Foster City & the 94404 ZIP Code – A Community Overview

Waterfront Living & Master-Planned Beauty

The 94404 ZIP code encompasses nearly all of Foster City, one of the Bay Area’s most thoughtfully designed and picturesque communities. Built in the 1960s as a master-planned city on the shores of the San Francisco Bay, Foster City is defined by its lagoons, waterways, wide greenbelts, and meticulously maintained public spaces.

Unlike hillside cities on the Peninsula, Foster City’s beauty lies in its open, level waterfront landscape—where homes, trails, and parks integrate seamlessly with over 16 miles of navigable lagoon, offering residents an unmatched aquatic lifestyle. Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and waterfront strolling are everyday pleasures, making 94404 one of the most serene and recreation-rich residential areas in San Mateo County.

Neighborhoods feature a clean, contemporary aesthetic, with architectural styles ranging from mid-century modern and 1970s California contemporaries to elegant waterfront townhomes and thoughtfully designed newer condominiums. The city’s master-planned layout ensures excellent walkability, abundant parks, and a cohesive, community-oriented feel.

Family-Friendly Community

Foster City is widely recognized as one of the most family-friendly communities on the Peninsula. Its safe streets, high walkability, and extensive park network create a perfect environment for families of all ages.

Highlights include:

  • 20+ beautifully maintained parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas

  • The Foster City Lagoon & Leo Ryan Park, the social and recreational heart of the city

  • Miles of bike paths, waterfront boardwalks, and open greenbelts

  • Community events such as Summer Concert Series, Fourth of July celebrations, and the popular Polynesian Festival

  • Recreation programs offering everything from aquatics to youth sports to senior activities

The city’s emphasis on safety, community events, and outdoor living contributes to an exceptionally warm and active neighborhood culture.

Education Focus

94404 is served primarily by the San Mateo-Foster City School District and San Mateo Union High School District, both well-regarded for academic quality and student programs.

Notable schools attended by Foster City residents include:

  • Brewer Island Elementary School – A beloved, high-performing neighborhood school with strong parental involvement

  • Foster City Elementary School & Audubon Elementary School – Known for academic excellence, inclusivity, and diverse enrichment programs

  • Bowditch Middle School – A top-rated public middle school offering advanced coursework, electives, and competitive extracurriculars

  • San Mateo High School or Hillsdale High School (depending on attendance area) – Both schools offer strong academics, athletics, and arts programs within the SMUHSD

In addition to public schools, the area features reputable private options and preschools, making 94404 attractive to families seeking educational choice and quality.

Architecture in 94404: Mid-Century Influences & Waterfront Modernism

Planned Modern Living

While Foster City is not an Eichler tract, it embraces many mid-century principles through its early architectural styles—clean lines, indoor-outdoor transitions, and the integration of natural surroundings—particularly waterfront views and lagoon access.

Original homes from the 1960s and 1970s often feature:

  • Vaulted or open-beam ceilings

  • Large windows emphasizing natural light

  • Open or split-level layouts

  • Courtyards and private patios

  • Horizontal rooflines and clean façade geometry

Many neighborhoods blend mid-century influences with California contemporary elements, creating a visually cohesive but architecturally diverse environment.

Waterfront Townhomes & Modern Condominiums

One distinguishing feature of 94404 is its extensive offering of waterfront townhomes and modern condo communities, often with:

  • Private docks

  • Lagoon or Bay views

  • Resort-style amenities (pools, spas, clubhouses, tennis courts)

  • Seamless access to trails and greenbelts

These communities attract professionals, downsizers, and investors looking for low-maintenance living with strong long-term appeal.

94404 Real Estate Market Overview

Current Market Trends

The 94404 market is consistently competitive, driven by its unique waterfront lifestyle, proximity to Silicon Valley job centers, and strong schools. As of mid-2025, typical market conditions include:

  • Median home price: Approximately $1.4M–$1.6M depending on property type (single-family vs. townhome vs. condo)

  • Price per square foot: Around $900–$1,050

  • Average days on market: Low-to-mid teens, reflecting steady buyer demand

  • High desirability for waterfront homes: Properties on the lagoon or with Bay views often command premiums and attract multiple offers

Single-family homes are limited in supply, making them especially competitive. Townhomes and condos offer more attainable entry points while still affording access to Foster City’s amenities and lifestyle.

Appreciation & Investment Potential

94404 continues to show excellent long-term appreciation due to:

  • Its master-planned layout (a rarity on the Peninsula)

  • Expansive waterfront and recreation amenities

  • Central location near San Mateo, Silicon Valley, and SFO

  • Ongoing improvements to parks, community facilities, and infrastructure

  • Strong buyer demand for safe, clean, and lifestyle-rich neighborhoods

Waterfront and lagoon-view homes, in particular, show historically higher-than-average appreciation due to their uniqueness and limited availability.

Why Buy a Home in Foster City (94404)?

Lifestyle Benefits

  • Resort-like living with daily access to lagoons, boating, and Bayfront recreation

  • Beautiful, landscaped neighborhoods connected by miles of walking and biking paths

  • Extensive park system and water-oriented public spaces

  • Family-oriented culture with year-round community programming

  • Outstanding outdoor safety, ideal for kids, pets, and active residents

Premier Peninsula Location

Foster City is incredibly central, offering:

  • Quick access to Hwy 92, Hwy 101, and I-280

  • Easy commutes to Redwood Shores, San Mateo, Palo Alto, Burlingame, and San Francisco

  • Proximity to SFO, just minutes away

  • Edgewater Shopping Center, Metro Center, Bridgepointe, and Hillsdale Mall all nearby for convenient dining and shopping

Strong Employment Access

94404 is close to major employers including:

  • Visa

  • Gilead Sciences

  • Meta (Redwood City & Menlo Park)

  • Sony Interactive

  • EA (just across the bridge in Redwood Shores)

  • Numerous biotech and tech firms in Foster City, San Mateo, Belmont, and Redwood Shores

94404 Amenities & Attractions

Residents of Foster City enjoy:

  • Leo Ryan Park, home to festivals, concerts, and beautiful waterfront views

  • The Foster City Lagoon, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and small craft boating

  • Bay Trail access, offering miles of scenic coastal pathways

  • Bridgepointe Shopping Center & Edgewater Place, with shops, groceries, and restaurants

  • The Foster City Recreation Center, offering classes, aquatics, and community events

  • World-class pickleball, tennis, and recreational facilities

94404 provides a balance of peaceful, suburban living with vibrant community engagement and plentiful outdoor experiences.

The Boyenga Team – Your Mid-Century & Modern Home Experts for 94404

Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass are trusted real estate specialists across the Peninsula, including Foster City and surrounding waterfront communities.

What They Offer:

  • Expertise in mid-century modern, contemporary, and waterfront properties

  • Strong track record representing Peninsula buyers and sellers

  • Architecturally informed marketing and design-forward presentation

  • Access to Compass Private Exclusives, off-market opportunities, and Concierge program

  • Client-first guidance tailored to lifestyle, architectural preferences, and budget

Call to Action

Ready to find your perfect home in Foster City’s 94404 ZIP code?

Contact Eric & Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass for:

  • Exclusive 94404 listings and lagoon-front opportunities

  • Expert guidance on mid-century, contemporary, and waterfront homes

  • Market insights tailored to your goals

  • Personalized tours of Foster City neighborhoods

Stay updated:

Sign up for 94404 Home Alerts to receive instant notifications on:

  • New Foster City listings

  • Waterfront property opportunities

  • Market shifts, price trends, and neighborhood updates