West of El Camino Real, South of Brittan Avenue, North of Eaton Avenue and East of Alameda de las Pulgas is El Sereno Corte, or what many residents call “White Oaks”. Technically, White Oaks (referring to the White Oaks Elementary School) is in a slightly more confined area. White Oaks has been a favorite destination for buyers for years. White Oaks Elementary is one of the top performing elementary schools in California. Aside from an outstanding elementary school, White Oaks offers outstanding neighborhoods in which many homes have been remodeled. Additionally, living in White Oaks allows you to easily walk to downtown San Carlos and Burton Park.
There are few drawbacks to living in White Oaks. The most common complaint from buyers is that White Oaks lot sizes are too small and the homes are on top of each other. The most common question I get from buyers who look in White Oaks is, “Why did they make the lot sizes so small?” The answer is that in the 1930s and early 40s when San Carlos was trying to sell lots in White Oaks, the country was still feeling the effects of the Great Depression. Additionally, prospective home buyers were having a difficult time imagining themselves living any further south than San Mateo. At that time, most of the lot sizes were double the size they are currently. In order to help people afford San Carlos, the city agreed to cut the White Oaks lot sizes in half, thus cutting down on the prospective property taxes.
If you can make friends with your neighbors, White Oaks is an outstanding part of San Carlos to call “home”.
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I currently live in White Oaks and would agree that things are cozy here but we’ve got great neighbors and Eaton is a beautiful (but slightly narrow) street.
I had a question slightly off topic. We’re in the process of considering some remodeling projects. For example, our kitchen could use a complete face lift. I’m a numbers guy and would love to come up with a way to estimate the return on my investment in the property. How would you go about this? Further, how do you prioritize between projects – kitchen vs. master bathroom? Thanks!
Joe, that is an excellent question. As far as the numbers go with a return on your investment, it largely depends on the overall market. Currently, we have a very strong market in San Carlos.
In addition to the market conditions you will want to consider how you are improving your home through the eyes of prospective buyers. The two you have chosen, the kitchen and master bath, are very high on prospective buyers’ lists. Kitchens are king, especially in San Carlos where many of the homes have older or only slightly updated kitchens. A nicely remodeled kitchen may very well sell your home.
If market conditions remain steady I would say that you could expect to gain at least two dollars for every one dollar you spend in the kitchen and master bathroom.
Any thoughts on the possibility of San Carlos building a local high school? I think that could be a real game changer for the area. Thanks.
Hi Larry,
Some residents are not aware of this, but San Carlos had an excellent high school, San Carlos High. In 1982 San Carlos High School was demolished and the land was sold by the City to developers. Highlands Park, Stadium Field, tennis courts and a housing development now stand where the old high school once stood, off of Melendy Drive. The Sequoia Union High School District closed the school due to the fact that all of its high schools were experiencing low enrollment and budget cuts. Surprisingly, San Carlos High School was the one targeted which surprised many at the time, because it was the newest high school in the district. Fast forward to 2007, and obviously the demographics have changed and San Carlos would really benefit from a high school.
There are few disadvantages to San Carlos for prospective buyers, however, the lack of a city high school is always number one or two on the list. In terms of the prospects for a new San Carlos High School…I would say the odds are low. Many issues are standing in the way such as (1) City owned land for the development; and (2) funding.
The city does own a parcel of land that could probably accommodate a new high school off the back of Crestview Drive. However, the funding and traffic issues would be difficult to overcome.
Bob,
How do I know what the High School boundaries are for Carlmont High School vs. Sequioa High School. I’ve heard that some homes in San Carlos are in the Sequioa High School boundaries as opposed to Carlmont High School. I always thought all children in San Carlos went to Carlmont without petitioning. Is this correct and can you explain?
Hi Cathy,
An excellent question. You are not the only one to fall into this category. Many homeowners in San Carlos wrongfully assume that everyone in San Carlos can go to Carlmont.
San Carlos properties fall under the Sequoia Union High School District which governs Carlmont, Sequoia, Woodside and Menlo Atherton High Schools. Most properties north of San Carlos Avenue which are in the San Carlos School District, will have Carlmont as their assigned School. Most properties south of San Carlos Avenue, namely the Howard Park and White Oaks areas are assigned to Sequoia. Prior to last year, students located in White Oaks and Howard Park faced little difficulty obtaining an intradistrict transfer to Carlmont. However, over the past few years Carlmont has become impacted and the enrollment at Sequoia has dropped substantially. In fact, Sequoia is 750 students shy of their capacity enrollment and Carlmont has surpassed its’ capacity enrollment. In order to rectify this situation the District has been considering denying those seeking an intradistrict transfer to Carlmont from Howard Park and White Oaks. Currently, the policy has been tabled and more definitive guidelines will be put into place next year. The Board of Trustees seems to be divided on the new harsh guidelines. Unfortunately, this puts parents of San Carlos middle school students in a very tenuous situation. We are expecting more definitive guidelines soon. However, from what I have heard, it does not look promising for Howard Park and White Oaks for those looking to transfer to Carlmont, unless the prospective student already has a sibling at Carlmont. As soon as more information is available I will post it immediately.
I currently live in White Oaks and from time to time, I hear people use the term “the creek side”. What do people mean when they refer to the creek side are of the White Oaks? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Hi there,
People are talking about one of two locations. There are two creeks in El Sereno (commonly referred to as “White Oaks.” The first creek runs behind the homes on Howard and Greenwood. The other runs behind the homes on Eaton Avenue.
Both creeks weave back and forth, and because of their natural path, create some lot sizes that are much deeper than many in the White Oaks area. Creekside homes also allow homes to back up to a tranquil setting rather than another home. Mostly, this is seen as a major asset for the property.
The only disadvantages would be creek erosion of the properties and any possible flooding issues. Most homes have had some steps taken to prevent erosion such as the addition of retaining walls. Flooding is most likely a remote possibility.
Given these circumstances, the advantages certainly outweigh the disadvantages of living creekside in White Oaks.
Bob Bredel
Realtor
REMAX Today
Hi Bob,
Thank you for the very helpful information on the issue of intradistrict transfers to Carlmont. Have you heard anything new on this issue recently? Also (this may go beyond your jurisdiction but you’ve surprised me before!) any insights into the demographic trends that could affect how the Carlmont/Sequoia situation could look in, say, ten to fifteen years from now?
Many thanks.
Hi John,
Thanks for the post. The information posted regarding the transfers is the most recent information that I have. The second part of your question is a tough one. Anything I offered on the Carlmont/Sequoia situation in ten to fifteen years would be pure speculation. Not being involved in the day to day operations of the Sequoia Union High School District, it probably would not be fair for me to take a stab at it. One item that is noteworthy in your time frame is the huge 2002 birth year…what many are now calling the 9/11 babies. This would cover the Carlmont/Sequoia graduating classes of 2019, 2020 and 2121. I will continue to monitor this. As soon as the district comes out with additional info I am usually able to post it right away.
Thanks again,
Bob