Our Community

San Carlos, California, is a wonderful community 23 miles south of San Francisco and 23 miles north of San Jose. It lies at the north end of Silicon Valley. Noted for its charming, recently renovated downtown and delightful residential areas, it has several retail areas, a light industrial sector and a small airport.  

Demographics
San Carlos, "The City of Good Living," is a terrific place with residents who create and treasure a wonderful sense of 'community.' The population is 27,718. The median household income in San Carlos is $88,460 compared to a median income for the County of San Mateo at $77,500.
Transportation
San Carlos is accessible by commuter train, by bus, by car, and by private plane at the San Carlos Airport. The CalTrain station, with its historical train depot, is one block from the downtown area and three blocks from City Hall. Buses, run by SamTrans, go up and down the El Camino Real as well as through town. Lear

Quality of Life
What matters most to the business community and the people who live in our community?   Quality of life.   It's the measure of all the things that make a community great to live in.    We are dedicated to insuring that the quality of life in our community remains a focal point for all.
Political Climate
San Carlos (as well as San Mateo County) has a fairly stable political climate and is considered a very well-run city. The Chamber, its Directors and Staff, represents the face of business in our meetings with local and government staff and elected officials.  Pictured at left is the 2008 City Council: Randy Royce, Vice-Mayor Bob Grassilli, Mayor Brad Lewis, Omar Ahmad, Matt Grocott.

Important Local Business Links

City Government -
the City of San Carlos has an excellent, thorough website. You can apply for and track permits online, get agendas for city meetings and find out about projects and proposals. City Hall: 600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070, Phone (650) 802-4100

Business License -
Every individual and/or firm which does business in San Carlos must complete a business registration form and pay an annual business registration tax. To download your business license click here

County Connection - Link to the County of San Mateo Home Page for information about the Board of Supervisors and regional information. This is also a good link for businesses in food service to get information about environmental health permits and issues.  www.co.sanmateo.ca.us

Public Library - San Carlos has a beautiful library located in the Civic Center at 610 Elm Street.

The San Mateo County Library is comprised of 12 community libraries in the following 11 cities and towns: Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside. The Library also serves the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County.  For hours of operation and reading programs visit the library website by clicking here.

Copyright 2003 by the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce and Dynamic Chamber Builders