A quiet, waterfront suburb with beautiful scenery and plenty of recreational activities
Foster City was master-planned since its conception in 1958 by land developer Jack Foster. The plans called for green spaces set all over the city and artificial canals to mimic Venice, Italy. With spacious homes overlooking the water, it offers an antidote to the density of San Francisco housing. This waterfront community features large, detached houses with backyards and private boat docks. New condominiums and townhomes are also available all along the lagoons. Many have pools, gardens, views of San Francisco Bay, and direct access to the water, giving them an almost resort-like atmosphere.
Foster City is nicknamed the “island of blue lagoons.” It has 18 miles of canals and 20 acres of public parks. In the Central Lagoon, the Leo Ryan Park and the William Walker Recreation Center are complete with a skate park, basketball and tennis courts, bike paths, an amphitheater, and event facilities. Festivals and live events are held annually, including the Foster City Arts and Wine Festival, a Halloween Festival, and Fourth of July fireworks.
Foster City has a laid-back and active lifestyle. The streets are quiet with low traffic. Most of the activity comes from residents enjoying their time out on the water. Foster City is home to Visa headquarters, IBM, Gilead Sciences, and other technology companies, but it’s primarily residential. As part of its original master plan, strict building codes keep Foster City from being overdeveloped, and it retains much of its small-town suburban charm.
Foster City is a haven for Asian cuisine. Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine serves beautiful and delicious plates of modern Thai dishes. Next door, Joy Restaurant serves Taiwanese cuisine. Pho New Saigon is great for dine-in or take-out Vietnamese food. Soon’s Tofu and Korean BBQ has a selection of spicy tofu soups and marinated meats. Gobi Mongolian Grill serves a Chinese buffet for lunch and dinner, while Dumpling Kitchen, Chez Xue, and Hot Wok Cafe have made-to-order Chinese entrees. For Japanese food, try Kenta Ramen, Akizu Sushi Bar, and Grill, or Inshou Japanese Cuisine.
If you’re looking for other global cuisines, Bellini Bistro is a casual Italian restaurant that’s great for a get-together or any other occasion. Falafel Tazah has counter-served Mediterranean wraps and plates. Armadillo Willy’s BBQ serves Texas-style wood-fired barbecue. Waterfront Pizza is a hookah bar and restaurant with outdoor seating right by the water. If you’re looking for a sports bar or pub food, there’s a BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse.
Foster City is a mini paradise for nature lovers. The canals are great for windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Equipment can be rented from California Windsurfing. You can watch boat owners cruise around the water or rent your own speedboat from Edgewater Marine. The lagoon also hosts the Dragon Boat Races, with the first racing team established in San Francisco Bay — the Bay Area Dragons.
There’s a network of hiking trails, including the 11-mile Bay Trail with scenic views of the water. Most of it is paved for biking, wheelchairs, and strollers. The Foster City Farmers' Market is open every Saturday with local vendors and artisans. The Leo Park Amphitheater has live music in the summer. The historic Hillbarn Theatre has plays and musicals year-round.
Foster City is served by the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
Together with his wife and son, the Buljan Group has grown as a commanding force in the local real estate realm over the years selling every major landmark property in the community.
