The Shared History of San Bruno & Millbrae
July 8, 2026 · Newsletter archive
Hello San Bruno Neighbors!
By the late 19th century, the areas that would become Millbrae and San Bruno were closely connected through transportation, agriculture, and large landholdings. The construction of the railroad along the Peninsula and the growth of El Camino Real linked the communities to San Francisco and encouraged gradual suburban development. In Millbrae, Darius Ogden Mills transformed his estate into a prominent dairy and ranch operation, while neighboring San Bruno developed as a transportation crossroads and residential community serving travelers and commuters moving along the Peninsula.
During the early 20th century, both communities experienced rapid change as San Francisco expanded southward. The opening of subdivisions, improved roads, and increased rail service brought new residents to the area. San Bruno incorporated in 1914 and began developing municipal services and civic institutions. Millbrae remained unincorporated longer but grew steadily through residential neighborhoods such as Millbrae Villa and Millbrae Highlands. Residents of both communities relied on many of the same transportation networks and economic connections, creating a shared suburban identity on the northern San Mateo Peninsula.
Perhaps the most significant shared chapter in their history was the development of aviation. Land from the Mills Estate became the site of Mills Field, which evolved into San Francisco International Airport. The airport’s growth transformed both Millbrae and San Bruno, bringing jobs, infrastructure, and regional importance while also shaping land use and transportation planning. After World War II, Millbrae incorporated in 1948 following efforts to maintain local control over development, while San Bruno continued expanding as a residential and commercial center. Today, the two cities remain closely linked through SFO, BART, Caltrain, Highway 101, and El Camino Real, connections rooted in more than a century of shared growth and development.
SAN BRUNO MARKET SNAPSHOT · MAY–JUNE 2026
May 2026: 15 single-family sales · Median $1,480,000
May 2025: 27 sales · Median $1,600,000
Median price change: −7.5% year over year
June 2026: 22 sales · Median $1,425,000
June 2025: 16 sales · Median $1,485,000
Median price change: −4.0% year over year
The July edition lists 17 available homes and 13 contingent/pending homes. Its closed-sale list covers May–June, with reported prices from $787,000 to $2,300,000. Inventory and sale details are historical snapshots.
PENINSULA COMPARISON
Millbrae: May 2026 median $2,325,000 (6 sales); June $2,310,500 (16 sales).
Burlingame: May 2026 median $3,325,000 (20 sales); June $3,360,000 (18 sales).
South San Francisco: May 2026 median $1,365,000 (29 sales); June $1,310,000 (27 sales).
Source: July 8, 2026 Laurel Realty newsletter. Market figures reflect the original reporting periods; monthly medians depend on the mix of homes sold.
Brendan Landeck · Laurel Realty
650-483-5925 · brendan@laurelrealty.com
DRE #01905168
