Explore Hayward Park

About Hayward Park, San Mateo

Hayward Park is a central San Mateo neighborhood generally located between El Camino Real and the Caltrain tracks, south of downtown toward Highway 92. It takes its name from Alvinza Hayward, whose large 19th century estate once covered much of this part of the city and whose mansion later became the Peninsula Hotel. The estate was eventually subdivided into residential blocks, and the nearby Caltrain station still carries the Hayward Park name. Hayward Park real estate combines early 20th century homes with convenient access to downtown and Central Park.

Moving to Hayward Park

Moving to Hayward Park puts you between Downtown San Mateo and the Hillsdale and Bay Meadows areas, with Central Park close by. The neighborhood's flat streets make walking and biking easy, and the Hayward Park Caltrain station is within reach of many homes. Highway 92 and El Camino Real offer quick connections for drivers. As a San Mateo Realtor, I help buyers compare Hayward Park homes with nearby Aragon, Sunnybrae and 19th Avenue Park.

Cost of Living & Housing in Hayward Park

Hayward Park homes for sale are generally positioned in the middle to upper-middle tier of the San Mateo market, with variation by home size and street. Housing includes Craftsman bungalows and other early 20th century homes with front porches, along with later single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums. Lots are typically modest and urban in scale, and some properties sit near apartment buildings closer to El Camino Real and the tracks. Updated homes and original properties are both common, giving buyers a range of conditions to consider.

Getting Around Hayward Park

The Hayward Park Caltrain station serves the neighborhood near Highway 92, with trains to San Francisco and south toward San Jose. The San Mateo station downtown is also close by, with additional trains and a short walk to downtown shops. Highway 92 is just south, connecting to Highway 101 and Interstate 280, and El Camino Real runs along the western edge. SamTrans buses on El Camino Real cover local trips up and down the Peninsula, including connections to Hillsdale and Burlingame.

Local Amenities & Things to Do in Hayward Park

Central Park, with its Japanese Tea Garden, rose garden, tennis courts and miniature train, is a short walk or bike ride north. Downtown San Mateo's restaurants, cafes, bakeries and movie theater are within easy reach for evenings out. Hayward Square and other small neighborhood parks add green space close to home. Bay Meadows and Hillsdale Shopping Center are a short drive south for groceries, shopping and dining.

Schools & Education in Hayward Park

Hayward Park is part of the San Mateo-Foster City School District for elementary and middle grades and the San Mateo Union High School District for high school. Nearby district schools include Sunnybrae Elementary and San Mateo High School, with elementary, middle and high school assignments depending on the street. The elementary district also offers choice programs with separate application processes. Confirm school boundaries for any specific address with each district, since assignments can change over time.

Why Buyers Choose Hayward Park

Buyers choose Hayward Park for its central location, Caltrain access and character homes close to Central Park. Hayward Park homes for sale offer a walkable setting between downtown and the Hillsdale area. The neighborhood's quick access to Highway 92 also makes it a practical base for commuting. If you are ready to buy or sell a home in Hayward Park, contact Jessica Heredia for local guidance from start to finish.