Frequently Asked Questions

San Mateo has many distinct neighborhoods to choose from and has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to live when you're looking for a San Mateo apartment for rent:

Downtown San Mateo
Downtown offers a vibrant, walkable atmosphere filled with restaurants, cafés, boutique shopping, and Caltrain access. It’s ideal for renters who want convenience, nightlife, and an easy Bay Area commute.

Central San Mateo
This area provides a balanced residential feel with quick access to shopping centers, parks, and major roadways. It’s perfect for renters who want quiet surroundings while staying close to daily conveniences.

Hayward Park
Known for its tree-lined streets and neighborhood charm, Hayward Park offers a more relaxed lifestyle with proximity to schools, Caltrain, and local eateries.

Shoreview
Located closer to the Bay Trail and waterfront parks, Shoreview appeals to renters who enjoy outdoor recreation, scenic views, and easy access to Highway 101.

San Mateo offers a dynamic Peninsula lifestyle with access to Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and the scenic Bay shoreline. Whether you're looking for career opportunities, outdoor adventure, or a lively dining scene, here are some of the unique features to consider:

Ideal Location
Situated between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, San Mateo provides convenient access to Highway 101, Highway 92, and Caltrain for seamless commuting throughout the Bay Area.

Outdoor Adventures
Residents enjoy nearby Coyote Point Recreation Area, the San Francisco Bay Trail, and numerous parks offering waterfront views, trails, and open green space.

Tech & Innovation Hub
The area is surrounded by major tech employers and startups, making it a central location for professionals working throughout the Peninsula.

Local Community & Dining Scene
Downtown San Mateo is known for its diverse restaurants, farmers markets, and community events, creating a lively yet welcoming atmosphere.

There are many fun activities to do in San Mateo! MODE San Mateo's prime Peninsula location puts residents in the heart of a vibrant Bay Area community. Major attractions and activities in the area include:

• CuriOdyssey
• Coyote Point Recreation Area
• San Mateo Central Park
• Hillsdale Shopping Center
• Downtown San Mateo
• Sandbox VR
• Japanese Tea Garden
• Bay Meadows Park

MODE Apartments in San Mateo is only minutes from Bay Area’s top employers. The proximity to Highway 101, Highway 92, and Caltrain gives easy access to technology, healthcare, finance, and biotech employers, like:

• Meta (Facebook)
• Google
• Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Kaiser Permanente
• Stanford Health Care
• Visa
• LinkedIn
• Roblox Corporation
• Genntech
• Visa
• Gilead Sciences
• Electronic Arts (EA)
• County of San Mateo

At MODE San Mateo, you'll find a variety of amenities that make living in vibrant San Mateo even better, such as:

Resort-Inspired Courtyards & Outdoor Social Spaces

Two large courtyards, BBQ and picnic areas, outdoor fireplace and a dog park create inviting outdoor environments perfect for relaxing after work or gathering with friends in the California sunshine.

Wellness-Focused Fitness & Yoga Spaces

The fully equipped fitness center features cardio equipment with integrated internet and TV, along with a dedicated yoga room and complimentary yoga and meditation sessions to support an active lifestyle.

Elevated Resident Clubhouse & Business Center

A stylish clubhouse with a catering kitchen and business center provides flexible space for remote work, entertaining, or community events.

Modern Interior Finishes & In-Home Convenience

Spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments include full gourmet kitchens with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, soft-close cabinetry, wood plank flooring, high ceilings, and in-home washer and dryer for everyday ease.

Access controlled garage

Complimentary assigned parking included with every apartment, plus convenient shared and reservable EV charging stations available.

Mode's location in San Mateo puts a remarkable range of daily conveniences within easy reach. Caltrain — your connection to San Francisco and San Jose — is a short walk away. Bay Meadows Park provides a beautiful green escape just steps from home. Hillsdale Mall and the San Mateo County Event Center anchor retail and entertainment nearby. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, The Nueva School, and major tech employers are all within comfortable walking or cycling distance.

San Mateo's park landscape is quietly exceptional. Bay Meadows Park offers open green space with a community feel. Paddock Park provides a peaceful neighborhood retreat. The Peninsula Golf and Country Club adds a touch of refined outdoor elegance nearby. And Filoli — one of Northern California's most stunning historic gardens — is within easy driving distance.

Mode's neighborhood dining scene rewards exploration. Kaizen & Coffee has become a resident favorite — a beautifully curated spot where exceptional coffee meets thoughtful Japanese-inspired bites. Fieldwork Brewing Company brings a craft beer culture and a convivial atmosphere that residents love for unwinding after work. Downtown San Mateo and Downtown Burlingame offer a much wider array of dining options just minutes away.

Mode's transit access is exceptional. Caltrain is a 3–5 minute walk from the building — connecting residents to San Francisco in under 30 minutes and San Jose in a similar timeframe. Highway 92 East is just 0.2 miles away, and Highway 101 provides immediate access to the greater Bay Area freeway network.

The San Mateo County Event Center hosts a variety of performances, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year. Pinstripe bowling lounge brings a stylish, social entertainment option nearby. And the Central Park and Japanese Garden — one of San Mateo's most beloved civic spaces — offers a serene cultural experience that residents return to again and again.

Trader Joe's is a 10–15 minute walk or a 4-minute drive. Whole Foods is 15–20 minutes on foot or a 5-minute drive. Safeway covers traditional everyday shopping at a similar distance. The variety ensures every preference is well-served.

The San Mateo County Fair is one of the Peninsula's most beloved annual traditions — drawing residents for rides, live entertainment, local food, and community spirit. Downtown San Mateo's event calendar offers farmers markets, street festivals, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.

Downtown San Mateo's main street is a walkable treasure of independent boutiques, local eateries, and specialty retailers — a place residents explore casually and return to often. Downtown Burlingame, just a short drive away, adds even more variety with its charming, village-like retail environment.

Mode residents have convenient access to an excellent range of fitness options. The Peninsula Family YMCA is just 0.4 miles away. Crunch Fitness (0.9 miles) and 24 Hour Fitness (0.5 miles) provide extended-hours options. Stretch Lab (0.8 miles) offers a uniquely restorative stretching experience that has become a resident favorite.

San Mateo is actively investing in its cycling infrastructure. The Delaware Street Rehabilitation and Bicycle Improvements project — completing July 2026 — is upgrading roadway conditions and enhancing bike safety directly in the area, making cycling an even more viable and enjoyable option for Mode residents.

The Peninsula Family YMCA (0.4 miles) is Mode's nearest and most versatile fitness option, offering aquatics, group classes, and a full gym floor. 24 Hour Fitness (0.5 miles) and Crunch (0.9 miles) provide flexible, well-equipped alternatives. Stretch Lab (0.8 miles) adds a restorative recovery option.

Mode's location serves families well. The Nueva School — one of the Bay Area's most innovative and highly regarded independent high schools — is nearby. Beresford Elementary and Burkard School provide strong local options for younger students.

WeWork's San Mateo location offers a premium coworking environment with all the professional amenities remote workers need. The proximity to Caltrain also means San Francisco and Silicon Valley's extensive coworking ecosystems are easily reachable.

Mode's commuting story is one of its defining advantages. Caltrain — just a 3–5 minute walk — delivers San Francisco in under 30 minutes and San Jose in a similar timeframe. Highway 92 (0.2 miles) and Highway 101 connect drivers to the full Bay Area freeway network. For tech professionals commuting to Roblox, Oracle, or other San Mateo County employers, the location is simply unbeatable.

Filoli's historic gardens consistently delight new residents who discover it for the first time. The Central Park and Japanese Garden is a serene, contemplative space that feels like an escape from the Peninsula's pace. Kaizen & Coffee's minimalist aesthetic and craft beverage program make it a go-to for residents who appreciate quality. Clay Life Art Studio adds a creative, hands-on escape.

Please contact the leasing office for details.

Mode's boutique scale creates a naturally tranquil atmosphere — a deliberate contrast to the busier energy of the Peninsula's larger complexes. Residents describe the community as peaceful, respectful, and quietly connected.

Mode residents have a full suite of financial services within 1.5 miles, including Chase, U.S. Bank, Bank of America, Monterra Credit Union, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. Pharmacy access, everyday retail, and grocery options are all within comfortable reach.

Mode offers something rare in the San Mateo market: a boutique, quiet community with genuinely modern and updated interiors — including striking high vaulted ceilings that set it apart from anything else in the area. For residents who value refined design, peaceful surroundings, and exceptional Caltrain access, Mode is a singular find.

Mode makes the application process simple and encouraging for all prospective residents:

• Income: Gross income of 2.5x the monthly rent is required.
• Rental History: Verified through Screening Works Pro.
• Credit: Reviewed through Nova Credit's comprehensive platform.
• Automatic Denial: Prior evictions, open bankruptcies, high charge-offs, or adverse rental history may affect eligibility.
• Self-Employed Applicants: Refer to Screening Works Pro's Verification of Income Guide.
• First-Time Renters: Welcome to apply.
• Criminal History: Arrests not resulting in a conviction, expunged or sealed records, and juvenile records are not considered in our screening process, per California law. Criminal background information is reviewed consistently and in a non-discriminatory manner.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation in the application or leasing process are encouraged to contact our leasing team. We engage in an interactive process to identify effective accommodations in compliance with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
• Source of Income: We accept all lawful sources of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and other housing assistance programs, in compliance with California Government Code §12955.