Foster City

Foster City Homes For Sale

About Foster City

Foster City was founded in the 1960s on engineered landfill in the marshes of the San Francisco Bay, on the east edge of San Mateo. The city was named after T. Jack Foster, a real estate magnate who owned much of the land comprising the city and who was instrumental in its initial design. His successor firm, Foster Enterprises, run by his descendants, is still active in real estate affairs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Niche named Foster City #2 on its list 2020 Best Place to Live in San Mateo County. Forbes ranked Foster City #10 on their 2009 list of America’s Top 25 Towns to Live WellMoney has also recognized Foster City multiple times as one of the Best Places to Live.

Things To Do In Foster City

Water Sports, Festivals, Hiking and Biking Trails, Dog Parks, Golf, Parks, Sports, Soccer

THINGS TO DO

Foster City is a man-made island of islands with over 16 miles of navigable canals weaving through it. The crown jewel featuring many water sports is the beautiful lagoon in Leo Ryan Park. A variety of activities are shown on this lagoon map, from paddle boards, to windsurfing, to riding electric boats, to walking and picnicking.

Several major and minor events are held here as well, a few examples are the best fireworks display on the Peninsula, the Polynesian Festival, and summer concerts. Check our special events calendar for details. Swimming, paddle boards, kayaks, electric boating, water skiing, and even outrigger canoe races are some popular water activities which can be easily found if you know when and where to look.

Miles of trails for hiking, biking and skating are in and around the city. The most important is a popular segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail. Central Lake has a nice boardwalk and is a good place to start when walking your dog to the fenced in dog park.

Foster City Recreation Center headquarters many different classes as does the new Peninsula Jewish Center just across the street.

The City’s well maintained twenty one parks provide a wide variety of sporting facilities including plenty of tennis courts, soccer fields and basketball courts.  E.g.,  Sea Cloud Park has 6 baseball diamonds for Little League teams.  There are even bocce ball courts, swimming beaches and a nine hole golf course & driving range.

 

William E. Walker Recreation Center

The Foster City Recreation Center unifies the community by providing a space in which the needs of many can be accommodated. Several of its eight rooms, including its banquet hall, are complemented with a beautiful view of the lagoon. The rec-center also offers summers camp programs as well as a variety of classes.

William E. Walker Recreation Center, 650 Shell Boulevard, Foster City, CA, USA +1 650 286 3380

 

CityFest

Formerly known as the Arts and Wine Festival, this event is Foster City’s largest, and it has occurred annually for the past 45 years. CityFest includes about 175 vendors that promote art, food and wine. With live music, an amusement park and a food court full of diverse options, the pleasant aura of the event attracts thousands.

CityFest, 650 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA, USA +1 650 286 3380

 

The Vibe

The Vibe serves as a supervised hangout for teenagers, where they are able to meet up with their friends after school or over weekends. Following registration, teenagers have access to the facility’s many offerings, including game tables, television and video games. The teen center also hosts special events such as dances and sports tournaments.

The Vibe, 670 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA, USA +1 650 286 3254

 

San Francisco Bay Trail

Atop of Foster City’s levees lies the San Francisco Bay Trail. The Foster City portion of the trail begins in the north, near Seal Point Park in San Mateo, and ends in the south, near Oracle Bridge in Redwood Shores. Bikers, runners and dog walkers alike utilize this trail and its spectacular bay-view for some outdoor activity.

San Francisco Bay Trail, Beach Park Boulevard, Foster City, CA, USA

 

Shells Dirt Jumps

Trailing off from the bay trail into the forest of tall grass takes you to the Shells Dirt Jumps. Made from piles of solidified dirt and salt, this hidden gem is the perfect place for bikers to catch some air. The area has become so popular in recent years that it even has its own Yelp reviews

Shells Dirt Jumps, Beach Park Boulevard and Foster City Boulevard, Foster City, CA, USA

 

Foster City Lagoons

Foster City contains a whopping 16.5 miles and 212 acres of lagoon canals, all of which intertwine through the city’s man-made land. Residents of Foster City take full advantage of the water by engaging in activities such as wind surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking. Additionally, many waterside residents complete the luxury lifestyle by having their own electric boats.

Lagoons, Foster City, CA, USA

 

Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC)

Located in the heart of Foster City is the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, a beneficiary of The Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco. Regardless of its association, the organization openly welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and ages. From its award-winning pre-school, to its many summer camp options, to its 50,000 square foot athletic facility, the PJCC caters to the needs of many.

PJCC, 800 Foster City Boulevard, Foster City, CA, USA +1 650 212 7522

 

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park

In memory of Congressman Leo J. Ryan lies this twenty-acre recreational park. Overlooking Central LakeLeo J. Ryan Park includes an outdoor amphitheater, as well as a boardwalk and a lawn, which make the park perfectly suitable for hosting an array of events. These include concerts, graduations, a 4th of July festival and an annual dragon boat race.

 

PARKS

Parks and Recreation

The Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for managing the City’s parks, recreation activities, and community events.   We pride ourselves on  offering a wide range of educational, creative and fun programs offered for our community. No matter what your interest is, we have a class for you! Participating in an recreation class, attending a special event, or enjoying one of our beautiful parks is a great way to get connected with residents and members of surrounding communities, accomplish a fitness goal, or start a new family tradition! If you can’t find the answer to your question on our website, give us a call at (650) 286-3380.

Arcturus Park

Arcturus Park

Bike Path
Children’s Play Area
Picnic Area

Baywinds

Baywinds Park

Bike Path
Restrooms

Boat Park

Boat Park

Boat Launch
Dog Playground
Picnic Area
Restrooms

Boothbay Park

Boothbay Park

Ballfield
Barbecue
Basketball Courts
Bike Path
Children’s Play Area
Park Available For Rent
Picnic Area
Restrooms
Soccer Fields
Tennis Courts
Volleyball Courts

Bridgeview

Bridgeview Park

Barbecue
Bike Path
Picnic Area
Restrooms

Catamaran Park

Catamaran Park

Basketball Courts
Beach
Children’s Play Area
Park Available For Rent
Picnic Area
Restrooms
Soccer Fields
Tennis Courts
Volleyball Courts

Edgewater Park

Edgewater Park

Ballfield
Barbecue
Basketball Courts
Children’s Play Area
Picnic Area
Restrooms
Tennis Courts

beach park

Erckenbrack ParkErckenbrack ParkBeach
Children’s Play Area
Park Available For Rent
Picnic Area
Restrooms

Foster City, CA

Farragut Park

Farragut Park

Children’s Play Area
Park Available For Rent
Picnic Area
Restrooms

Dog Park

Foster City Dog Park

Gateshead Park

Gateshead Park

Bike Path
Picnic Area

Gull

Gull Park

Beach
Children’s Play Area
Park Available For Rent
Picnic Area
Restrooms

Gull Ave

Ketch Park

Ketch Park

Basketball Courts
Children’s Play Area
Picnic Area

Killdeer Park

Killdeer Park

Children’s Play Area
Picnic Area

Leo J. Ryan Park

Leo J. Ryan Park

Basketball Courts
Bike Path
Boat Launch
Community Building
Park Available For Rent
Picnic Area
Restrooms
Tennis Courts

Leo Park

Leo Park

Jeff Regan - Levee

Levee Pedway

Bike Path

Marlin

Marlin Park

Beach
Children’s Play Area
Park Available For Rent
Picnic Area
Restrooms

Marlin Ave.

Pompano Park

Pompano Park

Bike Path

Playground Port Royal

Port Royal Park

Basketball Courts
Bike Path
Children’s Play Area
Picnic Area
Restrooms
Soccer Fields

Sea Cloud Park

Sea Cloud Park

Ballfield
Bike Path
Children’s Play Area
Picnic Area
Restrooms
Soccer Fields

Shad Park

Shad Park

Basketball Courts
Children’s Play Area
Picnic Area

Shorebird Park picnic

Shorebird Park

Bike Path
Picnic Area
Restrooms

With 2.4 acres, Sunfish Park offers playgrounds, a multi-purpose court and lawn area

Sunfish Park

Basketball Courts
Children’s Play Area
Picnic Area

Turnstone Park

Turnstone Park

Recreation Center

William E. Walker Recreation Center

650 Shell Boulevard

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Youth and Teen

The Foster City Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of classes, camps, and programs to meet the needs of youth, teens, and their parents. With programming specifically designed with youth and teens in mind, the department strives to create positive opportunities for healthy development, learning, and fun!

Youth programs involve after school care; Wednesday enrichment activities through STEAM Academy; and seasonal and summer camps. Teen programs involve a dedicated teen center, known as The Vibe, for after school care and teen dances; opportunities to volunteer through the counselor in training program and the youth advisory committee; summer camp; and the skate park.

Active Adults and Seniors

The Foster City Parks and Recreation Department’s Senior Wing is open to all Senior/Active Adults, 50 years of age or older. If you are newly retired, work part-time, or are seeking new friends, the Foster City Senior Wing is the place for you! The Senior Wing facility offers an opportunity for adults 50 years of age and older to develop an extended family through a wide range of health and educational programs, human services, recreational and social activities, and special events throughout the year.  The Senior Wing is open Monday-Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm. Programs and special events are announced in “Senior Expressions“, a quarterly newsletter available for subscription at the Senior Wing.

Senior Program Highlights

Senior Wing Features

  • Drop-In Card Area
  • Billiards Table
  • Lounge Area

 

Schools, City and Community

Info and Links

SCHOOLS

Foster City has 7 primary and secondary schools. One of the highest rated schools is Brewer Island Elementary School, with a rating of 10. The school has 715 children. Public schools in Foster City are part of San Mateo-Foster City or San Mateo Union High School District. The population of Foster City is 32,909. San Mateo-Foster City enrolls 36% of the population of Foster City.

CITY AND COMMUNITY

Foster City Website

https://www.fostercity.org/

Recycling and Garbage

https://www.fostercity.org/publicworks/page/recycling-and-garbage

Water

https://www.fostercity.org/publicworks/page/water

New Residence Information

https://www.fostercity.org/community/page/new-resident-information

Community Calendar

https://www.fostercity.org/calendar

Culture and Recreation

https://www.fostercity.org/parksrec/page/cultural-arts-programs

Foster City E-Newsletter

https://www.fostercity.org/community/page/foster-city-e-newsletter-sign

Foster City Library

https://www.fostercity.org/community/page/foster-city-library

Foster City Map

https://www.fostercity.org/community/page/foster-city-gis-maps

History Of Foster City

https://www.fostercity.org/community/page/history-foster-city

Community Annual Report

https://www.fostercity.org/community/page/community-annual-report

Public Works

https://www.fostercity.org/publicworks

Water and Waterwaste

https://www.fostercity.org/finance/page/water-and-wastewater-service-application

Setup Pay Water bill Online

https://www.fostercity.org/finance/page/setup-pay-water-bill-online

Foster City Staff Directory

https://www.fostercity.org/directory

City Council

https://www.fostercity.org/citycouncil

Committees and Planning Advisory Committees

https://www.fostercity.org/bc

Elections

https://www.fostercity.org/cityclerk/page/elections

Fire

https://www.fostercity.org/fire

Human Resources

https://www.fostercity.org/hr

Police

https://www.fostercity.org/police

 

REVIEWS BY RESIDENTS

Though Foster City may be small, it is a city full of excitement and opportunity. Recent construction has occurred, but the city still remains a great residential area. There are lots of plazas and nearby places for food or fun. It is near water and you can get to many places due to the proximity to 101, 92, etc. The Hillsdale mall is a great place and the Caltrain is great for traveling to work or school. I believe the schools could use a bit of work as the elementary class size has increased from 20 to 30 students since I attended and the middle schools haven’t had any new changes recently. Night life is what you make of it, but don’t expect it to be like Boston or SF. Overall, a great place to live.

It is a safe, family friendly suburb, and the activities/festivals that are put together at Leo J Ryan Park are a lot of fun for everyone. However, there is only one middle school here, and multiple elementary schools, and no high schools.

Foster City is safe and clean, a great city for healthy living and almost year-round sunshine. Whats more, Foster City is central to many locations or workplaces whether North or Southbound. Unfortunately, Foster City is known to have high housing cost.

Foster City has VISA headquarters and a town square called, “Foster Square”. Foster City is very peaceful and
has fun activities at the Recreation Center. It is a great place for seniors to go to. It has senior homes and also, it’s just right for their living. It’s also good for families to have their children grow up in a peaceful environment. Overall, Foster City is calm, has fun activities, and is good for seniors and families.

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