Cordes, San Carlos Homes for Sale

The neighborhood

Cordes San Carlos homes for sale where history lives.

Cordes, in northern San Carlos, is the city's oldest developed neighborhood — some homes date to the late 1800s, and the original Arguello Adobe, the oldest home ever built in San Carlos, stood here. Today it is a mix of older character homes, mid-century traditionals and newer custom builds, sometimes side by side on the same block.

Lower Cordes near downtown offers smaller flat lots and genuine walkability; Upper Cordes climbs into the hills with larger lots, more trees and Bay or canyon views. Cordes is also one of the few San Carlos areas zoned for Carlmont High School — a major driver of buyer interest — with Arguello Park and easy Caltrain access rounding out the picture.

HistorySan Carlos’s oldest neighborhood, dating to the 1800s

SchoolsZoned for Carlmont High School

SettingWalkable lower streets, hillside upper streets

A sense of place

Historic, varied and well placed.

Cordes wears its history lightly: Victorian-era homes near downtown, 1930s and pre-war character homes, 1970s and 80s builds, and modern customs share the streets. The split personality — flat and walkable below, wooded and view-oriented above — gives buyers two neighborhoods in one.

ArchitectureVictorian-era, pre-war character homes, mid-century traditionals and modern customs.

LandscapeMature trees up the hill, Bay and canyon views from Upper Cordes.

Daily lifeArguello Park afternoons, Laurel Street dinners and an easy walk to Caltrain from Lower Cordes.

01 / Education

Schools near Cordes San Carlos homes.

Public school placement is determined by the districts and can change. Confirm the exact property address directly with the district before relying on an assignment.

Representative Cordes San Carlos character home on a tree-lined street

District resources

School resources for Cordes buyers.

Cordes's school pathway is a standout: most homes are assigned to Arundel Elementary (K–3), then Mariposa Upper Elementary (4–5), then Tierra Linda Middle School (6–8) — all within the San Carlos School District — and Cordes is one of the few San Carlos areas zoned for Carlmont High School. Always verify the exact property address with the district, as assignments can change.

San Carlos School District

K–8 district resources and enrollment

Official site

Sequoia Union High School District

High school district including Carlmont High School

Official site

Carlmont High School note

Cordes is one of the few San Carlos areas zoned for Carlmont High, known for strong academics and its Biotechnology Institute — verify with the district.

02 / Parks

Arguello Park and nearby green space.

Arguello Park sits at Cordes’s doorstep next to Arundel Elementary, with Burton Park a short drive south.

Arguello Park

Neighborhood park beside Arundel Elementary

Parks guide

Burton Park

Central San Carlos park with fields and community events

Parks guide

City trails

Trail networks across San Carlos open space

City trails

Park facilities and access can change. Review official City of San Carlos resources before visiting.

03 / Local life

Amenities near Cordes San Carlos homes.

Downtown San Carlos and the Laurel Street corridor put dining, shopping and everyday services close to every Cordes address.

Representative San Carlos home exterior with classic California styling — Classic California style

Representative luxury San Carlos home with contemporary architecture and landscaped grounds — Updated classic living

Restaurants

Downtown’s culinary scene

Lower Cordes is walkable to Laurel Street’s restaurants, cafés and brunch spots — downtown dining without the drive.

Shopping

Laurel Street retail

Independent shops, groceries and everyday services on Laurel Street serve daily needs close to home.

Services

Easy Caltrain access

The San Carlos Caltrain station is convenient from Cordes for commutes to San Francisco and San Jose.

Location

Getting around Cordes.

Cordes sits in northern San Carlos — downtown, the station and top schools are all within minutes.

Downtown San Carlos · Laurel Street

Shops, dining and services — about 5 min drive

Directions

Arguello Park

Neighborhood park by Arundel Elementary — about 3 min drive

Directions

Burton Park

Central park and recreation hub — about 6 min drive

Directions

San Carlos Caltrain Station

Peninsula rail service — about 6 min drive

Directions

Carlmont High School

Comprehensive public high school in Belmont — about 6 min drive

Directions

San Carlos Airport

General aviation off Highway 101 — about 8 min drive

Directions

San Francisco International Airport

SFO via Highway 101 — about 18 min drive

Directions

San Jose International Airport

SJC via Highway 101 — about 25 min drive

Directions

Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and time of day. Distances measured from central Cordes.

Market snapshot

Home values in Cordes.

A quick look at what homes are going for in and around Cordes — useful context whether you are buying or selling here.

$237,500Median household incomeCitywide approx. · Sept 2026

$2.35MMedian home priceCitywide approx. · Sept 2026

$4.5M+High-end price pointTop-tier recent closings, citywide approx. · Sept 2026

Figures are approximate as of Sept 2026. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Zillow/Redfin market data.

Buyer guidance

Buying a home in Cordes?

Cordes demands a block-by-block read: Victorian-era character homes, pre-war cottages, mid-century traditionals and new customs can share a single street. Compare era, condition and renovation quality, and decide whether walkable Lower Cordes or view-oriented Upper Cordes fits your life.

The Carlmont High zoning is a real value driver — verify it for the exact address with the district. Local guidance can help you weigh comparable sales across the neighborhood's wide range. Looking to buy in Cordes? Start with a conversation.

Call (650) 274-1134 Email Simon

Seller guidance

Selling your Cordes home?

A Cordes marketing plan should celebrate what makes the neighborhood singular: its history, its architectural variety and the coveted Carlmont High assignment. Character details, updates and — in Upper Cordes — views and lot size all shape the presentation.

Pricing starts with the specific home and the most relevant comparable sales across a wide-ranging market. Thinking of selling your Cordes home? Let's talk through the plan.

Call (650) 274-1134 Email Simon

Buyer & seller questions

Cordes real estate FAQ.

What types of homes are found in Cordes?

An unusual variety: Victorian-era homes near downtown, 1930s and pre-war character homes, 1970s and 80s builds, and modern custom homes — sometimes on the same block.

Why is Cordes the only San Carlos neighborhood zoned for Carlmont High?

Most of San Carlos feeds into Sequoia High, but Cordes is one of the few areas zoned for Carlmont High School, known for strong academics and its Biotechnology Institute — a major driver of buyer interest. Always verify with the district.

Which elementary and middle schools serve Cordes?

Most Cordes homes are assigned to Arundel Elementary (K–3), Mariposa Upper Elementary (4–5) and Tierra Linda Middle School (6–8), all in the San Carlos School District.

Is Cordes walkable to downtown?

Lower Cordes, near downtown, has smaller flat lots and is genuinely walkable to Laurel Street and Caltrain; Upper Cordes is hillier and more car-oriented.

How should a Cordes seller prepare for the market?

Showcase character details, updates, views and the school assignment with property-specific pricing. For a tailored plan, call (650) 274-1134 or email Simon.

Continue exploring

Explore more San Carlos neighborhoods.

Local guidance

Explore Cordes with Simon Sahi.

For a property-specific view of Cordes homes, school placement, neighborhood edges and nearby amenities, begin with the exact address and a thoughtful local conversation.

Visit SimonSahi.com (650) 274-1134 SIMON@SPSILICONVALLEY.COMCA DRE #01953287