, the mansion showcases the opulence of the early 20th century with its intricate woodwork, grand halls, and expansive gardens. Meticulously preserved over the years, it has transitioned from a private residence to a sought-after venue for weddings, receptions, and various special events. Additionally, the mansion serves as the home of Mercy High School, adding an educational and cultural aspect to its legacy. With its rich history and architectural splendor, Kohl Mansion continues to be a treasured gathering place in the community.

  • Downtown Burlingame, Burlingame45 photos

    Shopping & dining

    Downtown Burlingame

    The commercial area known by locals as “The Avenue” is the area that includes Burlingame Avenue and the side streets of Lorton Avenue, Park Road, and Primrose Road. “The Avenue” is the downtown for both Burlingame and Hillsborough. Within “The Avenue” are amazing restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors, bakeries, upscale shops, art galleries, and much more that make “The Avenue” a regional destination, and a place where local residents go to gather and enjoy the ambiance of the beautiful turn-of-the-century architecture. Of special interest are a weekly farmers’ market, annual arts and crafts and music festivals, and the many events that bring people together to celebrate their community.

  • Broadway, Burlingame26 photos

    Shopping & dining

    Broadway

    Experience the magic and allure of Burlingame and Hillsborough’s second downtown, the one most frequented and operated by locals. Like Burlingame Avenue, Broadway is lined with period buildings that house enchanting restaurants, sidewalk cafes, European-inspired pubs, and boutique-scaled retail stores. However, unlike Burlingame Avenue, Broadway still has two food markets, a pharmacy, a shoe repair shop, a barber shop, a toy store, and a few beauty parlors. Simply put, Broadway is like stepping back into a simpler time, an icon of small-town America.

  • Burlingame High School, Burlingame5 photos

    School

    Burlingame High School

    Burlingame High School, located in Burlingame, California, is a well-regarded public high school known for its strong academic programs and vibrant student life. Established in 1923, the school has a rich history and a tradition of excellence in education. Burlingame High offers a diverse curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses, a variety of extracurricular activities, and competitive athletic programs.

    The school is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. With its dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and active community involvement, Burlingame High School prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.

Gallery

Photos of Burlingame

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Education

Schools in Burlingame

Franklin Elementary

Public

2385 Trousdale Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010

Grades K–5th

Lincoln Elementary

Public

1801 Devereux Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010

Grades K–5th

McKinley Elementary

Public

701 Paloma Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010

Grades K–5th

Washington Elementary

Public

801 Howard Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010

Grades K–5th

Roosevelt Elementary

Public

1151 Vancouver Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010

Grades K–5th

Hoover Elementary

Public

2220 Summit Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010

Grades K–5th

School data sourced from U.S. Department of Education Common Core of Data

Neighborhoods in Burlingame

Easton Addition

One of the most sought after places to live in Burlingame

Track record

Homes sold in Burlingame

Closed transactions
109
90 sales · 19 leases
Sales volume
$132M
Sellers represented
69

Recent sales

Custom English Home in Easton Addition
Sold · Represented seller

Custom English Home in Easton Addition

1609 Easton Drive · Burlingame, CA

5 bd · 4.5 ba · 3,710 sqft

$5,500,000

New Custom Home in Burlingame
Sold · Represented seller

New Custom Home in Burlingame

2208 Summit Drive · Burlingame, CA

4 bd · 5 ba · 2,773 sqft

$3,375,000

Redwood Crest End Unit in Burlingame
Sold · Represented buyer

Redwood Crest End Unit in Burlingame

1435 Bellevue Avenue, #209 · Burlingame, CA

3 bd · 2 ba · 2,002 sqft

$1,500,000

Recent sales in Burlingame
AddressPrice
2000 Ray Drive5 bd · 3 ba · Sold Sep 2020 · Represented seller$2,945,000
1640 Barroilhet Avenue4 bd · 3.5 ba · Sold Mar 2020$4,300,000
1338 Drake Avenue4 bd · 4.5 ba · Sold Aug 2017 · Represented seller$3,585,000
1516 Vancouver Avenue4 bd · 3 ba · Sold May 2017$3,400,000
1541 Columbus Avenue5 bd · 2.5 ba · Sold Apr 2017 · Represented buyer$2,500,000
465 Marin Drive4 bd · 2.5 ba · Sold Jul 2016 · Represented seller$2,400,000
1226 N El Camino Real, #3032 bd · 2 ba · Sold Jun 2016 · Represented seller$1,365,000
1566 Cypress Avenue3 bd · 2 ba · Sold May 2016 · Represented buyer$1,725,000
2000 Ray Drive5 bd · 3 ba · Sold Mar 2016 · Represented buyer$2,465,500
512 Primrose Road, #2023 bd · 2 ba · Sold Jan 2016 · Represented seller$2,990,000
See all 90 Burlingame sales
Ed Stephens

Talk to Ed

Buying, selling or building? Tell him what you have in mind and he’ll get back to you shortly.

Ed Stephens

Coldwell Banker Realty

(650) 208-1301edstephensrealestate@gmail.com

Peninsula Roots & a Builder’s Eye

Since 1974, Ed Stephens has guided buyers, sellers and developers across the Peninsula, from Burlingame and Hillsborough to San Mateo. He looks forward to bringing that experience, and his eye for architecture and design, to your next move. Explore the site, and reach out to Ed with any questions.