Mount Carmel, Redwood City, is a neighborhood I suggest to many move-up buyers because it provides charming architecture, similar to homes found in neighboring Menlo Park and San Carlos, at more affordable prices. The neighborhood boasts great weather, steadily improving schools (greatschools.net gives both North Star and Clifford top marks), tree-lined streets and ample green space through parks and nearby schools. Situated north of Jefferson and west of El Camino, the neighborhood meets many demands of the Peninsula lifestyle, including convenient commuting, easy access to shopping and the growing Redwood City downtown, and a strong sense of community.
The majority of my past buyers, who purchased real estate in Mount Carmel, did so because of the area’s charming architecture and lot sizes — 7500 square foot lots are common. Styles include Craftsmen homes from the early century, Spanish bungalows from the 20s and 30s, and ranchers from the 50s. The homes are well constructed; in fact most were built when a two-by-four was actually two by four inches. Overtime many of the original 2/1s and 3/1s were converted to 3/2s, which brings my only complaint: oddly configured home additions. In one house, the master bedroom was accessible only by way of the toilet.
Perfect for Move-Up Buyers
With the following considered, Mount Carmel is an ideal fit for buyers looking to upgrade aesthetics, home size or neighborhood.
- Affordability - Commonly Mount Carmel homes are priced 15% less than comparable ones in White Oaks of San Carlos, 20% less than comparable ones in the Willows of Menlo Park.
- Good Public Schools - John Gill (K-5), Clifford (K-8), North Star (3-8), McKinley (6-8). Start with Redwood City’s boundary map and use Great Schools for ratings, scores and reviews.
- Green Space - Stafford park on Hopkins, Dove Beeger park on Whipple, play space at John Gill and Clifford schools, sport fields at Sequoia High School and Red Morton Community Park.
- Convenient Commuting - Farm Hill gives access to 280, Whipple to 101. Caltrain is close.
- Strong Community – the summer provides many citywide events.
Suggested Drive
To get a quick sense of Mount Carmel, take Whipple west from 101. The neighborhood streets begin just west of El Camino and ascend in alphabetical order, from Arch to Birch to Clinton and so on. Start paying close attention to the homes after Duane St. Turn left on King St. At the end of the first block, you see Stafford Park, a favorite picnic spot. From here I suggest either stopping to walk the streets or continuing on to the downtown (approximately Middlefield and Broadway). For those who make the drive, please comment with your thoughts.
{ 0 comments… add one now }