Emerald Hills Real Estate: The "View vs. Commute" Guide
Emerald Hills (or "The Farm," as locals call it) is the hidden gem of the Peninsula. Tucked into the hills above Redwood City, it offers something rare in Silicon Valley: space, silence, and stunning bay views. It feels like a rural escape, yet you are only minutes from the bustle of Silicon Valley.
However, living here requires a choice. The neighborhood is defined by its topography. Do you want the convenience of the flats or the privacy of the peaks?
The Hillside Trade-Off Matrix
In Emerald Hills, elevation dictates lifestyle. Use this guide to choose your elevation.
| Zone |
The Trade-Off |
Real Estate Profile |
Lower Emerald Hills
(Near Alameda) |
Convenience > Views.
Flat lots, walkable to coffee, 5-min commute to 280. |
Ranch-style homes, usable backyards for soccer, easier for renovations. |
Upper Emerald Hills
(The Peaks) |
Views > Convenience.
Panoramic Bay views, but winding roads add 10-15 mins to commute. |
Multi-level custom homes, decks for entertaining, deer in the yard. |
Lake Area
(The Lakes) |
Community > Privacy.
Centered around the Emerald Lake Country Club. |
Tight-knit community, narrow roads, distinct "vacation village" vibe. |
Why Move to Emerald Hills?
Emerald Hills attracts buyers who want to escape the grid of Menlo Park or Palo Alto without leaving the climate. It is known for its larger lot sizes—often exceeding 1 acre in the upper hills—offering privacy that is hard to find elsewhere on the Peninsula.
The area is unincorporated San Mateo County, which often means more lenient building codes for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and a more relaxed, independent atmosphere.
The "Emerald Lake" Lifestyle
At the heart of the community are the two lakes: Emerald Lake and Lower Lake. The Emerald Lake Country Club is a private (but affordable) community hub where neighbors gather for swimming, summer BBQs, and events. It gives the neighborhood a distinct, small-town feel that is absent in the more suburban parts of Redwood City.
Edgewood Park & Natural Beauty
Living here means sharing your backyard with nature. Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve borders the community, offering 467 acres of woodlands and grasslands famous for their spring wildflower displays. For hikers and trail runners, having this world-class park at your doorstep is a major lifestyle perk.
Schools & Commute
Most of Emerald Hills is served by the Redwood City School District (Roy Cloud is a popular K-8 choice) and the Sequoia Union High School District (Woodside High).
For commuters, the access point is usually Farm Hill Blvd to I-280. While the drive up the hill can be winding, the reward is leaving the fog below and arriving home to sunshine and silence.
Is Emerald Hills Right for You?
If you are willing to trade a 10-minute longer drive for an acre of land and a view of the Bay, Emerald Hills is your market. It offers a value proposition that is hard to beat on the Peninsula.
Chris Iverson specializes in hillside properties and can help you navigate the nuances of septic systems, lot lines, and view corridors in Emerald Hills.
Schedule a tour of the hills today.
