You probably want to live in the San Jose area. There are a lot of good neighborhoods like Willow Glen or Campbell. Get a place close to I-280 rather than US-101. 101 is not as well maintained and it's crowded all day.
San Mateo is not a bad place to live, especially if you like urban areas. Rent is more expensive there, though, and there is more traffic.
San Mateo is not a bad place to live, especially if you like urban areas. Rent is more expensive there, though, and there is more traffic.