Why Buyers Love Green Hills, Millbrae, CA

A walkable neighborhood on the Peninsula with strong schools, stable family demographics, and direct access to employment corridors.

About Green Hills in Millbrae

Green Hills stands out as one of Millbrae's most established residential neighborhoods, where a walk score of 79 puts daily errands within easy reach and top-rated elementary schools anchor family life. The neighborhood draws couples and families seeking stability over rapid change: median household income sits at $149,651, with 51.7 percent married households and 27.7 percent raising school-age children. Median home values approach $1.65 million, reflecting both the Peninsula's overall market strength and Green Hills' consistent appeal to educated, affluent buyers.

Boundary note: Green Hills is bounded by El Camino Real to the east and extends into the quieter residential blocks west toward the Millbrae foothills, anchored by the namesake Green Hills Park and local schools including Green Hills Elementary.

Real Estate Market in Green Hills

Green Hills at a glance
Median home price$1.65m
Year over year change+3.2%
Price per sq ft$845
Median rent$3,155
Typical days on market31 days
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score79
Bike Score51

Homes in this neighborhood move at a moderate pace, with buyer competition steady but not frenzied. The median home value of $1.65 million positions Green Hills slightly below Millbrae's city-wide median of $1.87 million, a meaningful difference for Peninsula buyers.

$1.65m
+3.2% YoY
Median Price
$845
Price / Sq Ft
$3,155
Median Rent
31 days
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Homes here typically receive 1 to 2 competing offers rather than bidding wars. Sellers value proof of funds and clean inspections over aggressive escalation clauses. Cash offers or loan pre-approval will strengthen your position.

Who Thrives in Green Hills

G
First-time Buyers
Good fit

Entry-level condos and townhomes in the $800k to $1.2m range exist, though the neighborhood skews toward established single-family homes; good schools and walkability offset higher prices.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Green Hills Elementary (score 76) and proximity to Taylor Middle make this the default choice for families with elementary and middle-school children; 27.7 percent of the population has kids.

F
Investors
Fair fit

Rental yields average 2.3 percent annually given median rent of $3,155 and median home value of $1.65m; strong owner-occupancy (57.4 percent) limits turnover.

S
Remote Workers
Strong fit

The neighborhood's walk score of 79 and 16.7 percent work-from-home population suggest a community already comfortable with flexible work; excellent schools reduce commute pressure.

G
Retirees
Good fit

Median age of 45 and established suburban charm appeal to pre-retirees downsizing from larger homes; walkable shopping and healthcare access (Walgreens, Millbrae Medical Center) support aging in place.

Property Types in Green Hills

Single-Family Homes
68%
$1.4m to $2.1m

Majority of the neighborhood; typically built 1960s to 1990s with 3 to 5 bedrooms on quarter-acre lots.

Townhomes & Condos
28%
$850k to $1.3m

Concentrated near El Camino Real and around Green Hills Park; popular with downsizers and first-time buyers.

New Construction
4%
$1.5m to $2.2m

Occasional infill development and remodels; limited supply drives strong prices for updated homes.

Living in Green Hills, Millbrae

Daily life in Green Hills revolves around family routines, neighborhood parks, and local commerce. The walk score of 79 means you can reach Trader Joe's, Safeway, and Leonardo's Italian Deli & Cafe on foot or a short bike ride. Green Hills Park anchors weekend recreation, with a playground, open fields, and walking paths that draw young families and retirees alike. Moreover, the Millbrae Community Center and Basecamp Fitness are accessible by bike or car, reflecting the neighborhood's blend of walkable errands and car-dependent fitness and entertainment options.

79/100
Walk Score
Very Walkable
51/100
Bike Score
Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • McDonald's · 7 min walk
  • Terrace Cafe · 9 min walk
  • KFC · 10 min walk
  • Little Whale · 10 min walk
  • A&W · 10 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Starbucks · 12 min walk
  • Starbucks · 12 min walk
  • Leonardo’s Italian Deli & Cafe · 13 min walk
  • Search Tea · 13 min walk
  • Uni Souffle · 15 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Green Hills Park · 4 min walk
  • Central Park · 9 min walk
  • Lions Park · 14 min walk
  • Marina Vista Park · 15 min walk
  • Marina Vista Park Playground · 15 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Trader Joe's · 10 min walk
  • Paris Baguette · 11 min walk
  • Safeway · 12 min walk
  • Dean’s Produce · 14 min walk
  • Pape Meats · 16 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Millbrae Community Center · 9 min walk
  • Basecamp Fitness · 26 min walk
  • Veterans Memorial Recreation Center · 26 min walk
  • Yoga Room · 31 min walk
  • Yoga Room · 35 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Millbrae Museum · 10 min walk
  • Peninsula Art Studio · 19 min walk
  • Millbrae Train Museum · 27 min walk
  • Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum · 27 min walk
  • Fly & Explore: Video Arts · 28 min walk

Annual events: Millbrae Community Fair (May), Millbrae Museum seasonal exhibits, local school fundraisers and sports leagues

Schools Near Green Hills, Millbrae

Green Hills Elementary (score 76, KG-5) is the neighborhood anchor and feeds directly to Taylor Middle (score 57.5, 6-8), creating a defined K-8 pathway. For high school, students transition to Mills High (score 70.5, 9-12), which ranks in the top tier for the Peninsula and San Mateo County.

Elementary Schools

7.6/10
Green Hills Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
4-minute walk

School Score 76 with 78% math and 74% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
7.4/10
Spring Valley Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
29-minute walk

School Score 74 with 73% math and 75% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
6.2/10
Meadows Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
23-minute walk

School Score 62 with 62% math and 62% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.7/10
Lomita Park Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
13-minute walk

School Score 37 with 37% math and 37% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

5.8/10
Taylor Middle
Middle School · 6–8
12-minute walk

School Score 57.5 with 52% math and 63% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.2/10
Parkside Intermediate
Middle School · 6–8
30-minute walk

School Score 42.5 with 37% math and 48% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

High Schools

7.0/10
Mills High
High School · 9–12
26-minute walk

School Score 70.5 with 66% math and 75% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.8/10
Capuchino High
High School · 9–12
10-minute walk

School Score 47.5 with 34% math and 61% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
1.2/10
Peninsula High (Continuation)
High School · 9–12
38-minute walk

School Score 12.5 with 10% math and 15% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
n/a
Peninsula High
High School · 9–12
38-minute walk Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • St Dunstan Catholic School (KG-8) — 5-minute walk
  • St Robert Catholic School (KG-8) — 28-minute walk

Feeder pattern: The elementary-to-middle-to-high feeder pattern is predictable and stable, reducing uncertainty for families planning school years ahead.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Green Hills

The neighborhood sits directly on the Peninsula's main employment axis, with El Camino Real providing fast freeway access to tech centers, the airport, and downtown. Most residents drive to work (60.3 percent), though transit options exist for those willing to plan connections.

Downtown Millbrae
Drive: 5 to 8 minTransit: 10 to 15 min
Silicon Valley (San Jose/Sunnyvale)
Drive: 35 to 45 minTransit: 60 to 75 min (BART or local bus)
San Francisco / SFO Airport
Drive: 25 to 35 minTransit: 30 to 45 min (BART from nearby El Camino stations)

El Camino Real & Center Street station provides local bus access; BART connections are 10 to 15 minutes away in San Bruno, making this neighborhood practical for transit-tolerant commuters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Green Hills

What is the average home price in Green Hills, Millbrae?

The median home value is approximately $1.65 million, with single-family homes typically ranging from $1.4 million to $2.1 million. Condos and townhomes in the neighborhood start around $850,000 to $1.3 million. These prices reflect both the Peninsula location and the neighborhood's strong school reputation, placing Green Hills slightly below Millbrae's city-wide median of $1.87 million.

Is Green Hills a good place to live?

Yes, for families and couples seeking stability, walkability, and established schools. The neighborhood scores 79 on Walk Score, meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot, and Green Hills Elementary ranks among the best public schools in San Mateo County. The median household income of $149,651 and 51.7 percent married population indicate a financially secure, family-oriented community.

Which schools serve Green Hills, Millbrae?

Green Hills Elementary (score 76) is the primary K-5 school and a true neighborhood institution. Students typically transition to Taylor Middle (score 57.5) for grades 6-8, then Mills High (score 70.5) for high school. Private options include St. Dunstan Catholic School for K-8 families seeking religious education.

Is Green Hills a safe neighborhood?

Crime rates in this part of Millbrae are below the county average, reflecting the neighborhood's affluent, family-focused demographics and active community engagement. The median age of 45 and long-term resident base contribute to neighborhood stability.

Who should consider moving to Green Hills?

Families with school-age children, first-time buyers seeking good walkability and strong schools, and remote workers who value stable, quiet neighborhoods. The community also appeals to professionals commuting to Silicon Valley or San Francisco, given its position on El Camino Real.

What amenities are within walking distance in Green Hills?

Trader Joe's and Safeway are both walkable for groceries, while Leonardo's Italian Deli & Cafe and Starbucks serve quick meals and coffee. Green Hills Park offers playground equipment and open space, and the Millbrae Community Center is bikeable for fitness classes and recreation. The neighborhood's walk score of 79 makes most daily errands accessible without a car.

Where this Green Hills data comes from

Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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