Real Estate Investing in San Mateo, California (94401)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 94401 (San Mateo, CA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.1% CAGR).
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 28.4 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in San Mateo, CA (94401)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 94401 San Mateo
ZIP 94401 in San Mateo, CA carries a resilient set of headwinds. Home values near $1.2M and rents of $3,583/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
The 94401 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.
From a cash-flow lens, 94401 offers a low basis, the region around San Mateo has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Who lives in 94401 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
The right play in 94401 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in San Mateo:
Property Strategy for 94401
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $537,022 | $2,830 | 3.8% | -4.0% | $537,022 |
| 2BR | $966,078 | $3,420 | 2.5% | -0.3% | $483,039 |
| 3BR | $1,336,808 | $4,370 | 2.4% | +1.8% | $445,603 |
| 4BR | $1,610,051 | $4,530 | 2.0% | +2.0% | $402,513 |
| 5BR | $1,720,948 | — | — | +1.6% | $344,190 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 94401 Compare?
| Metric | 94401 | San Mateo | San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $1,220,483 | $1,837,893 | N/A | $761,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.1% | 2.5% | N/A | 5.7% |
| Avg Rent | $3,583 | $3,784 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% | 1.7% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 94401 (San Mateo, CA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving San Mateo County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Bayside Property Management is a Peninsula Property Management Company serving San Mateo County. summary from their website
Boardwalk Investments Property Management specializes in property management and leasing in San Francisco and the Northern Peninsula. summary from their website
Five Star Property Management is a leader in single-family, condominium, and multi-family apartment rentals property management in San Mateo and Northern California. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $1,220,483 |
| Monthly Rent | $3,583 |
| Price-to-Rent | 28.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +16.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.7% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.3%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 94401
Population: 35,628
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 94401
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Abbott Middle
George Hall Elementary
Meadow Heights Elementary
Fiesta Gardens International Elementary
Highlands Elementary
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 1,398 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do home prices stand in San Mateo, CA?
Typical homes in San Mateo, CA go for around $1.2M. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% consistent price movement.
Do rentals sit vacant long in San Mateo, CA?
Occupancy in San Mateo, CA runs consistent with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $3,583/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
Is it easy to find good tenants in San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo, CA offers a reliable renter base at the $3,583/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
How landlord-friendly is San Mateo, CA?
CA law tenant-protective for landlords, and San Mateo inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
How does San Mateo, CA stack up for property investment?
With a 2.0/5 investability score, San Mateo, CA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $1.2M and rents of $3,583/mo drive the underlying numbers.
You know 94401 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 94401 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 94401 ranks in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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