Mills Estates in Burlingame is one of those neighborhoods that surprises people who expect the classic, flat, tree-lined streets of downtown. Up in the hills you find larger lots, ranch-style floor plans, attached two-car garages, and sweeping bay views without the cramped feeling of the flats. If you are comparing neighborhoods, Mills Estates in Burlingame deserves a close look because what you get for your money and lifestyle is different in a very good way.
Table of Contents
- Intro: What Makes Mills Estates in Burlingame Distinct
- Mills Estates Location and Connectivity
- Mills Estates History and Neighborhood Layout
- Mills Estates Floor Plans and Housing Types
- What Buyers Want in Mills Estates—and What They Get
- Mills Estates Home Prices and Condition Ranges
- Parks, Open Spaces, and Views in Mills Estates
- Inside a Renovated Mills Estates Home
- Value-Adding Renovation Ideas for Mills Estates Homes
- Mills Estates Pros and Cons
- Who Buys Homes in Mills Estates in Burlingame?
- FAQ About This High-End Burlingame Neighborhood (Mill Estates)
Intro: What Makes Mills Estates in Burlingame Distinct
The first thing to understand about Mills Estates in Burlingame is that it does not feel like the rest of Burlingame. It was master planned with larger, mostly flat pads carved into a hillside. That creates homes with better flow between indoor living spaces and yards, plus the opportunity for single-level living that is rare in the city.
Here are the core characteristics that define Mills Estates in Burlingame:
- Hillside location and bay views — many parcels sit high enough to see across the bay, city skyline, and even Mount Diablo on clear days.
- Larger lots — common lot sizes range from 7,000 to 9,000 square feet versus 5,000 to 6,000 in most flat neighborhoods.
- Single-level and ranch-style plans — great for families who want flow to the backyard, aging in place, or buyers who prefer one-level living.
- Two-car attached garages — a surprisingly rare and valuable amenity in Burlingame proper.
- Higher pool prevalence — bigger yards make pools far more common here than in many other parts of the city.
Mills Estates Location and Connectivity
Mills Estates in Burlingame is west of El Camino Real, south of Trousdale, and stretches toward Skyline Boulevard and Highway 280 on the western edge. Those boundaries give residents both hilltop peace and quick freeway access. If your commute uses 280 — whether heading north into South San Francisco and biotech or south toward the Peninsula — the location is convenient.
Walkability is different here than in the flats. Most buyers who choose Mills Estates in Burlingame accept a short drive to grocery runs, soccer practice, or downtown because they value privacy, quiet streets, and more indoor-outdoor space. If being block-by-block walkable to restaurants is a priority, the flat neighborhoods may be a better fit.
Mills Estates History and Neighborhood Layout
The story of how Mills Estates in Burlingame became what it is today matters. Decades ago developers cleared and carved the hillside to create buildable, flat pads. That plan left a neighborhood of houses where the main living level often aligns with the yard. That alignment is not only convenient, it also delivers some of the best floor plans you will find in Burlingame.
Mills Estates Floor Plans and Housing Types
One of the real appeals of Mills Estates in Burlingame is the variety of one-level and ranch-style homes available. You can find 2,500 square foot single-level houses on large lots — a combination that is rare in this market. These layouts often allow the kitchen to open directly to the yard, perfect for entertaining and everyday family life.
Another distinctive type in the neighborhood are the Eichler homes. Developed in the 1960s, Ikler designs typically feature an interior courtyard with walls of glass surrounding it, letting light pour into the home while maintaining privacy. These floor plans are loved by a subset of buyers for their openness, courtyard living, and strong indoor-outdoor connection.
What Buyers Want in Mills Estates—and What They Get
Buyers shopping in Mills Estates in Burlingame often choose the area for value and lifestyle.
- Better price per square foot in the hills — for comparable budgets, you will often get more house and more yard in Mills Estates than in many flat neighborhoods.
- Privacy and quiet — streets are quieter, and homes are less tightly packed together.
- Attached two-car garages — a major perk for families who want secure, covered parking without squeezing cars into narrow driveways.
- Yards that accommodate pools and gardens — larger footprints let you build meaningful outdoor living.
Mills Estates Home Prices and Condition Ranges
The market in Mills Estates in Burlingame spans a defined range depending on condition and level of renovation. As a general framework:
- Homes that remain largely original and are livable often list in the high $2 millions.
- Properties that have been refreshed or updated typically land in the low to mid $3 millions.
- Fully renovated homes with modern layouts and high-end finishes push into the high $3 millions and low $4 millions.
These ranges reflect the demand for lot size, one-level layouts, and the ability to add value through targeted renovations.
Parks, Open Spaces, and Shopping in Mills Estates
Parks and greenery are a major strength of the broader city and of Mills Estates in Burlingame. The neighborhood’s hilltop vantage points provide stunning sightlines: you can see planes taking off and landing at SFO, catch the downtown skyline on clear days, and even glimpse Mount Diablo.
Cuernavaca Park (on the ridge toward Skyline) is a local favorite, offering open fields, basketball hoops, and ideal spots for sunset watching. The broader area benefits from City funding that keeps parks lush and well-maintained, supported in part by local revenue sources such as airport hotel occupancy taxes and commercial tax receipts.
For longer walks and bike rides, residents of Mills Estates in Burlingame often head to Sawyer Camp Trail in San Mateo. The paved trail along the reservoir is excellent for families, strollers, and cyclists. If you want redwood hikes, a short drive takes you to places like Huddart or Edgewood for peaceful forested trails.
Shopping and Daily Conveniences Near Mills Estates
The closest shopping hub for Mills Estates in Burlingame is Burlingame Plaza at El Camino and Trousdale. It’s practical rather than a date-night destination: grocery shopping at Lunardi’s, quick bites, a CVS, and the usual conveniences are all right there.
Inside a Renovated Mills Estates Home
To illustrate what life can look like in Mills Estates in Burlingame, imagine a four-bedroom single-level house of roughly 2,700 square feet on an 8,000-square-foot lot. The living room faces bay views with sunlight streaming through large windows. The kitchen is updated with new countertops, an induction cooktop, double oven, and high-quality appliances, but still retains original cabinetry that a new owner could modernize further.
The bedroom wing has four bedrooms in a row with a central hall bath. The primary suite is roomy and looks straight at the runway view. A permitted lower-level room provides flexible space for an office, playroom, or guest space. While it is technically not a legal bedroom for egress reasons, it is highly functional and adds versatility to the home.
Other practical features common to homes in Mills Estates in Burlingame include concrete tile roofs that age well and attached two-car garages with room for storage and systems like the furnace and washer dryer. For homeowners who want to expand, options can include a junior ADU within the existing footprint or modest additions subject to city setback requirements.
Yard and landscaping opportunities
Yards in Mills Estates in Burlingame are often the stage where value is realized. Flat yard areas allow play spaces, patios, hot tubs, and gardens. Even split-level yards can be terrific for terraced planting, herb gardens, or a small lower-level entertaining terrace. With existing irrigation in many yards, adding color, vines, or a pollinator garden is low friction and high impact.
Value-Adding Renovation Ideas for Mills Estates Homes
If you buy a move-in condition home in Mills Estates in Burlingame, there are smart, cost-efficient ways to modernize without a full gut. Consider:
- Opening the kitchen to the living areas — removing a non-structural wall or partial partition can dramatically improve flow to the yard.
- Upgrading lighting and finishes — recessed lights, refreshed floors, new outlets and switches, and updated hardware create a modern feel.
- Turning a lower-level half bath into a full bath — when plumbing is nearby, adding a shower can expand sleeping options or create an accessible guest bath.
- Strategic landscaping — vines, flowering shrubs, and a well-planned lawn/patio layout increase perceived value and daily enjoyment.
Mills Estates Pros and Cons
- Pros: larger lots, bay views, one-level living options, two-car garages, good freeway access, outdoor space for pools and gardens.
- Cons: hillier terrain for walking, a few minutes’ drive to downtown conveniences, some floor plans originate from earlier eras and may need updates.
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Who Buys Homes in Mills Estates in Burlingame?
Typical buyers drawn to Mills Estates in Burlingame include families who want yards and single-level living, buyers relocating from the city seeking more space, and those who prioritize privacy and views over block-by-block walkability. Commuters who use Highway 280 also find the location convenient.
Mills Estates in Burlingame is a neighborhood that rewards buyers who prioritize space, privacy, and views over being a doorstep away from shops. Its larger lots and single-level layouts offer design flexibility and lifestyle advantages — from easier indoor-outdoor living to the potential for pools, gardens, and ADU conversions. If what you want is room to breathe and the chance to enjoy bay vistas while still being a short drive from Peninsula essentials, Mills Estates in Burlingame is worth a serious look.
If you'd like to see the home featured in this post or tour any other homes around Burlingame, reach out — I can help. Call or text me at 650-822-7088 or email hello@burlingameproperties.com to schedule a showing or get tailored neighborhood recommendations. I’m happy to answer questions and set up viewings at your convenience.
FAQ About This High-End Burlingame Neighborhood (Mill Estates)
Is Mills Estates in Burlingame good for families?
Mills Estates in Burlingame is an excellent neighborhood for families who value larger yards, safe quiet streets, and single-level homes. Schools like Franklin Elementary are close by, and parks and trails nearby provide outdoor options.
How are the views in Mills Estates in Burlingame?
Many properties in Mills Estates in Burlingame offer bay and skyline views. Ridge parks provide clear sightlines for sunsets, planes, and city lights on clear evenings.
Are there many one-level homes in Mills Estates in Burlingame?
Yes. One of the hallmarks of Mills Estates in Burlingame is the prevalence of ranch-style and single-level homes, often on larger flat pads that enable indoor-outdoor living.
What price ranges can I expect in Mills Estates in Burlingame?
Expect a range: mostly original homes often list in the high $2 millions; refreshed properties in the low to mid $3 millions; fully renovated homes in the high $3 millions to low $4 millions, depending on lot size and views.
Is Mills Estates in Burlingame walkable?
Mills Estates in Burlingame is less walkable than the flat downtown neighborhoods due to hilly streets. Residents accept short drives to shops and downtown in exchange for quieter streets and larger lots.
Are pools common in Mills Estates in Burlingame?
Pools are more common in Mills Estates in Burlingame than in many other Burlingame neighborhoods because lots are larger and more conducive to adding a pool.
What are Eichler homes and are they in Mills Estates in Burlingame?
Eichler homes were midcentury designs that emphasize an interior courtyard and walls of glass. A pocket of Eichler homes exists within Mills Estates in Burlingame and appeals to buyers who love indoor courtyards and modernist layouts.
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