94403 – A Dynamic, Diverse ZIP Code at the Center of San Mateo Living

The 94403 ZIP code spans central and southern San Mateo, encompassing a wide range of neighborhoods—from the planned mid-century community of Fiesta Gardens to the hillside estates of Laurelwood and Sugarloaf. This ZIP code offers remarkable convenience, excellent parks, top-performing schools, and immediate access to both Highway 92 and Highway 101, making it ideal for commuters traveling to Silicon Valley, San Francisco, or the East Bay.

Much of 94403 was developed during the postwar boom, which means mid-century modern (mid-mod) homes are deeply woven into the ZIP code’s architectural fabric. Whether you’re exploring the tree-lined streets near Beresford Park or the elevated enclaves overlooking the Bay, you’ll find a variety of mid-century homes ranging from intact originals to beautifully modernized interpretations.

Where Mid-Century Homes Appear in 94403

Unlike the Eichler concentrations found in other parts of the Peninsula, 94403 features a wider spectrum of mid-century styles—California ranches, split-levels, custom modernist builds, and even a few Eichler-influenced floor plans.

Fiesta Gardens

A planned community built in the early 1960s, Fiesta Gardens offers mid-century ranch homes arranged around parks and greenbelts. Highlights include:

  • Community pool & tennis courts

  • Signature mid-century façades

  • A strong, active HOA that preserves neighborhood cohesion

This neighborhood is extremely popular with families due to amenities and a welcoming community feel.

Beresford Park & Hillsdale Neighborhoods

These areas contain some of the most recognizable mid-century ranches in 94403. Many homes retain original features such as:

  • Brick or stone fireplaces

  • Large front picture windows

  • Open or semi-open dining/living room combinations

  • Vaulted or exposed-beam ceilings (in select models)

Proximity to Hillsdale Shopping Center—recently transformed into a modern mixed-use retail and dining hub—adds to long-term desirability.

The Knolls / Laurelwood Shopping District Area

Built largely during the 1960s and early 70s, this area includes hillside mid-century homes with:

  • Dramatic rooflines

  • Expansive decks

  • Oversized windows capturing canyon views

  • Split-level floor plans ideal for families

These homes combine mid-century charm with a strong indoor-outdoor relationship.

Sugarloaf & Laurelwood Highlands

This elevated part of 94403 includes more custom mid-century homes surrounded by open space. It’s known for:

  • Larger lots than the flats

  • Multi-level modernist builds

  • Scenic vistas of the Peninsula and Bay

  • Immediate access to Laurelwood Park and Sugarloaf Mountain trails

Architectural enthusiasts especially appreciate these hillside enclaves.

Parkside Neighborhood

Closer to the Bay, Parkside features mid-century ranches with flexible layouts and generous yards—perfect for buyers wanting simplicity, renovation potential, or single-level living.

Architectural Characteristics of Mid-Century Homes in 94403

While styles vary across the ZIP code, many 94403 mid-century homes share traits that reflect the architectural optimism of the 1950s–1970s.

1. Clean Horizontal Lines

Ranches and split-levels emphasize simplicity, low profiles, and wide façades.

2. Expansive Window Design

Picture windows, clerestory glass, and oversize sliders bring natural light into compact, efficient interiors.

3. Post-and-Beam Elements (in select neighborhoods)

Open beam ceilings appear in some hillside and custom mid-mod homes, offering warmth and spatial openness.

4. Functional, Family-Friendly Layouts

94403 floor plans commonly include:

  • Combined living/dining rooms

  • Kitchens designed for efficiency

  • Bedrooms clustered on one side of the home

  • Optional bonus rooms in split-level designs

5. Natural Materials

Brick, stone, redwood paneling, and wood ceilings add texture and authenticity.

6. Indoor-Outdoor Integration

Backyards often include patios, mature landscaping, and in some hillside areas, tiered decks with views.

These features make mid-century homes ideal for modern upgrades while preserving architectural integrity.

The 94403 Real Estate Market for Mid-Century Homes*

94403 is one of San Mateo’s most consistent and competitive ZIP codes, driven by location, schools, parks, and architectural appeal.

Market tendencies include:

  • High demand for updated mid-century ranches—especially in Fiesta Gardens, The Knolls, and Beresford

  • Premium pricing for homes with modern renovations or expansion potential

  • Limited turnover in Fiesta Gardens due to strong community engagement

  • Strong appreciation fueled by Hillsdale redevelopment and central Peninsula positioning

*Market values vary depending on lot size, elevation, architectural detail, and street orientation.

Why Buyers Seek Mid-Century Homes in 94403

✔ Central Peninsula Location

94403 sits at the intersection of Highways 92 & 101—perfect for commuting to SF, Silicon Valley, or the East Bay.

✔ Strong Schools

Neighborhoods are served by highly regarded San Mateo-Foster City schools and Aragon High.

✔ Architectural Variety

From pure mid-century ranches to bold hillside modernism, 94403 offers something for every design preference.

✔ Walkability & Recreation

Residents enjoy:

  • Beresford Park

  • Laurelwood Park

  • Hillsdale Shopping Center

  • Community swim and tennis facilities in Fiesta Gardens

✔ Excellent Renovation Potential

Flat-lot ranches are ideal candidates for:

  • Open-concept transformations

  • ADU additions

  • Modernized kitchen/living expansions

This makes 94403 especially appealing to buyers seeking long-term growth potential.

The Boyenga Team – Trusted Experts in Mid-Century & Design-Forward Homes

Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass are well-known specialists in mid-century modern and architectural homes across the Peninsula and Silicon Valley. Their unique combination of architectural understanding and advanced marketing strategies helps sellers maximize value and helps buyers recognize opportunities others may miss.

They offer:

  • Architectural analysis & renovation guidance

  • Compass Private Exclusives for early/off-market access

  • Design-forward staging targeted to mid-mod audiences

  • Data-backed valuation strategies

  • Strong negotiation skills in a competitive ZIP code

Their experience includes selling Eichlers, ranch-modern hybrids, hillside modernist builds, and fully renovated mid-century properties.

Searching for a Mid-Century Modern Home in 94403?

Because inventory is limited and demand is high, early access is essential.

Contact Eric & Janelle Boyenga for:

  • Tailored mid-century listing alerts

  • Off-market & pre-market opportunities

  • Architectural guidance tailored to each 94403 neighborhood

  • Renovation insight to help you maximize mid-century potential