Explore Emerald Hills

About Emerald Hills, Redwood City

Emerald Hills, also known as Emerald Lake Hills, is an unincorporated area of San Mateo County with a Redwood City mailing address, set among oak-covered hills between Redwood City, Woodside, and San Carlos. It is roughly framed by Edgewood Road, Alameda de las Pulgas, Jefferson Avenue and Farm Hill Boulevard, and Interstate 280. First marketed in the 1920s as a weekend retreat, Emerald Hills real estate now ranges from rustic cottages to expansive hillside estates with bay views.

Moving to Emerald Hills

Moving to Emerald Hills means living in a wooded, hilly setting with a more rural feel than most of the Peninsula, while downtown Redwood City is only minutes away. Because the area is unincorporated, it is governed by San Mateo County rather than the City of Redwood City, which affects permitting, zoning, and some local services. Many roads are narrow and winding, and sidewalks are generally limited. Two privately owned lakes, Upper and Lower Emerald Lake, are central to the area's history and character.

Cost of Living & Housing in Emerald Hills

Emerald Hills spans a wide price range, from more modest cottages to some of the premium view properties in the Redwood City area. Most homes are single-family residences built in the mid-twentieth century, alongside larger custom homes from the 1980s onward, many built on the sites of original cabins and vacation houses. Lot sizes vary dramatically, from standard hillside lots to multi-acre parcels, and topography shapes every property. Buyers should factor in county building rules, hillside construction considerations, and property-specific inspections when evaluating a home here.

Getting Around Emerald Hills

Interstate 280 runs along the western edge of Emerald Hills, with nearby access via Edgewood Road and Farm Hill Boulevard for commutes to San Francisco, Palo Alto, and the heart of Silicon Valley. Jefferson Avenue and Edgewood Road lead east into Redwood City, El Camino Real, and Highway 101. The Redwood City Caltrain station is a short drive away. Given the hills and limited sidewalks, a car is the primary way most residents get around.

Local Amenities & Things to Do in Emerald Hills

Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve, roughly 467 acres of grassland, chaparral, and oak woodland, borders the area and is known for its spring wildflower displays and hiking trails. Handley Rock Park features a striking sandstone outcropping popular with climbers. The Emerald Lake Country Club operates Lower Emerald Lake for member swimming and recreation, and the nine-hole Emerald Hills Golf Club is nearby. Shopping and dining are a short drive away at Woodside Plaza, downtown Redwood City, and along El Camino Real.

Schools & Education in Emerald Hills

Emerald Hills is served by the Redwood City School District for elementary and middle grades and by the Sequoia Union High School District for high school. Roy Cloud School generally serves the southern portion of the area and Clifford School generally serves the northern portion, both as K-8 campuses. Many Emerald Hills addresses feed to Woodside High School. Since the area sits where multiple boundaries meet, always verify school assignments by address directly with the districts.

Why Buyers Choose Emerald Hills

Buyers choose Emerald Hills for its wooded hillside setting, bay and mountain views, and immediate access to Edgewood Park's trails. The wide variety of properties, from vintage cottages to large modern estates, offers options across different budgets and lifestyles. Its location next to Interstate 280 makes it one of the most convenient hillside areas on the Peninsula for Silicon Valley commutes. If you are ready to buy or sell a home in Emerald Hills, contact Jessica Heredia for local guidance from start to finish.