Community

San Carlos

“The City of Good Living”, was until recently a well-kept secret. Conveniently located half way between San Francisco and San Jose this small community has a charming downtown comprised of mostly small shops and restaurants. Its schools consistently rank well in state-wide lists. In fact, San Carlos was the first city in California to open a charter school.
Contributing to that small town feel are community events including “Hometown Days” in May, The San Carlos Art and Wine Festival in October, a farmers market every Thursday nights from spring to early fall and community concerts Friday evenings in the summer. The city includes the neighborhoods of White Oaks, Howard Park Beverly Terrace, and Alder Manor – just to name a few. Much of the growth in San Carlos occurred post World War II and you will find mature tree lined streets with a variety of architectural styles including everything from California Bungalows to modern Craftsman’s.

Belmont

Belmont is located half-way down the San Francisco Peninsula between San Mateo and San Carlos.  Belmont is home to Carlmont High School and Ralston Middle School, both are Distinguished California Schools. In addition Notre Dame De Namur University is in Belmont and is built around the Historic Ralston Hall built by William Chapman Ralston – the founder of the Bank of California.
Belmont is known for its gentle rolling hills and architecture highlighting individuality. Residents embrace a variety of housing styles from post war bungalows to modern hillside homes that maximize both bay and hillside views.
Belmont has attracted national attention for a smoking ordinance passed in January 2009 which bans smoking in all businesses and multi-story apartments and condominiums; the ordinance has been described as one of the strictest in the nation.

Redwood City

“Climate Best by Government Test” This slogan was chosen for Redwood City in a contest held by the local Board of Realtors in 1925. So who exactly performed this government test? Starting before World War I, the United States and German governments began conducting climate surveys and gathering meteorological data. Their findings revealed Redwood City to be at the center of one of the world’s three best climates (The other two? The Canary Islands and the Mediterranean Coast of North Africa).
Redwood City is a city of diversity. You will find diversity in the neighborhoods from the stately elegant homes off Edgewood Road and the post war bungalows of the Mt. Carmel area to the modern planned development of Redwood Shores.
The downtown area of Redwood City is undergoing its own transformation with an extensive restoration of the historical buildings that line the plaza and the development of new business including a movie theaters and restaurants.