City Profiles
By clicking on any of the cities of the Silicon Valley (and surrounding areas) below, you will find a short description for each city. Keep in mind that you are always more than welcome to talk to me to learn more about these cities and the neighborhoods within each of them.
Also, the cities below are some of the areas I specialize in, but I go where ever my clients require my services. In the past, I have worked with clients to the south in Gilroy, and on deals to the east in Fremont and Newark. Even if you are looking to buy or sell beyond the realm of Northern California, I can work with you and refer you to a real estate colleague who works or specializes in your area.
Atherton
A home to wealth and prestige, the town of Atherton prides itself with being one of the most affluent locations in northern California. Absolutely no businesses, sidewalks, or street lighting can be found in this town. Atherton’s 7,406 residents enjoy their large, expansive homes surrounded by lush trees and shrubbery.
San Mateo County
Zip codes: 94027
Population in July 2008: 7,406
Males: 3,581 (48.4%)
Females: 3,825 (51.6%)
Median resident age: 45.3 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: over $234,709
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $134,843
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: over $1,873,974
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,875,944
Detached houses: $1,856,580
Townhouses or other attached units: $1,709,708
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $489,120
More Information: www.ci.atherton.ca.us
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 95008, 95009, 95011
Population in July 2008: 38,617
Males: 19,170 (49.6%)
Females: 19,447 (50.4%)
Median resident age: 35.2 years
California median age: 33.3 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $76,279
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $41,206
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $757,203
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $696,461
Detached houses: $769,233
Townhouses or other attached units: $612,128
In 2-unit structures: $408,048
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $547,280
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $442,322
Mobile homes: $85,103
Occupied boats, RVs, vans, etc.: $5,000
More Information: www.ci.campbell.ca.us
At the heart of the Silicon Valley, Cupertino, with its population of 53,637, is the home to Apple and Symantec and houses various other tech companies such as Hewlett-Packard. World-renowned for its top achieving schools, Cupertino has highly sought after. The median income of its residents is $113,953. In terms of housing, there is a mix of old and new, but generally, the new, larger homes can be found on the west end of the city.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 95014, 95015
Population in July 2008: 53,637
Males: 26,748 (49.9%)
Females: 26,889 (50.1%)
Median resident age: 38.0 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $113,953
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $53,539
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $1,138,944
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,042,656
Detached houses: $1,090,683
Townhouses or other attached units: $809,931
In 2-unit structures: $1,062,216
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $885,385
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $571,932
Mobile homes: $625,000
More Information: www.cupertino.org
San Mateo County
Zip codes: 94303
Population in July 2008: 33,575
Males: 17,293 (51.5%)
Females: 16,282 (48.5%)
Median resident age: 25.8 years
Estimated median household income in 2008: $54,115
Estimated per capita income in 2008: $16,981
Estimated median house or condo value in 2008: $541,037
Mean prices in 2008:
All housing units: $588,881
Detached houses: $616,249
Townhouses or other attached units: $594,375
In 2-unit structures: $588,508
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $690,985
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $490,009
Mobile homes: $57,077
More Information: www.ci.east-palo-alto.ca.us
Top schools, high-priced homes, tree-lined streets, low crime, and family town are some of the many phrases that aptly describe this city of 28,349. Almost 90% of the city consists of single-family homes. A highly-desired area, Los Altos also boasts a quaint downtown with top-notch restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and salons. Many streets lack sidewalks and virtually all are covered with plenty of greenery, offering a rural, country atmosphere.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 94022, 94023, 94024
Population in July 2008: 28,349
Males: 13,668 (48.2%)
Females: 14,681 (51.8%)
Median resident age: 44.2 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $143,832
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $79,893
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $1,746,357
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,540,885
Detached houses: $1,547,017
Townhouses or other attached units: $1,422,848
In 2-unit structures: $1,214,886
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $1,190,902
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $872,775
Mobile homes: $706,250
More Information: www.ci.los-altos.ca.us
One of the most prestigious cities in the Bay Area, Los Altos Hills boasts gorgeous valley views and minimum one-acre lots. The town has done a good job of preserving its natural look with an abundance of trees and an impressive trail system for residents to enjoy. Large, expansive homes and mansions are spread across the city, which has no businesses–except schools, churches, and the like. Los Altos Hills has a small population of 8,592 and boasts one of the highest median home prices in California.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 94022
Population in July 2008: 8,592
Males: 4,238 (49.3%)
Females: 4,354 (50.7%)
Median resident age: 46.7 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $196,978
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $111,077
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: over $1,793,897
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,877,612
Detached houses: $1,859,775
Townhouses or other attached units: $1,740,631
In 2-unit structures: $873,166
Mobile homes: $112,500
More Information: www.losaltoshills.ca.gov
With its old town charm, Los Gatos (population 29,320) is full of prestige. The town has done a good job of preserving its historic roots with very little new development. The charming homes and estates of Los Gatos complement the enchanting downtown and expansive parks.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 95030, 95031, 95032, 95033
Population in July 2008: 29,320
Males: 13,921 (47.5%)
Females: 15,399 (52.5%)
Median resident age: 41.2 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $107,039
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $67,113
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $1,342,372
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,238,266
Detached houses: $1,373,439
Townhouses or other attached units: $876,107
In 2-unit structures: $1,172,104
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $1,125,964
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $542,626
Mobile homes: $69,235
More Information: www.town.los-gatos.ca.us
Menlo Park is closely associated with its neighbor Palo Alto, and, accordingly, Stanford University. It is a city of many classes–with some neighborhoods of primarily lower-income, blue-collar households, middle-class areas, and, of course, many upper-class, wealthier addresses. Highways 280, 101, Caltrain, and Dumbarton Bridge all offer a fairly good commute. There is also a well-preserved historic part of Menlo Park to be enjoyed the 30,785 residents.
San Mateo County
Zip codes: 94025, 94026, 94029
Population in July 2008: 30,087
Males: 14,581 (48.5%)
Females: 15,506 (51.5%)
Median resident age: 37.4 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $99,292
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $63,987
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $1,383,554
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,224,335
Detached houses: $1,273,288
Townhouses or other attached units: $1,195,261
In 2-unit structures: $747,177
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $1,282,935
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $868,700
Mobile homes: $12,500
More Information: www.menlopark.org
Initially, an industry-driven city, Milpitas became a technological hub during the tech boom due to the acres of sprawling, undeveloped land at the time. Located in the northeast portion of Santa Clara County, Milpitas boasts newer, less-costly homes than the cities to its west. Parks, shopping centers (check out the Great Mall), and playgrounds can be found all over the city. An ideal location in the midst of Silicon Valley, newer housing, and a family-friendly environment make Milpitas a desirable place to live for its 64,300 residents.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 95035, 95036
Population in July 2008: 67,503
Males: 35,485 (52.6%)
Females: 32,018 (47.4%)
Median resident age: 33.4 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $85,186
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $30,780
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $664,000
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $673,651
Detached houses: $715,455
Townhouses or other attached units: $555,248
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $414,732
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $599,733
Mobile homes: $73,493
More Information: www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov
Nestled between Saratoga and Los Gatos, this small city of 3,505 is home to many prestigious addresses. Homes that sell for the millions, quiet, peaceful atmosphere and one of the lowest crime rates in California are all qualities that make Monte Sereno so desirable. It should also be noted that the city has very strict regulations governing development. All in all, gorgeous homes and views on large lots make Monte Sereno properties very highly sought after.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 95030
Population in July 2008: 3,602
Males: 1,800 (50.0%)
Females: 1,802 (50.0%)
Median resident age: 43.0 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $175,073
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $91,619
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: over $1,793,897
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,733,917
Detached houses: $1,729,096
Townhouses or other attached units: $1,458,455
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $2,259,842
More Information: www.montesereno.org
A bustling city of the Silicon Valley, Mountain View is a popular destination for young singletons and families alike. With a population of 72,033 (and a daytime population much higher than that thanks in part to tech companies such as Google), Mountain View is a bustling city. The number of apartments is nearly double the number of single-family homes, which–along with a vibrant nightlife–attracts many young people. The schools are high-achieving, and there are numerous shops and restaurants. In particular, the newly-developed downtown is a popular destination. NASA Ames Center at Moffett Field and the vast Shoreline Park are additional highlights of this popular city.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 94035, 94039, 94040, 94041, 94042, 94043
Population in July 2008: 71,348
Males: 36,853 (51.7%)
Females: 34,495 (48.3%)
Median resident age: 34.6 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $82,648
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $49,527
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $804,400
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $816,325
Detached houses: $993,444
Townhouses or other attached units: $677,781
In 2-unit structures: $662,500
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $502,179
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $473,381
Mobile homes: $76,242
Occupied boats, RVs, vans, etc.: $16,413
More Information: www.ci.mtnview.ca.us
As the birthplace of Hewlett-Packard, and, accordingly, the Silicon Valley, Palo Alto offers a variety of neighborhoods—some old and some new. It is also the home of the world-renowned Stanford University. Charming aptly describes this upscale, highly-coveted city. Numerous businesses are located throughout the city, including in its vibrant downtown area. The city also has many parks and activities for residents to take part in. The 61,200 residents enjoy the beauty and numerous features of Palo Alto.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 94301, 94302, 94303, 94304, 94306, 94307, 94308, 94309, 94310
Population in July 2008: 59,395
Males: 29,060 (48.9%)
Females: 30,335 (51.1%)
Median resident age: 40.2 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $102,565
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $67,308
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $1,392,062
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,272,016
Detached houses: $1,335,664
Townhouses or other attached units: $994,292
In 2-unit structures: $953,154
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $723,710
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $678,139
Mobile homes: $161,250; Occupied boats
RVs, vans, etc.: $12,500
More Information: www.city.palo-alto.ca.us
Located to the west of Palo Alto, this small, pristine town of 4500 enjoys a rural, picturesque feel with lots of greenery and little development. Portola Valley takes great pride in its top-achieving schools and its strong environmental values. Additionally, residents enjoy an extensive trail system.
San Mateo County
Zip codes: 94028
Population in July 2008: 4,532
Males: 2,229 (49.2%)
Females: 2,303 (50.8%)
Median resident age: 47.5 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $185,674
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $119,504
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: over $1,873,974
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,767,652
Detached houses: $1,761,408
Townhouses or other attached units: $2,191,934
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $968,915
More Information: www.portolavalley.net
Redwood City, a community of approximately 75,000, has a great variety in terms of its housing. Some areas an upscale, while other neighborhoods are populated by the working class. The downtown area, which has recently been undergoing some major changes, has a lot to offer and is a popular destination in the city. One newer neighborhood of the city, Redwood Shores, offers newer housing.
San Mateo County
Zip codes: 94059, 94061, 94062, 94063, 94064, 94065
Population in July 2008: 74,060
Males: 37,254 (50.3%)
Females: 36,806 (49.7%)
Median resident age: 34.8 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $66,182
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $38,694
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $863,000
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $867,622
Detached houses: $939,915
Townhouses or other attached units: $675,532
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $798,611
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $514,621
Mobile homes: $77,027
Occupied boats, RVs, vans, etc.: $52,914
More Information: www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us
San Mateo County
Zip codes: 94070, 94071
Population in July 2008: 27,238
Males: 13,095 (48.1%)
Females: 14,143 (51.9%)
Median resident age: 39.9 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $103,811
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $55,934
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $1,137,688
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,004,185
Detached houses: $1,034,399
Townhouses or other attached units: $996,691
In 2-unit structures: $604,711; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $814,537
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $645,408
Mobile homes: $351,563
More Information: www.cityofsancarlos.org
San Jose is the largest city in Northern California, spanning an enormous 177.8 square miles. Accordingly, it offers a huge diversity in terms of neighborhoods, housing, and atmosphere. For several years now, San Jose has held the city of “Safest Big City in America.” Numerous parks, activities, and shopping centers can be found throughout the city. Popular destinations include Valley Fair Shopping Center and the upscale Santana Row.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 95101, 95102, 95103, 95106, 95108, 95109, 95110, 95111, 95112, 95113, 95114, 95115, 95116, 95117, 95118, 95119, 95120, 95121, 95122, 95123, 95124, 95125, 95126, 95127, 95128, 95129, 95130, 95131, 95132, 95133, 95134, 95135, 95136, 95137, 95138, 95139, 95141, 95142, 95148, 95150, 95151, 95152, 95153, 95154, 95155, 95156, 95157, 95158, 95159, 95160, 95161, 95164, 95170, 95171, 95172, 95173, 95190, 95191, 95192, 95193, 95194, 95196
Population in July 2008: 948,279
Males: 481,902 (50.8%)
Females: 466,377 (49.2%)
Median resident age: 32.6 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $76,963
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $33,265
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $687,600
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $701,881
Detached houses: $776,227
Townhouses or other attached units: $566,906
In 2-unit structures: $729,950
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $497,193
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $456,614
Mobile homes: $75,806
Occupied boats, RVs, vans, etc.: $38,228
More Information: www.ci.san-jose.ca.us
With a population of 109,106, Santa Clara boasts a central location in the Silicon Valley with companies such as Sun Microsystems, Applied Materials, and Intel all having operations in the city. It is also the home to popular Santa Clara University, the ever-popular Great America theme park, and the large, bustling Valley Fair mall. Its central location and a wide array of popular destinations make Santa Clara a great place to live.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 95050, 95051, 95052, 95053, 95054, 95055, 95056
Population in July 2008: 110,200
Males: 56,074 (50.9%)
Females: 54,126 (49.1%)
Median resident age: 33.4 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $75,687
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $35,814
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $686,400
Mean prices in 2007
All housing units: $691,067
Detached houses: $728,463
Townhouses or other attached units: $669,087
In 2-unit structures: $625,000
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $653,311
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $393,424
Mobile homes: $247,667
More Information: www.ci.santa-clara.ca.us
Beautifully-maintained homes on clean, green streets characterize Saratoga. Whether in the flatlands or the hills, homes are taken care of with beautiful yards. The downtown area is quite popular with various fine restaurants and boutiques. Schools rank highly and crime is low, making Saratoga very popular with the upper class. Saratoga has a population of 30,850.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 95070, 95071
Population in July 2008: 30,445
Males: 14,954 (49.1%)
Females: 15,491 (50.9%)
Median resident age: 43.2 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $158,762
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $78,247
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: over $1,793,897
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,545,953
Detached houses: $1,559,864
Townhouses or other attached units: $1,143,701
In 2-unit structures: $848,013
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $970,143
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $703,741
More Information: www.saratoga.ca.us
With a population of 132,940, Sunnyvale is the second-largest city in Santa Clara County population-wise. It is also the home to many tech companies, making a great commute if you live and work in the city. There is a wide variety of housing in Sunnyvale–with everything from mobile homes to small townhouses and two-bedroom homes on small lots to four-plus bedroom monster homes. Numerous freeways and expressways, in addition to popular shopping centers and good schools, make Sunnyvale the desired place to live.
Santa Clara County
Zip codes: 94086, 94087, 94088, 94089, 94090
Population in July 2008: 132,109
Males: 67,962 (51.4%)
Females: 64,147 (48.6%)
Median resident age: 34.3 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $87,417
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $42,696
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $742,400
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $714,355
Detached houses: $848,272
Townhouses or other attached units: $615,043
In 2-unit structures: $1,250,000
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $322,131
In 5-or-more-unit structures: $418,397
Mobile homes: $89,502
More Information: www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us
A small town of opulence, Woodside’s 5,496 residents enjoy a quiet, secluded lifestyle, surrounded by vast amounts of forestry. There are gorgeous parks, filled to the brim with towering redwoods, and numerous trails to be enjoyed. Horses are very popular with the residents, the majority of whom live in single-family homes. Woodside is highly sought after for its peaceful lifestyle and location.
San Mateo County
Zip codes: 94062
Population in July 2008: 5,579
Males: 2,766 (49.6%)
Females: 2,813 (50.4%)
Median resident age: 44.4 years
Estimated median household income in 2007: $200,823
Estimated per capita income in 2007: $125,557
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: over $1,873,974
Mean prices in 2007:
All housing units: $1,779,362
Detached houses: $1,754,355
Townhouses or other attached units: $1,701,738
In 2-unit structures: $1,814,134
In 3-to-4-unit structures: $2,412,147