Top 7 San Francisco Suburbs for Families | Schools, Safety & Commute Guide (2025)

San Francisco is a great city. However, it can be tough for families. The cost of living is high. Yards are often small. Plus, getting into schools can be hard. Because of this, many families look at living in the suburbs.

Luckily, the Bay Area has wonderful suburbs for families. These places often have great schools. They usually have safe neighborhoods too. Additionally, you’ll find parks, trails, and a friendly community feel. Best of all, commuting to San Francisco is often quite possible.

Are you buying your first home? Or maybe you need more space? Then, this guide is for you. Let’s look at some top San Francisco suburbs for families.

1. Mill Valley

• Location: Marin County. Find it just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Why Mill Valley is Great for Families:
  • It has excellent public schools. For instance, the Tamalpais Union High School District is highly rated.
  • People here are friendly and love being outdoors.
  • Nature is all around. You’ll see redwood trees. Also, you can hike Mount Tamalpais or visit nearby Muir Woods.
  • The downtown area is safe and easy to walk around. It’s perfect for families. Furthermore, it has cute shops and good restaurants. Safety is a big plus here.
• Commute to San Francisco: Takes about 30–45 minutes by car. Alternatively, you can take a ferry.

2. Burlingame

• Location: San Mateo County, on the Peninsula. It’s south of the SFO airport.
• Why Burlingame Appeals to Families:
  • Burlingame has great schools, both public and private. Therefore, it’s popular with families who value education.
  • The neighborhoods have lots of trees. They feel very classic and suburban.
  • Its downtown area is busy and fun. For example, there are parks like Washington Park. There are also libraries and family events.
  • Plus, it’s easy to get to San Francisco from here. Silicon Valley tech jobs are close too.
• Commute to San Francisco: About 30 minutes by car. Caltrain is also an option.

3. Lafayette

• Location: East Bay, in Contra Costa County. It’s part of the “Lamorinda” area (with Moraga and Orinda).
• Why Lafayette is a Top Choice for Families:
  • You can often find larger homes here. Many have bigger yards too. This is compared to suburbs closer to the city.
  • Lafayette feels cozy and suburban. Its downtown is quite charming.
  • In addition, there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors. You can hike or bike in the hills. The Lafayette Reservoir is popular too.
  • Good schools are another key reason families choose Lafayette.
• Commute to San Francisco: Takes about 40 minutes on BART. So, you don’t need a car for your commute.

4. San Mateo

• Location: Mid-Peninsula. This spot is central in the Bay Area.
• Why San Mateo Works for Families:
  • It has several family-friendly neighborhoods. Examples include Baywood, Hillsdale, and Aragon.
  • The public schools are known to be good. They often have strong extra programs. The community supports them well.
  • Moreover, San Mateo offers great parks. Central Park has a lovely Japanese Garden. Coyote Point Recreation Area is right on the water.
  • Its downtown is lively with lots to do. You’ll find many types of food, shops, and culture. Consequently, it feels diverse and welcoming. It’s also considered a safe Bay Area suburb.
• Commute to San Francisco: About 30–40 minutes. You can take Caltrain or drive (US-101 or I-280).

5. Palo Alto

• Location: In the center of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County.
• Why Families Choose Palo Alto:
  • Palo Alto has famous, top-rated schools (PAUSD). As a result, families focused on education often move here.
  • The community really values learning. There’s a big focus on education and kids’ activities.
  • Neighborhoods are beautiful and well-kept. Plus, excellent healthcare is nearby, including Stanford.
  • It’s the heart of the tech world. Stanford University is here too. This means there are special job and cultural opportunities.
• Commute to San Francisco: Usually 45–60 minutes by car or Caltrain. The commute is longer. However, many families feel the schools make it worthwhile.

6. Orinda

• Location: Lamorinda area in the East Bay. It’s nestled in the hills.
• Why Orinda is Ideal for Families:
  • Orinda is known for being quiet and pretty. It also boasts excellent public schools year after year.
  • Parents are very involved in the community. Because of this, there are lots of family events and activities.
  • You’ll find plenty of green space. There are also nice trails for walking in nature. Overall, it feels peaceful.
  • Conveniently, BART provides easy access to San Francisco.
• Commute to San Francisco: About 30–40 minutes using BART.

7. Menlo Park

• Location: On the Peninsula. It sits between Palo Alto and Redwood City.
• Why Menlo Park Attracts Families:
  • Menlo Park has great schools. It also feels safe and welcoming.
  • It offers nice parks and modern libraries. Plus, community centers have programs for families.
  • Furthermore, people feel a strong sense of community here. Neighbors often get involved in local events.
  • Finally, it’s very close to big tech companies, like Meta (Facebook). Stanford is nearby too.
• Commute to San Francisco: Takes roughly 45 minutes by car or Caltrain.

Things to Think About When Choosing a Suburb

Before making a choice, consider these important points:

• Budget: How much can you afford? Home prices and taxes vary a lot between suburbs. So, research costs first.
• Commute: How long will it take to get to work? How will you travel (Car, BART, Caltrain, Ferry)? Ideally, test the commute during busy times.
• School Quality: Check school ratings online (like GreatSchools.org or Niche.com). Look at specific programs. Also, read what other parents say.
• Community Feel: What vibe do you prefer? Outdoorsy (Mill Valley)? Techy (Palo Alto)? Quiet (Orinda)? Busy downtown (Burlingame)? Visiting is the best way to know.
• Amenities: Are parks, libraries, stores, and doctors nearby? What about fun family activities? Think about what’s important for your daily life.

Wrapping Up: Finding Your Family’s Best San Francisco Suburb

Choosing the right San Francisco suburb depends on your family. Think about your lifestyle. Consider your budget. Also, factor in your commute.

Maybe you love nature, so Mill Valley is perfect. Perhaps top schools are key, then look at Palo Alto. Or maybe you want a big yard, like in Lafayette. Alternatively, a strong community feel in Orinda or Menlo Park might be best.

Ultimately, there’s likely a great Bay Area suburb near San Francisco for your family. Therefore, we highly recommend visiting these towns. Seeing them in person helps you find the perfect fit before you move.