Overview
Burlingame is a small city on the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo County, California. It lies close to San Francisco and has shoreline along the eastern edge of the peninsula on San Francisco Bay. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city's population was 28,806, and the community functions as a residential center with a busy downtown commercial corridor.
Geography and character
Burlingame occupies a narrow band between the bay and the hills to the west. The city is known for tree-lined streets, a compact and walkable downtown, and a mix of single-family neighborhoods and apartment districts. Its mild Mediterranean climate produces warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters typical of the Bay Area, with fog most common near the shoreline.
History and development
The area developed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as railroad and ferry connections knit the peninsula to San Francisco. The community organized growth around residential enclaves and commercial avenues; much of the city's architectural character reflects Victorian and early 20th-century styles. Burlingame incorporated as a municipality in the early 1900s and subsequently expanded as the region urbanized.
Economy, transportation, and public life
Local commerce centers on Burlingame Avenue and neighboring streets, where shops, restaurants and professional services cluster. The city's location gives it strategic access to employment centers: commuter rail and rapid transit, major highways, and an airport nearby. Typical transportation links include:
- Caltrain commuter rail stations serving Peninsula commuters
- U.S. Highway 101 and other arterial routes providing road connections
- Close proximity to San Francisco International Airport, a regional air hub
Culture, amenities, and notable features
Burlingame emphasizes parks, schools, and local events. Washington Park and other public green spaces serve residents, while the downtown shopping district is a destination for both locals and visitors. The city retains notable residential architecture, and many neighborhoods are valued for their street trees and curb appeal. Civic life commonly revolves around small-business districts, school activities and community festivals.
Distinctions and context
Although modest in size, Burlingame functions as an important suburban node on the Peninsula: it combines close ties to larger Bay Area employment centers with distinctive local retail and residential character. For census data and administrative details, official counts and reports provide the authoritative figures cited by planners and researchers; for historical or visitor information consult municipal resources or regional guides.
Demographic, economic and transportation patterns continue to evolve as the Bay Area grows; Burlingame's location and built environment make it a frequently cited example of a compact, transit-accessible Peninsula city.
U.S. Census information and local government sources provide further statistical and administrative details.