San Mateo is a city of approximately 100,000 in the San Francisco Bay area. Its best known for the natural area called Coyote Point Park that reaches out into the bay. Anyone moving to San Mateo will love its climate, which features a very moderate climate year around. San Mateo is primarily a residential community that does not seek industry. The city is beautiful, with many things to do and see there. It is intensely interested in keeping green and environmental issues are important there.
Economy:
San Mateo, California enjoys a higher than state average income, and a much lower than state average unemployment rate. San Mateo is home to several software companies and a major pharmaceutical company. There are many information and technology companies in San Mateo County.
History:
San Mateo's first residents were the Olhone Indians, who lived here for at least 4,000 years. Spanish explorers, led by Colonel Juan De Anza, camped on the Coyote peninsula. The Spanish built a mission here in 1793. In 1822, following Spain ceding California to America, the rancho era began. After 30 years, the land was sold to Mellus and Howard Mercantile. In 1849, a stagecoach company was started by Nicholas De Pyster. The railroad came through San Mateo in 1863 and the city began to grow then. Wealthy San Francisco families were attracted to the area and built summer homes here. Between 1884 and 1889, the community built houses of worship, schools and a fire dept. The town incorporated in 1894, after the building of the Crystal Springs Dam increased the population significantly.
Tourism:
Coyote Point Park is a beautiful place for hiking, and with its marina and jetty, it is a great spot for boating and fishing. The Coyote Point Museum is the nation's first ecology museum. The Japanese Tea Garden has waterfalls and a pagoda. The Hiller Aviation Museum has exhibits and collections dedicated to the airplane. A unique Tudor mansion built in 1914; the Kohl Mansion has chamber music concerts. In June, there is a San Mateo County Fair. There is a San Mateo Harvest Arts and Crafts Festival held every November. In June, you can take the annual Wine Walk. Also in June, there is the Burlingame Art in the Park Festival. The annual Connoisseurs Festival features artists, live music and food. In July there is a Summer Blues Festival. Its close proximity to both San Francisco and Oakland makes for a wide variety of sightseeing possibilities as well.