Cupertino is convenient for tech workers and enjoys an outstanding reputation for its public schools. It’s close to the heart of Silicon Valley, and from there it’s a pretty quick trip to get to most of the large employers in the region.
Apple has offices spread throughout the city , and of course is well known for the “spaceship” office in town, too.
It’s a scenic place, too! Situated at the base of the coastal foothills, much of the city enjoys a view of the hills, but neighborhoods stretch into the hills as well, where homeowners are treated to valley views. As with most of Silicon Valley, areas in the nearby hills (not remote) tend to have larger homes and lots and are more expensive than those in the flatlands. It’s nearly impossible to find a move in ready home for less than $2 million here.
Cupertino’s Schools
Public schools are a huge focus, and the schools tend to be a driver of home values, also. Several of the local schools have won awards for educational excellence.
Students are served by these districts:
Cupertino Union School District (K – 8)
Fremont Union High School District (9 – 12)
Something that can be confusing for newcomers to the area is that the school districts do not coincide with the city’s boundaries. Part of San Jose, Santa Clara, and Saratoga are served by the same districts that cover all of Cupertino. The same is true in Los Gatos and many other communities in the Bay Area.
A fun fact: this city is named after St Joseph of Cupertino, Patron of Test Takers & Students – you can read about it on my Silicon Valley Catholic blog by clicking on the link above.
The community provides many opportunities for recreation and beyond-the-classroom education, too. The community center is huge and offers a wonder array of opportunities to be enriched, to volunteer, and to get to know the people in the community. Additionally, there are many businesses offering after school classes in culture, language, dance, and more.
The city features more than a dozen parks, from small neighborhood play areas with lawns to venues large enough for a family or class reunion. Check out the 15 or so city Parks on the city’s website.
This corner of Silicon Valley also boasts some incredibly good wineries and opportunities to go wine tasting off of Montebello Road. The image below was taken at Ridge Vineyards.
Residents enjoy many civic and cultural events. The best source of that info is the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce.
Click here for more community info on the city of Cupertino’s website.
Cupertino history
What is today the waterway known as Stevens Creek was earlier dubbed the “Arroyo San Jose de Cupertino” by Fr, Pedro Font, a Franciscan priest who was traveling with Captain Juan Bautista de Anza as they made their way through the Santa Clara Valley.
The community which arose in present day Cupertino was first called West Side. This was “at the Crossroads of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road (now De Anza Boulevard) and Stevens Creek Road (now a boulevard)” per the city’s history page.
Cupertino was very much an agricultural town with vineyards, wineries, orchards, and more – the epitome of the Valley of Heart’s Delight.
In the post World War II era, the city of San Jose was expanding very quickly and aggressively. Several communities incorporated to prevent themselves from being absorbed into San Jose, including this city, which was incorporated in late 1955.
Housing market
The real estate market in Cupertino is virtually always a highly competitive seller’s market. Even in downturns, when prices fall, it’s still pretty active with home buyers seeking to settle here.
Below, the live Altos Research chart shows the up-to-date median list price of homes for sale – this will give you an idea of what a house in in this area might cost.
Find the Cupertino Real Estate Report, updated each month on my ReReport page. Or take a quick look at the market on this site: Cupertino CA Real Estate Market.
Cupertino, CA Real Estate – Homes For Sale
