If San Mateo is on your list and you want brand-new construction, not another 60-year-old fixer that needs a renovation before you move in, this community is worth seeing. Buying new means you're not gambling on an older home's roof, foundation or 50-year-old plumbing.
About The Heights in San Mateo
The Heights is a hilltop community and one of the only new-construction developments on this part of the Peninsula right now. It's divided into three collections:
- Elevate: single-family detached homes
- Overlook and Viewpoint: a mix of condos and townhomes
Today I'm touring the Elevate Plan 1, a detached single-family model home.
Main Floor: A Guest Suite and Lots of Storage
The tour starts with storage right at the entry, plus a second coat closet and an under-stair closet perfect for bulk paper goods. The home also includes an ADT security system and a side-by-side two-car garage with EV-charging potential, solar battery storage and a water heater.
Many Bay Area buyers want a ground-floor bedroom for guests or parents, and this home has one. It features an accent wall, its own Mitsubishi Electric wall unit for individual climate control, a large sliding-door closet and an oversized en-suite bathroom with a walk-in, two-tone tiled shower.
The Kitchen and Living Level
The second floor is the heart of the home:
- A powder room with designer wallpaper
- A walk-in pantry for snacks and small appliances
- Stainless steel appliances, including a double wall oven and a KitchenAid cooktop
- A deep sink under a window and a microwave built into the cabinetry at a comfortable height
- A quartz island with seating and an optional blue-cabinet finish
- A flexible loft with built-in storage, ideal for a play area, reading nook or home office
- A dining area and living room with integrated ceiling speakers
Homes on the bay-facing side of the community enjoy views of the bay and the San Mateo Bridge.
Third Floor: Primary Suite and Two More Bedrooms
The bedroom level starts with a laundry room that includes a utility sink and plenty of storage.
The primary suite offers peekaboo views of the bay and bridge, plus a large walk-in closet, a private water closet, dual vanities, a medicine cabinet and a walk-in shower with a built-in bench.
Two more bedrooms share a hall bathroom with a tub and textured tile. Both have their own climate control, large windows with deep sills and generous closets, including one near-walk-in closet.
The Rooftop Deck: The Showstopper
The rooftop is the largest I've seen on any new-construction home on the Peninsula. Every Elevate home has a rooftop, but this model's is especially large, with a glass railing and sweeping views of the San Mateo Bridge, Highway 92 and planes gliding quietly into SFO. Extra windows along the stairs bring natural light into every level.
Why Buyers Are Relocating to This Pocket of San Mateo
1. The commute. You get quick access to Highway 101, Interstate 280 and the Highway 92 bridge to the East Bay. SFO is about 15 to 20 minutes up the 101. Many of my clients who work in San Francisco but don't want city living choose San Mateo for its central Peninsula location and 20 to 30 minute commute to the city.
2. Schools. This area falls under the San Mateo-Foster City School District for elementary and middle school, feeding into the San Mateo Union High School District. In new communities, boundaries can shift or be newly assigned, so always verify for the specific home site.
3. Amenities. The community offers a playground, barbecue and picnic areas, gardens and a fitness area. Laurelwood Shopping Center is down the street, Hillsdale Shopping Center is nearby, and downtown San Mateo and Central Park are a short drive away.
One more tip: ask about HOA dues. Because the community mixes condos, townhomes and single-family homes, dues vary by home type. Want to compare other cities? Explore Silicon Valley neighborhoods.
Who This Home Is Great For
- Buyers who want new construction without renovations
- Buyers who need a ground-floor guest or in-law suite
- Anyone who prefers a low-maintenance rooftop deck to a large yard
- Commuters who don't have time for yard work
Home Specs and Price
- Community: The Heights, San Mateo
- Home: Elevate Plan 1, single-family detached
- Beds / baths: 4 bedrooms (including a ground-floor suite), 3.5 bathrooms
- Levels: 3 plus a rooftop deck
- Garage: 2-car side-by-side
- Price at time of filming: About $2.7 million
Don't let the price scare you. Condos and townhomes in the community come in at different price points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there new construction in San Mateo?
Yes. The Heights is one of the only new-construction communities on this part of the Peninsula, offering single-family homes, townhomes and condos.
Do homes at The Heights have bay views?
Many do, especially on the bay-facing side, with views of the San Mateo Bridge from bedrooms and rooftop decks.
What schools serve The Heights?
San Mateo-Foster City School District for elementary and middle school, then San Mateo Union High School District. Verify the boundary for each home site.
How far is San Mateo from San Francisco and SFO?
San Francisco is about 20 to 30 minutes away, and SFO is about 15 to 20 minutes.
Ready to See The Heights?
Watch the full tour on YouTube: Touring a BRAND NEW Community in Silicon Valley's Newest Hilltop Community.
Book a free relocation planning call and we'll go through your budget and priorities. Call or text 650-436-4768, email hello@liveinsiliconvalleyca.com, browse homes for sale in Silicon Valley, or download my free Silicon Valley relocation guide.
Keep reading: New construction in Mountain View · Another new Mountain View community · Pros and cons of living in Silicon Valley
