Community Information

Alviso is a small community on the edge of the San Francisco bay that is actually a part of San Jose. With a population of more than 835,000, San Jose is the 11th largest city in the nation and the 3rd largest in California. Named for the Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe in 1777, San Jose was the first civil settlement in California and the first state capital. It was also the first major city with a woman mayor and is home to a new convention and cultural center. San Jose is the nation top high-tech growth center and ranks fifth in the nation in manufacturing. Shopping center, museums, recreational areas and parks abound.

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Aptos

Along the borders of Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz County you’ll find the lovely town of Aptos. Some say that when the Native Americans named this part of the county, they called it Awatos – “Where the Waters Meet.” The name honors the spot where two creeks joined before traveling together to the bay. Diverse in its beauty, Aptos gives you the option of redwood forests or sparkling beaches, all within minutes of each other. The mountains are covered with oak, madrone, and one of the world’s tallest trees, the coast redwood. Beaches feature over 80 types of shells, as well as otters, sea lions, dolphins and whales. If you are looking for natural beauty, you need look no further than Aptos.

Housing in Aptos is as diverse as its beauty. From rustic mountain cabins in the forest to palatial contemporary homes on the golf course, there is something for everyone.

Students in Aptos are served by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, which has as part of its mission statement the intention to education and support learners in reaching their highest potential, and indeed they do! Students meet and exceed grade level standards based on standardized testing and graduating seniors from the district gain admission to the best trade schools, colleges, and universities in the nation. The District has aggressively solicited State and Federal funds to improve facilities and has seen almost $170 million in construction of new facilities and modernization projects.

Aptos Village, although small, is well worth a visit. The old Bayview Hotel anchors this quaint shopping district, which comprised mainly of friendly little shops and restaurants. Enjoy a visit the small French-inspired for Sunday brunch or stock up on picnic supplies at the Deli before heading into Niscene Marks Sate Park for an afternoon of exploring the forest. Aptos is indeed a small town with lots to offer and welcomes you for a visit today.

Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information

Atherton

Atherton located in southern San Mateo County, just a short drive from Palo Alto and Stanford University lies the prestigious town of Atherton. Named after Faxon Atherton, a rich hide and tallow trader from Chile who bought over 600 acres and built the first mansion in the area, Atherton is rich in history and unique in its character

Beginning on the flatlands and moving westward to the hills, Atherton features beautiful heritage trees and elegant gardens. It is still a “plain of oaks” and residents like it that way. There are 49 miles of roads in Atherton and about 2500 households with no industry or business in the town. Residents shop in nearby Menlo Park, Redwood City and Palo Alto.

Students attend either one of the several private schools in town or schools in the Menlo Park/Las Lomitas elementary districts and the Sequoia Union High district. The high school, Menlo-Atherton High, is one of the highest scoring schools in the peninsula and it is supported strongly by the community through bonds.

Atherton has gorgeous views everywhere. On the flatlands, you can enjoy an abundance native live oaks, white oaks, bay trees, redwood trees, cedars, pines and other ornamental trees. In the hills you can see the bay. Commuting to Silicon Valley and Stanford is easy via freeway or CalTrain.

Crime in Atherton is practically non-existent due to the towns zero tolerance. Traffic is strictly regulated and it is the police department’s policy to respond to each and every call. This makes Atherton an excellent location for families who can afford it.

Belmont

Belmont is a tranquil community built primarily on the hills overlooking San Francisco Bay and the coastal range. The small, but busy, downtown has easy access to freeway and rail transportation and is a mix of locally owned shops and commercial shopping. The population of 25,000 works in San Mateo County with only 17 % commuting elsewhere. There are excellent private and public schools with exceptionally high-test scores and several community colleges in the adjacent towns. Belmont has a rich heritage of fine homes from the turn of the twentieth century and enjoys the security of a very low crime rate less than one-fifth the national average.

Click Here For Belmont Chamber Commerce Information

Burlingame

Burlingame, the “City of Trees” boosts 18,000 public trees on its 5.5 square miles. This upscale community of 28,000 enjoys a very high standard of living including trendy shops, high-quality hotels, and extensive commercial operations. Located near the San Francisco International Airport and on the bay, Burlingame offers warm hospitality, great shopping, fine dining, and year-round outdoor recreation in a beautiful setting. With an exceptionally low crime rate and superior public and private schools scoring in the upper 5% of the nation, this charming community ranks among one of the most desirable places to live in the Western United States.

Click Here For Burlingame School Information

Click Here For Burlingame Chamber of Commerce Information

Campbell

Campbell touches Los Gatos on one side and various parts of San Jose on the others (Willow Glen, Cambrian Park). It began as a community of farmers busily working the fruit orchards and grew to including canning plants once the railroad was established. The most popular fruit grown in Campbell was the prune, as was the case with much of the valley. Reminders of the past can be seen in the naming of the main shopping center, “The Pruneyard” and in the annual Prune Festival.

The City of Campbell no longer has acres of orchards, but instead a vibrant downtown area, a great parks system, nice middle-class homes (for the most part), and schools which range from fair to very good.

Crime is not rampant, with low to average rates of crimes.

There are a variety of housing types available, from mobile homes and apartments to condos, townhomes, and single family homes. Close to downtown, there’s a large seniors apartment building too. Many houses sprung up from the 50s to the 70s, but there are also some very charming old Victorians gracing the area near downtown Campbell. The Ainsley House is open to the public and definitely worth a visit too!

Residents enjoy a 30-acre community center with gyms, auditorium, track and tennis, as well as a year-round pool and fourteen parks. There is a pleasant bike trail along the Los Gatos Creek Trail, which will take you into Los Gatos and someday will connect to the San Francisco Bay. Balmy Santa Clara Valley with average temperatures add to the enjoyment with winter lows around 50° and summer averages around 80°.

Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information

Capitola

Capitola is one of California’s oldest resort communities. It began in 1874 when a landowner constructed cottages, bathhouses, a stable and a hotel with the hopes of building a resort modeled after those in Europe. Capitola has also served as a shipping and farming center for the region. Now revamped and reconstructed, Capitola has a gorgeous beach and a cute downtown with shops, restaurants, art galleries and cottage rentals. Residences range from cute cottages, which have been lovingly maintained, to large homes with views of the ocean. West of downtown you’ll find modest homes that are well kept with large windows and decks that face the ocean and the beautiful sunsets.

Capitola is home to the largest mall in Santa Cruz County. Here you’ll find large retailers such as Mervyn’s and Sears.

Children in Capitola attend school in the Soquel district. Those seeking higher education can either take advantage of nearby Cabrillo College or the University of California at Santa Cruz.

After school or work, residents can take advantage of Capitola’s three neighborhood parks, the city esplanade beach in downtown, a state park of the west side and a bigger state park on the east side of town. There is an annual begonia festival, as well as an art and wine festival.

Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information

Colma

With a population of only 1,300, the Town of Colma is most famous for its many national and private cemeteries. Nestled on the eastern side of the coastal range only a few miles south of San Francisco, Colma serves as the gateway to the peninsula. It is flanked by highway 101, I-280, commuter rail and is only three miles from the International Airport. Only slightly over half of the residences in Colma live in single-family detached units and only 5% work in Colma.

Cupertino

Cupertino is world-renowned for the quality of its schools, which score very high. Many schools have won state and national recognition for academic excellence. Computer education is outstanding in this district. Vice President Al Gore once visited the city’s Monta Vista High School and Homestead High was honored at a White House ceremony. Community and business support is very strong for education in Cupertino.

Close to the heart of Silicon Valley, Cupertino offers a short commute to most high tech firms, including the headquarters for both Tandem Computers and Apple Computer.

Cupertino is an attractive city, rising from flatlands to hills. It has a wide variety of housing choices. Homes in the hills are more expensive, ranging as high as $1 million-plus in price. Those on lower ground are more moderately priced.

While schools receive most of the attention in Cupertino, recreational activities are plentiful as well. The city itself offers over 200 activities from painting to karate and the soccer leagues draw over 1,000 children. The after-school music program and Shakespeare for the Kids are popular. Family’s can enjoys 13 parks, a nature preserve, and a racquet club as well as bowling and ice-skating. The local Junior College, De Anza, offers many classes for the community.

Residents enjoy the city events such as the arts and wine festival, Heritage parade and De Anza Days under pleasant skies with winter average temperatures of around 50° and summer averages around 80°.

Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information

Foster City

Foster City is located in California’s San Mateo County halfway down a peninsula that juts up between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. A very water-oriented community, Foster City has 223 acres of waterways, 13 miles of shoreline and 12 residential islands. Residents can often be seen enjoying peaceful views from their backyard decks.

Most of the homes in Foster City were built in the last 30 years. One of the few master-planned cities in the San Francisco Bay Area, Foster City has a nice mix of homes-from small town homes to elegant custom estates on the water.

Both the San Mateo-Foster City district and the San Mateo Union High District serve schools in Foster City. Students in all schools score quite high in standardized testing with scores that range from the 70th percentile all the way up to the 90th percentile.

There are many employment opportunities in and around Foster City with a good number of biotech firms located in the area. Visa has chosen Foster City as its headquarters, bringing over 900 jobs to the area. For those who commute to San Francisco, it is a 21-mile drive to the north.

Residents of Foster City never have to commute to find recreation. There is plenty of it right here. Nineteen parks are within the city limits and there is a nine-hole golf course with a new driving range. Boating and wind surfing are popular pastimes and there is a fishing pier that extends into the Bay. In the summer, swimming is available in Foster City’s many lagoons.

Click Here For Foster City School Information

Hillsborough

Offering a rare combination of tranquil seclusion and access to one of the most vibrant economic areas in the world, Hillsborough is an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family. With its neighboring town, Burlingame, this area provides a unique combination of city sophistication and rural beauty. A quick drive to the San Francisco International Airport (around ten minutes from most points in Hillsborough) puts the world at your fingertips. We have a lot to brag about in Hillsborough – the home of Bing Crosby. Some of the most exclusive homes in San Mateo County are found in the community of Hillsborough. Great neighborhoods and schools, outstanding libraries and parks, and some of the best shopping and restaurants on the Peninsula.

Hillsborough has something for everyone. The newly remodeled regional shopping center, Hillsdale Shopping mall. Stroll around our downtown commercial district, Burlingame Avenue.

Hillsborough is an ideal community location, situated between two major freeways, 101 and I-280. Hillsborough provides a link with San Francisco to the north, and Silicon Valley to the south and the East Bay to the east. Hillsborough’s proximity to San Francisco Airport provides convenient air transportation.

Maintaining the quality of life remains a key goal for our community. We recognize our financial strength relies on a strong partnership between our residential and business community. Our elected officials and the many citizen volunteers who serve carefully plan the City’s growth on our advisory boards and commissions.

Los Altos

Los Altos is one of Santa Clara County’s most prestigious towns. It is located in the northern end of the county, just 10 minutes from Palo Alto and Stanford University. With a quaint and charming downtown, Los Altos features many first-class restaurants, bakeries, art galleries and boutiques. Possessing a country atmosphere, many of the streets in this city are lined with tall trees and are without sidewalks. It is a peaceful, yet upscale feeling. The town slopes gently toward San Francisco Bay and sports many homes on large lots of 1/4 acre or more. School rankings in Los Altos are very high and crime ratings are among the lowest in the state. High school seniors have many higher educational opportunities nearby including Foothill Junior College and Stanford University. After graduating college, there are a multitude of employment opportunities within a short commute including many Silicon Valley firms like Intel, Apple Computer and Hewlett-Packard. After work and school, residents can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities. There are 10 parks in Los Altos and many youth activities, including baseball, soccer, drama and dance. The library has been expanded and there is a yearly Festival of Lights Parade as well as an annual Pet Parade, both of which are very popular. Temperatures in Los Altos are Bay Area mild with the wintertime averages around 58-60° and summertime averages hovering around 75-80°.

Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information

Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Hills has the honor of being home to many of Santa Clara County’s top professionals. Originally known as a place for wealthy San Franciscans who were escaping the fog, Los Altos Hills was incorporated in 1956 to control development. Located in the hills above Silicon Valley, this city is now stable, established and intimate. Offering gorgeous valley views, Los Altos Hills homes are on one-acre lots minimum. Trees overhang many roads, creating tunnels of leaves and branches, which shelter mansions of elegance and taste, many of which have pools and tennis courts. This is also an area for equestrians and it is not uncommon to find quality stables on properties. Laws in Los Altos Hills protect the area’s lush redwoods, oaks and vegetation. Some locals enjoy membership in the local country club and many take advantage of the cultural life offered through Foothill Community College. Walkers enjoy the many paths that meander throughout town and there are various other recreational opportunities throughout the area including golf, tennis and horseback riding. Served by the Los Altos School District, schools in the area score very high with Santa Rita and Bullis-Purissima having received national blue ribbons for academic excellence.

Click Here For Foothill College Information

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Los Gatos Mountains

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John Steinbeck once wrote in a letter to a friend that his Los Gatos Mountain ranch was “so beautiful that often I am embarrassed to be living here.” Many Los Gatos Mountain residents feel that way even today, as this Santa Clara County location remains beautiful and is one of the area’s most prestigious addresses with many lovely homes—from majestic estates to quiet hideaways.

Located just on the edge of the town of Los Gatos, the Los Gatos Mountains offer a mountain-retreat feel with close proximity to all city conveniences. Lexington Reservoir is a wonderful location for recreation and reflection and there are peaceful spots throughout the area for hiking, biking and leisure. Nestled under the forested tops of the Santa Cruz Mountains, it’s no wonder that the Los Gatos Mountains are so desirable.

Students attend the excellent Los Gatos schools, while residents enjoy upscale shopping and exquisite dining, both just moments away.

Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information

Los Gatos/Monte Ser.

Browse Los Gatos and Monte Sereno homes for sale by pricepoint

The Town of Los Gatos is snuggled into the base of the California Coastal Range, also known as the Santa Cruz Mountains, and is the gateway to San Jose and Silicon Valley. It is a charming town – not a city – full of beautiful architecture as well as scenic beauty. Located just 30 minutes from the beach in Santa Cruz and an hour to San Francisco, and blessed with a mild-subtropical climate, there’s a lot to love about this location!

Los Gatos real estate includes the gamut of sizes and styles: the town’s realty includes view estates in the foothills, modest ranch style homes, a few mid-century modern houses, an abundance of gracious old Victorians, a few new homes and also condominiums and townhomes. As in the days of a hundred years ago, Los Gatos is wine-growing country today and large and small vineyards can be found, particularly in the hills. Equestrian properties grace larger parcels too.

Recreational opportunities are abundant in Los Gatos, with our many parks and trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Rowing clubs enjoy the use of Lexington Resevoir, just outside the town boundaries in the Santa Cruz Mountains. In town, Vasona and Oak Meadow Parks lie at the heart of the town and are the main gathering place for picnics and sailing and just tossing a frisbee around. Together, the two parks offer 400 acres of open space. Los Gatos has a golf course, La Rinconada, and two local swim and racquet clubs plus the fantastic and newly opened Jewish Community Center’s recreation facility on Oka Road (anyone can join and work out there). People watching, browsing and shopping are fun in Los Gatos – the charming downtown district is one of the best in Silicon Valley. There are also a lot of places to enjoy live music and dancing as well. Los Gatos offers a great nightlife!

Schools are among the best in the state. Los Gatos High has received national honors for its programs. Fisher School has a computer lab-arcade, which was set up by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Parents strongly support their schools and it shows. And the private schools are great too: Hillbrook is a small, non-sectarian private school on a lush piece of land close to town but in a quiet, tucked-away spot. St. Mary’s of Los Gatos is a very popular, Catholic Elementary School in the heart of downtown Los Gatos.

Downtown Los Gatos is bustling with activity in every season. In winter there is a well-attended Tree Lighting Ceremony to kick off the Holiday Season. Horse-drawn carriage rides treat visitors to our scenic old town for 2-3 weeks each December. The Christmas Parade, the first Saturday in the month of December, is a huge event, complete with the visiting Stanford Band. Also in December, there’s a fabulous light show at Vasona. Year round, the Farmer’s Market entices us with fresh produce, crepes, treats, and flowers each Sunday morning.

Los Gatos is just a short distance from the heart of Silicon Valley and its many employment opportunities. High tech jobs are numerous.

Los Gatos neighborhoods are nicely varied, from the small to large older homes in the Almond Grove or Edelen districts downtown to the suburbs of Belwood, Belgatos and Surmont in the east Los Gatos area. Blossom Manor and the Vista del Monte neighborhoods are always popular. There are two high school districts in the town and several elementary school districts, but most of Los Gatos enjoys Los Gatos Schools. But there are no “bad” schools in Los Gatos!

Monte Sereno

The city of Monte Sereno sits adjacent to both Los Gatos & Saratoga. It uses many of the same services as LG (schools, library, police) but has no businesses – instead it’s a semi-rural, more expensive enclave.

To learn more about Monte Sereno, Monte Sereno real estate, and browse Monte Sereno homes for sale, please visit my Valley of Hearts Delight blog (link above) or check my new Monte Sereno website on the Sereno Group real estate platform.

What does it cost to buy a house in Los Gatos?

It is difficult to find a single family home for under a million dollars anywhere in the town of Los Gatos, but it is sometimes possible if the home is smaller and is not in “the schools” (the Los Gatos School District). There are nice townhomes that can be bought under that benchmark, but most single family homes will cost more.

In the Los Gatos School District, real estate is more pricey and a modest single family home will cost somewhere in the mid range between 1 and 2 million, depending on the exact location, size and condition. But mentally think $1.5 mil for a rough guess.

In the Campbell Union High School District, you’ll pay less to buy a house – often 10-20% less for the same sort of house or neighborhood. So $1 to 1.3 million will get you into a nice, but not extravagent, home there.

Buy a Home in Los Gatos! Information on house-hunting in Los Gatos, boundaries, ways to search, information you need to know.

East Los Gatos

East Los Gatos is found over the small hill called Blossom Hill as you travel down Blossom Hill Road, away from downtown and toward Almaden. As you rise over a narrower part of the road on a little blip of a hill, you get a lovely view of the valley. That hill is Blossom Hill. East Los Gatos is part of the town of Los Gatos, and usually refers to the part of town either east of Highway 17 or east of Los Gatos Blvd.

Coming down on the far side of Blossom Hill, you are entering a microclimate which is a little warmer in summer. The valley’s weather is dominated by the Pacific Ocean, and when the fog gets sucked into our valley, it comes right through the mountain pass on which Highway 17 is built – and it comes whooshing straight into downtown Los Gatos! But Blossom Hill acts as a little barrier and there are times when it’s still in parts of east Los Gatos and windy and noticeably cooler in downtown.

The Belwood-Belgatos-Surmont area is a wonderful enclave off Blossom Hill Road in east Los Gatos. It is bordered roughly by Blossom Hill Road, Harwood Road, Belcrest, and Westhill and is the area close to Belgatos Park. Some areas are automatically part of the neighborhood Cabana and others are optional. The neighborhood is close-knit, well-kept, with meandering roads and a great park and pool, poolhouse and grounds in the heart of the community. There are year round events (4th of July celebration, Bingo Nights, Movie Nights in Summer and Christmas Carolling in winter) and the Dolphins Swim Team – so lots that draws the neighborhood together. The park, by the way, offers a playground and restrooms as well as expansive trails for hikers, joggers, and equestrians. The Belringer is the community newsletter, provided by the HOA, and usually delivered by volunteers on foot or rollerblade.

Live in Los Gatos blog by Mary Pope-Handy

One Minute Slideshows with Music

Slideshow Introduction to Los Gatos (60 Seconds)

Slideshow Tour of Vasona County Lake Park and Oak Meadow Park

View 60 Second Slideshow of Belgatos Park in East Los Gatos

Neighborhood Website

Click here to view the Surmont, Belwood and Belgatos Neighborhood Website

Other Links

Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information

Click Here For Los Gatos High School Information

Interested in buying Los Gatos real estate? Please give me a call or drop me an email. This is where I live and work! Or have a look at this current list of homes available on the MLS in the Town of Los Gatos:

Los Gatos Homes For Sale

Menlo Park

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At the turn of the 20th century, Menlo Park was a summer home location for wealthy San Francisco professionals. Many large homes remain from that era with huge oak trees and other lush vegetation. Today Menlo Park is an upscale community, primarily residential, with a number of private prep schools, colleges and an excellent public school system. A complete selection of shops and stores is available downtown along with many fine restaurants. Located at the southern-most end of San Mateo County, the population of 35,000, which includes West Menlo Park, enjoys one of the nation’s lowest crime rates. Although most of the homes are valued well above the Peninsula average, there are affordable areas in Menlo Park.

Click Here For Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce Information

Millbrae

Millbrae is located in the northern part of California’s San Mateo County just northwest of the San Francisco International Airport. Millbrae is on the San Francisco Bay and ascends into the hills

Incorporated in 1948, Millbrae experienced a boom in housing construction after World War II. It is, and has always been, a middle-to upper middle class town with attractive, well-kept homes. Homes in the hills often have decks for taking advantage of the beautiful views. Those nearer the highway are smaller and more affordable.

Schools in Millbrae are excellent with academic rankings in the 40th to 90th percentile. Elementary schools are all connected to the Internet and four of them offer day care for working parents. The schools receive a lot of support from both parents and the business community and show the result of that care.

Millbrae has easy access to two freeways and is right next to a major airport, making it a city that is easy to commute from. Millbrae is also served by Cal Train, which goes to Silicon Valley and by SamTrans for local bus transportation.

After school and work, residents have easy access to many recreational opportunities. There are ten parks in Millbrae, one with a PAR course. Green Hills Country Club is in the middle of town and, on the western side is Crystal Springs Reservoir where hiking is popular. The annual Arts and Wine Festival in Millbrae is a popular event and draws over 100,000 visitors.

Click Here For San Mateo County School Information

Milpitas

Located in the north end of Santa Clara County, Milpitas offers an excellent commute to locations throughout Silicon Valley. This, coupled with the fact that Milpitas is a great family town, makes this city one of the county’s most alluring.

Milpitas began as an industrial community and was home to a huge Ford auto plant. Over the last two decades, however, Milpitas began to switch gears and is now home to many high-tech firms. The old Ford auto plant is now home to one of the largest outlet malls in the state—making Milpitas the destination of many weekend shoppers, and family activities abound throughout the city.

Milpitas is a fast-growing city and a large percentage of its new residents are children. They enjoy access to excellent schools with academic rankings in the 60th and 70th percentiles as well as many local parks and playgrounds. There is a new aquatic center in Milpitas, which offers four swimming pools as well as activities such as skating, bowling and the usual youth sports like softball, basketball and soccer.

Homes in Milpitas are generally newer. You can find not only single-family homes but town homes and condominiums as well.

Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information

Morgan Hill/Gilroy

Click Here For More Morgan Hill Community Information

Located just south of San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy has plenty of open space and a peaceful, country feel. With a mostly middle class professional population, Morgan Hill and Gilroy are home to many young families and has a variety of recreational opportunities for them to take advantage of. Lake Anderson is close by as are three golf courses, several regional parks, tennis, softball, soccer, and a myriad of other activates. Weather is usually accommodating with winter temperatures averaging about 58° and summertime temperatures averaging about 83°.

One of Santa Clara County’s fastest growing cities, most of Morgan Hill and Gilroy, homes were built within the last 30 years. There are many brand new housing developments

Many residents make a 1/2-hour to 1 hour commute to Silicon Valley regions such as San Jose, Santa Clara or Sunnyvale but several major employers, including Abbott Labs, Media Arts and Anritsu, have recently located to the area offering more job opportunities locally.

Downtown Morgan Hill and Gilroy has been renovated and is the site of a summer music and Garlic Festival, occasional the communities have street dances and holiday parades. Crime in the city is low. Schools rank in the 60th to 80th percentile and they have strong family support.

When the San Francisco Chronicle identified the 16 best family towns in the Bay Region, Morgan Hill and Gilroy, were the only towns in Santa Clara County that made the list. Pay, a visit to theses charming towns and you will quickly see why.

Click Here For More Gilroy Community Information

Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information

Mountain View

Mountain View, next to Palo Alto at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay, is visible from a distance because of the giant “Hangar One” at Moffett Field that used to house a blimp. The airport at Moffett is fairly quiet these days, but occassionally large cargo planes take off and land from there, or helicopters fly out of there to assist the Marine Corps in Monterey Bay.

Downtown Mountain View is a fun, upscale, ecclectic place with a myriad of independent shops and one of the best arrays of diverse restaurants anywhere in Silicon Valley. Food choices run from Irish and Italian to Indian, Thai, Chinese and Viet Namese. There’s also a newly revamped Chinatown as well.

In addition to shopping and eating, Mountain View offers the wonderful Shoreline Park for recreation, and the Shoreline Amphitheater for concerts and other big-scale productions.

Business is brisk in Mountain View, home to top computer and electronic firms. Best known would be the NASA-Ames Research Center.

What About Mountain View Real Estate?

Mountain View offers a wide variety of housing, from apartments to condos, townhomes, and single family homes. Most houses are ranch style, but there are some Victorians and other styles to be found too. There’s a good sized collection of mid-century modern homes, also. Eichler built houses are loved by many and they can be found only in pockets of Silicon Valley, including part of Mountain View. The real estate scene in Mountain View is pleasantly diverse.

Its elementary schools are ranked in the top 10% in the state and there are many parks and recreational areas.

Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information

Palo Alto

Palo Alto is located at the north end of Santa Clara County, just a short drive from San Francisco International Airport.

One of Santa Clara County’s most prestigious addresses, Palo Alto is home to Stanford University. The San Francisco Chronicle for good cause named it. Palo Alto has tree-lined streets, gorgeous homes and a low crime rate. The schools score very high on standardized testing with many students taking advanced classes. Palo Alto High School won an Excellence in Education Award and was honored at the White House.

Because of its excellent location, Palo Alto residents generally have a very good commute to work. With companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Syntex and Varian located within the city, many people work right in town. For those who commute to other Silicon Valley towns, there are two freeways, Cal Train and a short drive to San Francisco International Airport.

After work, recreational opportunities abound. There are 30 parks in Palo Alto, including a 1400-acre park in the Santa Cruz Mountains reserved solely for Palo Alto residents. Many cultural events are held at Stanford University as well as major college football and basketball. Palo Alto has a number of excellent restaurants and upscale coffee shops as well as many youth activities and enrichment opportunities.

Click Here For Chamber of Commerce Information

Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information

Portola Valley

Portola Valley is a rural residential community at the southwestern end of San Mateo County. It covers the heavily wooded hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and contains upscale homes and estates. Protected form the winds and fog that characterize most of the bay area, the climate is nearly perfect. Stanford University is nearby and residents have quick access to I-280 and the extensive business areas of Menlo Park and Palo Alto. Excellent schools and low crime along with the natural beauty of the area attract the affluent families of the Lower Peninsula and Silicone Valley.

Redwood City

Redwood City is located in California’s San Mateo County about twelve miles south of the San Francisco Airport and ten miles north of Palo Alto.

Incorporated in 1868, Redwood City is the county seat of San Mateo County and its third most populated city. Diverse and with a variety of housing styles, Redwood City offers everything from cottages to castles. The older sections of Redwood City sports charming smaller homes while the newer neighborhoods, including Redwood Shores and Emerald Lake, offer beautiful upscale living with views of San Francisco Bay.

Four different districts serve schools in Redwood City. Many of the schools in Redwood City have been renovated and some have technology-computer centers. There are magnet schools available as well as bilingual programs at Redwood City elementary schools. Some elementary schools offer after school care. With a variety of resources available and class sizes being reduced, students tend to score very well in testing with scores ranging from the mid to upper percentiles. For higher education, residents can attend Cañada College, situated right on the city’s border

Employment opportunities in and around Redwood City are vast. There are a number of high-tech firms in Redwood Shores with Oracle and Electronic Arts being major employers. The San Francisco Airport, San Mateo County’s largest employer is close by and two major highways—Highway 101 and Highway 280 offer reasonable commutes.

On the weekends, Redwood City residents can enjoy a number of recreational activities. Redwood City is home to a number of parks and playgrounds as well as 20 public tennis courts and an ice-skating rink. For the nautically inclined there are several marinas in Redwood City as well as a yacht club.

An excellent City with lots to offer, Redwood City welcomes you for a visit.

Click Here For Redwood City School Information

Click Here For Redwood City Chamber of Commerce Information

Redwood Shores

One of the very few new areas still under development is the community of Redwood Shores. Although it is within the City Limits of Redwood City and Belmont, this is a distinct community east of US 101 between the freeway and the bay. The beautifully landscaped homes are set among lagoons and saltwater ways with a network of bicycle and walking trails. A major shopping center recently opened and the community has a number of high-rise office buildings including the very large Oracle complex. Redwood Shores depends on the cities across the freeway for police and fire support as well as for school and churches. Because of the economic power behind this rapidly growing community, it is expected that it will soon develop its own social infrastructure.

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San Bruno

This bedroom town is located just west of the San Francisco International Airport. It rises from the flats near the bay up and over the hills of the coastal range. There are great views of the bay, the wooded hills and even the Pacific Ocean from the western slopes. Tanforan Park is one of biggest shopping malls, about 120 stores, on the Peninsula. The town is aging gracefully, most of housing was built after World War II and the styles are reminders of the Fifties and Sixties. Golden Gate National Cemetery is located in the northern section of San Bruno not far from the Federal Archives and Records Center. Skyline Community College is in the city along with excellent public and private schools. Because of a break in the coastal mountains separating the ocean from the bay, the fog routinely rolls into San Bruno during summer afternoons and evenings.

San Carlos

San Carlos is a wonderful community twenty-five miles south of San Francisco reachable by both highway 101 and I-280. Its population of 26,000 works primarily in San Mateo County with 16% commuting to San Francisco or elsewhere in the Bay area. The schools are of high quality ranking in the top 4% of the nation. The neighborhoods are friendly and well established with mature oak trees lining the streets. A saying among real estate professionals holds that “…there are no bad areas in San Carlos.” The new Hiller Museum opened in the summer of 1998. This museum is located at the San Carlos Airport and offers a fascinating look at the history of aviation in northern California through the aircraft collection of Stanley Hiller, the father of the modern helicopter.

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San Jose – Willow Glen

The Guadalupe River and Los Gatos Creek run through Willow Glen, so it’s an area that was rich in water for the ancient willow trees and wild berries that grew there before it was much settled. The soil was excellent for growing fruits and vegetables, so once the land was cleared by the pioneers, it was much loved for farming. It was really an enclave of Italian Americans and the census maps for Silicon Valley even today show that Italian is spoken more in Willow Glen than any other part of Santa Clara County.

Where is the Willow Glen area of San Jose?

Willow Glen is an area surrounded today by downtown San Jose, Campbell, the Cambrian Park area of San Jose, and the Blossom Valley district of San Jose. “Downtown Willow Glen” is on Lincoln Avenue near Willow Street. It’s a fun area for shopping and dining and is the heart of the town (or district – Willow Glen was, at one time, a separate town from San Jose).

How about Willow Glen Real Estate?

Willow Glen has many beautiful neighborhoods with charming older homes on tree-lined streets that appeal to many Silicon Valley home buyers. Some of the nicest older, historical homes in San Jose can be found in Willow Glen (other areas with quaint, older custom homes would include these areas: Shasta-Hanchett, Alum Rock Park, Rosegarden, Japantown, Vendome, Naglee Park).

Because homes for sale in Willow Glen are highly prized, they are not the least expensive in San Jose. Home buyers who want the charm of the old architecture may also be surprised to learn that renovating or updating older homes can be quite costly. Some parts of this district have foundation issues due to the rising and falling of water in the aquifers in years past (now with the percolation pond system, the water level stays fairly constant). So somthing to beware of in home buying there is the issue of floors being out of level, cracked concrete (foundations?) and other issues from our clay soils moving with the expansion and contraction from the water.

Community Involvement in Willow Glen

Willow Glen behaves very much like an independent town within Silicon Valley. Ask a Willow Glen resident where he or she lives and you will not hear “San Jose”, you’ll hear “Willow Glen”. The folks who reside there would much prefer to write “Willow Glen” on their address than San Jose! The sense of identity goes very deep, and so does the level of community involvement.

For example, in summers you can enjoy free music in Willow Glen and throughout much of the year, make use of a huge variety of sports available in the parks. Most municipal parks include places for basketball or maybe tennis plus a facilities for picnicing. But parks in Willow Glen also provide for handball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and even lawn bowling or bocce ball (an Italian recreation, also available in Los Gatos at Oak Meadow Park and at Campo de Bocce, a restaurnt/Bocce Ball course).

There’s a great trail for running, walking, rollerblading or biking along the Los Gatos Creek, too (it was renovated by the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association not too long ago).

During the Christmas Season, Willow Glen residents go all out with the decor. Cars flock there at night from all over San Jose to view the light displays in some yards, or to simply drive the residential streets to take in the view of home after home decorated. In Willow Glen there’s a tradition that most home owners participate in of putting a Christmas tree in the front yard with lights on it. It is a beautiful sight to see each December.

Transportation is easy in Willow Glen – it is very close to downtown San Jose and there’s quick access to highway 280 and highway 17/880 too. Additionally, there is a nearby Caltrain station.

Willow Glen is located close to the center of Silicon Valley or Santa Clara County. It truly is one of the most beautiful parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, and well worth a visit, if not a place to make one’s permanent home.

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San Jose – Almaden Valley

San Jose’s Almaden Valley is an area of lush vegetation, upscale, family oriented homes and easy access to quality shopping. Simply defined by San Jose’s 95120 ZIP code, the Almaden Valley has lots to offer.

For recreation, this area is hard to beat. The New Almaden Mines and the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum is a wonderful spot to explore and learn with many historic houses and buildings. Also popular is the Alamitos Creek and the Alamitos Creek Trail. Almaden Lake is a popular place for swimming in season, boating, picnicking, and fishing. For golfers, there is the Almaden Valley Country Club.

Home too many high-tech employees, the Almaden Valley is home to IBM’s Almaden Research Center. Those who commute to work will find easy access to all freeways, plus the convenient Almaden Light Rail Station and the Almaden Expressway.

Students attend any one of four elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school, all served by the San Jose Unified School District. Schools score well in standardized testing and benefit from the support of a caring community.

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San Jose – Blossom Valley

Where is the Blossom Valley area of San Jose?
San Jose has many “districts”, including Blossom Valley. Where is it? It borders Cambrian Park on one side, Willow Glen on another, Santa Teresa on the third, and the Santa Teresa Foothills on the forth.

Like Cambrian, Blossom Valley doesn’t have a “downtown”. It is suburbia. It does offer q quieter pace than downtown San Jose and has tons of shopping. More affordable than Cambrian or Willow Glen, it’s a little “further out”. Many areas are close to the beatuful Santa Teresa foothills. It’s served by the light rail and both Highway 85 and 87 and offers a very reasonable commute time to downtown San Jose.

The schools there are pretty good overall.

Oakridge Mall, now called Westfield Oakridge Mall, is perhaps the best known part of Blossom Valley. Sears, Macys, Target are all anchor stores there. With the recent renovation of the mall, parking can be a headache (and there’s valet parking if you are rushed but it costs $5). The remodel was tastefully done, though, and the choices of restaurants, shops and movies to take in do make it a good destination. You can even get a chair massage at Oakridge.

Also in Blossom Valley, you can enjoy miniature golf and a waterslide. Additionally, there are golf courses and hiking nearby (at Santa Teresa Park).

What does it cost to buy a house in Blossom Valley?

Right now, most good starter single family houses run about $600,000 in Blossom Valley. Houses with “issues” (big power lines, busy roads) run about 10% less. Short sales and foreclosures will go for much less. Lately (March 2008) I’ve shown quite a few of those distressed properties at around $525,000. But most of them do need work! For affordable real estate in Silicon Valley, the Blossom Valley area is worth a look.

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San Jose – Cambrian

Almaden Winery Area Home for Sale – Beautiful Cambrian Park Neighborhood!”

The Cambrian Park area is about four square miles nestled in a quiet West San Jose location. It is known for its family climate, top rated schools, improved commute (with highways 85 and 87 built in recent years), low crime and abundant shopping, Cambrian is a well-sought after place to call home here in Silicon Valley.

Children in Cambrian Park may attend schools in the Cambrian School District, the Union School District, or the San Jose Unified School District, depending on where they live. (Cambrian spans 95124, 95118 and part of the 95008 zip code areas). All of these areas have good schools, and some of them are very highly rated and sport Blue Ribbon or other awards. In the Cambrian School District, for example, the students usually rank in the highest quartile for both the the math and reading sections in standardized testing. Some schools receives grants, such as the Noyce Grant Program, to support creative and effective programs.

Close to Los Gatos and a reasonable commute to downtown San Jose, Cambrian can enjoy San Jose’s professional hockey team (The Sharks), a symphony, art, ballet, and outdoors recreation, while also taking advantage of its own friendly atmosphere and extremely convenient shopping.

What does it cost to buy a house in Cambrian Park?

An entry level, single family home in Cambrian Park will cost about $600,000 in 2010. Homes needing work, or with “issues” such as high voltage lines, fronting busy streets, etc., may run 10% less. A bargain may be had if there are multiple problems with the house or location, or if there’s a foreclosure or short sale involved. The least expensive homes, with multiple issues, may sell for as little as $450,000 in the current climate (March 2010).

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San Jose – East Valley

San Jose has consistently ranked among the top ten of Money Magazine’s most livable cities in the United States…and no wonder! San Jose has the lowest crime rate of any metropolis in the country; it has many high-ranking schools, its own professional hockey team, a symphony, art, culture, recreation and many activities. Zero Population Growth rated it the fourth best city in the state for raising children in 1995.

A mostly middle class, family town, San Jose is the third most populous city in the state. It is viewed by many as the capital of Silicon Valley and has a good employment base with lots of industry plus a major airport. San Jose is home to many major electronic firms including Adobe System headquarters with 2,000 employees and Novell, with 3,000 employees.

San Jose is a very desirable city with homes both on flat land and on hills. Housing variety is plentiful with styles ranging from brand new contemporary to charming old world style bungalows.

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San Jose – North Valley

Wikipedia article on North Valley or Berryessa

San Jose’s “north valley” area is also known as the Berryessa District. It’s the last part of San Jose before the boundary crossing into Milpitas. Located up against the foothills, with Penetencia Creek and Park inviting visitors to picnic, jog, and take in the vistas, it’s a scenic part of the sprawling city.

A mostly middle class region, north valley primarily has single family homes (houses and duet homes). It enjoys wonderful diversity and is the home of San Jose’s current mayor, Chuck Reed.

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San Jose – South San Jose

San Jose is a very desirable city with homes both on flat land and on hills. Housing variety is plentiful with styles ranging from brand new contemporary to charming old world style bungalows.

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San Jose – Evergreen

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Just east of Highway 101 and tucked up into San Jose’s east foothills is the beautiful neighborhood of Evergreen. One of the most culturally and ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the City of San Jose, this area includes not only many older, established homes but also some of the City’s newest and most prestigious.

More than 50 years ago, this area was mostly black walnut orchards. Today, however, you’ll find a pleasant mix of retail stores, offices, community facilities and single and multi-family residences. Shopping in the Evergreen area is delightful. Not only is the area host to Eastridge Mall, but there are also many ethnic grocery stores and specialty shops.

Residents of the Evergreen area enjoy many unique recreational opportunities. Home to Raging Waters, Santa Clara County’s huge water park, Evergreen also encompasses many parks including Lake Cunningham Park, Windmill Springs Park and Groesbeck Park. Golfers enjoy access to Pleasant Hills Golf Course. High atop the hills of Evergreen rests Silver Creek Country Club, a master planned community that houses some of the most prestigious estates in the area. Here you’ll find a private golf and country club that is behind a private, guarded gate. The championship 18 hole, park 72 golf course was designed by Ted Robinson. There is also a gorgeous clubhouse, racquet club and swim pavilion.

Students in the area are served by the Evergreen School District. One of the fastest growing districts in the Bay Area, the Evergreen School District has as its motto “Commitment to Excellence.” This commitment is evident in the district’s Fifteen California Distinguished Schools and nine National Blue Ribbon Schools. Higher education is also available in the area through Evergreen Valley College.

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San Jose – Central San Jose

San Jose is a very desirable city with homes both on flat land and on hills. Housing variety is plentiful with styles ranging from brand new contemporary to charming old world style bungalows.

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San Jose – Santa Teresa

San Jose’s Santa Teresa neighborhood is tucked into the foothills of south San Jose about ten miles south of downtown San Jose. Picturesque and family-oriented, this neighborhood grew up around Santa Teresa IBM, which is one of the area’s major employers.

Santa Teresa is a relatively new neighborhood, with most homes having been built over the past three decades. Homes in the area are moderately priced, well maintained and there is a strong feeling of community. Parks have sprung up around schools and neighborhoods and you will find many places for recreation and relaxation.

Santa Teresa County Park is one of the County’s biggest parks and is located in the Santa Teresa Hills. This diverse 1,688-acre park, rich in history, offers spectacular views from its trails and secluded upland valleys of the park provide a quiet spot for exploring the natural environment minutes away from the surrounding developed areas. Here you’ll find a variety of recreational opportunities. The Santa Teresa Golf Club, operated by a concessionaire, offers an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole/par three course. The clubhouse includes a restaurant and pro shop. Electric carts are available for a fee. Also located in the golf course is a banquet facility, available by reservation. The park also offers over 14 miles of unpaved trails for equestrian, hiking and bicycle use.

On the flatlands of Santa Teresa is Rancho Santa Teresa Swim and Racquet Club and you will find many small neighborhood parks as well. Shopping is plentiful and convenient with several strip malls and a large regional shopping mall nearby. For those commuting to work, transportation is easily accessible with local light rail stop and many bus stops around the area. Highway 101, 85 and 87 are also convenient.

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San Mateo

San Mateo is located within San Mateo County about 18 miles from downtown San Francisco. It is the second most populous city in the county.

Rising from the San Francisco Bay into the hills, San Mateo is a middle-class city with a diversified housing stock. Many homes in the area were built between 1940 and 1960 but you will also find a variety of newer homes. From town homes to family homes, there is a lot to choose from in San Mateo.

Schools in San Mateo are very good. They score in the 70th to 90th percentiles in standardized testing. The local high school has won national recognition for excellence. Residents recently approved a bond to renovate elementary schools and built new facilities.

Employment in and around San Mateo is plentiful. The Hillsdale Mall provides many opportunities with its major department stores and there are two major hospitals in the area. For those who wish to commute either to nearby San Jose or San Francisco there are several highways as well as a commuter train and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).

After work, San Mateo residents have many opportunities for play. There are a number of parks in the area as well as a marina and bike paths that criss-cross the town. Residents can attend thoroughbred racing at Bay Meadows or enjoy a Bay beach and swimming at Coyote Point. Just west of the city is Crystal Springs Reservoir where you will find miles of open space and trails.

For affordable, convenient and enjoyable Bay Area living, San Mateo is an excellent choice.

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Santa Clara

Well-established and nicely maintained, Santa Clara is the third most populace city in Santa Clara County. Home to Santa Clara University, Mission Santa Clara, Mission College and the Triton Museum of Art, Santa Clara has much to offer in the way of education and arts. The school district in Santa Clara includes many diverse neighborhoods and students generally score well on standardized testing. Some of Santa Clara’s schools are located in the renowned Cupertino School District. Parents are supportive of the arts in schools and work to maintain their programs.

In Santa Clara, you will find many homes built in the Fifties and Sixties, as well as an “old quad” neighborhood near Santa Clara University where there is historic pre-World War II housing. You will notice that residents have lovingly maintained their homes with considerable renovation and remodeling.

With more than 31 parks and playgrounds, residents can enjoy tennis, baseball, basketball and many other recreational activities. Great America is a major amusement park and destination for families both within and outside of the area. In addition, there are many restaurants, youth centers and shopping centers. Known for turning out Olympic swimmers, the Santa Clara International Swim Center is another of Santa Clara’s claims to fame.

Centrally located, freeways and parkways through and around the city making commuting to work a breeze. Cal Train travels to San Francisco and the light rail starts at Great America and goes to South San Jose. Santa Clara is also close to San Jose International Airport.

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Santa Cruz

The handsome city of Santa Cruz is located on the northern part of Monterey Bay about 74 miles south of San Francisco and 30 miles from San Jose. Santa Cruz is the county seat for the County of Santa Cruz. Approximately 12 square miles in size, Santa Cruz has a population of close to 53,000. The University of California, Santa Cruz campus has an additional population of about 10,000.

Santa Cruz was first discovered in 1769 by the Spanish explorer Don Gaspar de Portola. When he came upon the area’s beautiful river, he named it San Lorenzo in honor of Saint Lawrence. He called the rolling hills above the river, Santa Cruz, which means holy cross.

From majestic redwoods to sparkling beaches, Santa Cruz is a recreational paradise. Enjoy the area’s mild climate while you hike, bike, swim, surf or explore. Santa Cruz’s Beach and Boardwalk is a great place for families to spend the afternoon and is the home of the famous Giant Dipper rollercoaster. If shopping is your favorite pastime, downtown Santa Cruz has plenty to offer with unique shops featuring everything from books to jewelry to clothing. You can also enjoy the area’s many restaurants and fine wines.

Agriculture and tourism are two of Santa Cruz’s major industries, but there are also many high tech firms. For those who work in Silicon Valley, the commute over the hill is quick and easy.

Housing in Santa Cruz is as unique as the city itself. Whether you favor grand old Victorians, beachfront resort living, a home in the redwoods or a brand new estate, you can find it here.

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Saratoga

Saratoga, California Real Estate, Homes, Culture, Village, and Benefits

Saratoga sits between Los Gatos, Cupertino, and West San Jose and is snuggled into the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. An upscale, scenic community with low crime and exceptionally high school scores, it is a prized destination for both recreation and to live.

Saratoga is so exceptional that it warrants a page rather than a paragraph, so please click on the link below to visit this “spotlight on Saratoga” within this site.

Sunnyvale

The center of Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale is the second largest city in Santa Clara County. It is bordered by Mountain View, Cupertino and Santa Clara. It has been ranked by Money Magazine as the fourth safest city in the nation and by Zero Population growth as the number one city in California for raising children.

Schools in this city rank middle to high. Some Sunnyvale neighborhoods are in the nationally renowned Cupertino School District while others are served by Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and Fremont School Districts. Parental support for education in this city is excellent.

Once a city of orchards, Sunnyvale is now home to hundreds of high-tech and bio-tech firms. There are many shopping centers and plenty of restaurants. A 70-acre Bay lands Park opened in 1993 and there are seventeen other parks across the city. School facilities including gyms, swimming pools and playing fields are open the public. Two theater groups and a dance company serve the city’s cultural interests.

Weather is typical of the Santa Clara Valley with temperatures rarely very hot or cold. Winter lows average 50° and summer averages around 80°.

Sunnyvale has a wide range of housing. Forty-two percent of the homes are three bedrooms, 25% are two bedroom and 22 percent are four bedroom. Only 5% of homes have five or more bedrooms.

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City of Sunnyvale

Woodside

In San Mateo County halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, you’ll find the prestigious town of Woodside. Aptly named, Woodside sets amid huge second growth redwoods. Woodside Store, after which the town was named, was the center of logging activity in the early 1900s. That store is now a museum and the town is populated not by loggers, but by those who are seeking a quiet and beautiful home.

Woodside is known as a horse community. There are many equestrian estates, as well as some gorgeous mansions. You can also find some small mountain cabins on ¼ acre lots. Many famous people have sought to take advantage of Woodside’s peace and quiet and have purchased homes in the area. Some of the town’s more famous current and past residents have included Tennessee Ernie Ford, Shirley Temple Black and Tom Cruise. Woodside is also the home of the Gorilla Foundation, which fosters Koko, the gorilla who communicates in sign language.

The Woodside School District consists of one elementary school, which ranks in the top 10 percent of the state and is a California Distinguished School. Teenagers attend Woodside High. For higher education, residents can take advantage of nearby College of San Mateo or Cañada College. Foothill College is about a 15-minute drive away.

As Woodside backs on to a game refuge, deer watching is a common activity in the area. Residents can also take advantage of the town’s small library as well as the county park. Filoli, a beautiful and famous estate, is open for tours and many cultural activities can be found in nearby Silicon Valley or San Francisco.