San Bruno is one of the bay area’s trendiest and most in-demand neighborhoods. Located near the San Francisco International Airport and Golden Gate National Cemetery, it’s just minutes from downtown San Francisco yet has a small-town feeling. This was once nothing more than a stopover on the road from San Francisco to San Jose before becoming the home of the famous Tanforan horse racing track. After the Second World War, the area grew, and today it’s become a popular place for those who want an easy commute while also having green space and a diverse community. It’s also the home of YouTube and is a quick drive from Silicon Valley. The vibrant and conveniently located area of San Bruno offers diverse real estate options, ranging from early 20th-century cottages, homes built in the 1950s and 1960s subdivisions, and luxurious new condominiums.
The diversity of San Bruno makes it a great choice for anyone from families to retirees. The easy access to downtown San Francisco and Silicon Valley make it an attractive choice for young professionals.
What to Love
- Diverse and friendly neighborhood
- Minutes from downtown San Francisco
- Small town vibes
- Easy commute to Silicon Valley
- Greenspace of the nearby Bay Area
- Diverse home offerings and styles
Local Lifestyle
Despite being so close to downtown San Francisco, San Bruno still feels like a small-town oasis. The downtown area has a variety of old-school eateries and cafes. It is a trendy and family-friendly city.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
There are a number of great local eateries, many locally owned and long-running. Some favorite local gathering spots include Millbrae Pancake House, Jack’s Restaurant and Bar, West Coast Cafe, Mazra Mediterranean, Zorba’s Pizza and Pasta, and Isla Restaurant.
Millbrae Pancake House has been serving breakfast and lunch since 1959. Locals swear by their handmade pancakes and waffles. Jack’s Restaurant and Bar is a family-run establishment that serves food inspired by its Greek roots, California traditions, and seasonal ingredients. Locals love heading there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a couple of drinks any day of the week.
West Coast Cafe is known for its authentic, award-winning Italian dishes. Mazra is another family-owned establishment celebrated for its wood-fired meat and mix of traditional Mediterranean and creative dishes. Zorba’s Pizza and Pasta serves classic diner-style pies and pasta, and Isla Restaurant offers authentic and fresh Filipino cuisine.
For shopping, head to the former horse racetrack renewed as The Shops at Tanforan, featuring big box stores as well as a variety of boutiques. It’s one of the Bay Area’s newest and most popular shopping centers. Westborough Square Shopping Center offers more shopping and dining options nearby. For entertainment, head to Artichoke Joe’s Casino, the only casino in the Bay Area.
Things to Do
In addition to all those fun dining and shopping options, there are a number of nice parks in San Bruno, including the San Bruno City Park and Junipero Serra Park. Golden Gate National Cemetery is located adjacent to San Bruno. Those looking for a nice cultural attraction can check out the Peninsula Museum of Art.
Golfers will enjoy easy access to Green Hills Country Club. The city is also working on a new Recreation and Aquatic Center that broke ground in August 2021 and will offer a full gymnasium and fitness center, an indoor track, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a community hall for hosting events.
Schools
Depending on your San Bruno address, both San Bruno Park School District and South San Francisco Unified School District serve San Bruno early education while South San Francisco Unified School District and San Mateo Union High School District lead higher grade programs. Some of the top-rated schools are the following : Monte Verde Elementary School, Westborough Middle, and Capuchino High School. Skyline Community College is a neighborhood option for those continuing their education post-high school.
