Foster City is located north of Silicon Valley. It’s the oldest and largest master-planned community in California. It’s designed as an antidote to congested city living, featuring detached homes with backyards that often include small docks and patios overlooking the water. There are also plenty of parks with exceptional amenities. Locals also enjoy plenty of aquatic activities like windsurfing and kayaking on its lagoons. Foster City is a great place to land if you’re looking for a serene place to raise your family.
What to Love
Calm and tranquil atmosphere
Waterfront properties with remarkable water views
Proximity to neighboring Bay Area cities
Several parks to relax and exercise
Lagoons with lots of aquatic activities
Local Lifestyle
Foster City has an urban-suburban lifestyle, a blend of residential areas, and social amenities. This waterfront suburb borders the bay to the north and east, offering beautiful scenery everywhere (cute ponds where ducks and geese play, canals, sailboats, marinas, etc.). On weekends, locals move through different social avenues with their families as they make the most of their leisure time.
The lagoon in Leo J. Ryan Park is perhaps Foster City’s most popular outdoor spot. Families and friends can participate in various activities, from windsurfing, riding electric boats, paddle-boating, picnicking and walking. The city also has other well-maintained parks with multiple sporting facilities, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields.
Foster City folks love participating in events and festivals. Notable events include the Fourth of July Celebration, which includes live entertainment, family games, breakfast, lunch, and a dog parade. Every August is marked by the Family Overnight event in Boothbay Park. Locals bring tents and sleeping bags to enjoy an evening filled with songs, smores, and games.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Foster City has its share of Bay Area dining and shopping scenes. If you want classic Italian dishes, check out Bellini Bistro. They serve various traditional Italian dishes made from the freshest ingredients available locally. Pamper your taste buds with authentic, delicious Thai foods at the Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine. They have a bold selection of Thai flares made with carefully-selected ingredients. Armadillo Willy’s BBQ has the best barbeque experience in Foster City. They smoke their meat at the restaurant and have a fantastic sauce you shouldn’t miss out on. A trip to Foster City wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Waterfront Pizza where one can enjoy delicious, Middle Eastern cuisine while sitting directly on one of Foster City’s many beautiful bodies of water.
You can find several shopping areas in Foster City. Edgewater Place Center features a waterside boardwalk with one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops. It also has various restaurants where shoppers pop in to sample dishes after a long shopping day. Locals also love shopping at Metro Center Boulevard. It’s the most prominent neighborhood shopping center in Foster City, featuring several stores, restaurants, and a farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Things to Do
Foster City presents many activities for its residents and visitors. San Francisco Bay Trail offers a scenic trail for hiking, cycling, jogging, or dog walking. There are also pickleweed marshes where spear-billed egrets gather for food, giving the most spectacular nature view.
Skaters showcase their skills at Foster City Skate Park, which has features for skaters at all levels. Golfers have Mariners Point Golf Center to themselves. And at California Windsurfing, you will find superb windsurfing, hydro-biking, and paddleboarding experiences. There are boat rentals and surfing training available for all ages.
Schools
Schools in Foster City are in the San Mateo-Foster City District. Some of the top schools in this school district include:
Foster City Elementary, grades K to 5 (second-best elementary school in the San Mateo-Foster City School District)
Bowditch Middle, grades 6 to 8 (the best middle school in the San Mateo-Foster City School District)
Aragon High School, grades 9 to 12 (second-best high school in the San Mateo Union High School District)
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