Cupertino

Flourishing with the bustle of urban life, City Center is true to its name, offering everything from outdoor recreation to fine dining and shopping, to a friendly community.

Homes in this area span from the very new townhomes and tract homes, to gracefully aged ranch homes that were constructed more than 50 years ago. Though there’s a great deal of development in City Center, the neighborhood also has stricter zoning regulations in place to ensure that new constructions are relative in size to the area’s older homes.

A consistent leader in proactive urban growth, Cupertino has plans to delineate its commercial corridor in order to implement a prospective Heart of the City, which includes a portion of the City Center neighborhood. The goal for this development is to create a stronger community identity, and a positive, memorable experience for residents, workers, and visitors. Specific projects within this zone include City Hall, Cupertino Community Hall, and Cali Plaza, a gathering space with a fountain and benches.

The Cupertino Library is also found here and stays open until 9:00 p.m. on weeknights. Families with children of all ages frequent the library and enjoy studying, reading, or relaxing by the outside fountain.

Portal Park and Wilson Park are two inviting parks located within the neighborhood. Portal Park is a 3.8-acre facility that includes a small recreation building, a large picnic/barbecue area, and a playground. Just down the street is Wilson Park, a 4.8-acre site that features a ceramics studio.

Boundaries: 

• Homestead Road on the north
• Wolfe Road on the east
• Bollinger Road on the south
• North De Anza Boulevard on the west

Library: 

• Cupertino Main Library- 10800 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

Parks: 

• Portal Park- 10225 North Portal Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014
• Wilson Park- 10298 South Portal Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

 Public Schools: 

• Collins Elementary School (K-5)- 10300 Blaney Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014
• Eaton Elementary School (K-5)- 20220 Suisun Drive Cupertino, CA 95014
• Lawson Middle School (6-8)- 10401 Vista Drive Cupertino, CA 95014
• Cupertino High School (9-12)- 10100 Finch Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014
• Fremont High School (9-12)- 1279 Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Sitting on the edge between Cupertino and Los Altos, the Creston neighborhood is comprised of some homes with Cupertino addresses, and others with Los Altos addresses. A small part of Creston is unincorporated county land, which is governed by, and under the jurisdiction of Santa Clara County.

Despite bordering Interstate 280 and bustling Foothill Boulevard, much of the traffic noise fades away upon entering the neighborhood. Running alongside Stevens Creek, Creston Drive wraps around most of the perimeter of the neighborhood and spawns several cul-de-sacs. Single-family homes appear by Foothill Boulevard, where a green sign sits at the entrance, greeting residents and visitors alike, leading them to street that gradually will take them into a valley occupied with more homes.

For outdoor recreation, residents of Creston often frequent nearby Varian Park, which offers tennis courts, walking trails, and a few playgrounds.

The well-maintained landscape and peaceful ambiance are part of why Crestonians love living in this neighborhood. The streets are wide and well-paved, and lined with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, forming an idea location for families with children, while still being within easy access of Interstate 280 for a quick commute.

Boundaries: 

• Interstate 280 on the north
• Creston Drive on the east
• Stevens Creek Boulevard on the south
• North Foothill Boulevard on the west

Library: 

• Cupertino Main Library- 10800 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

Parks: 

• Varian Park- 10170 Amelia Court Cupertino, CA 95014

Public Schools: 

• Stevens Creek Elementary School (K-5)- 10300 Ainsworth Drive Cupertino, CA 95014
• Kennedy Middle School (6-8)- 821 Bubb Road Cupertino, CA 95014
• Monta Vista High School (9-12)- 21840 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014

Bike paths, walking trails, nearby shopping districts, and major commute corridors are all part of what make Garden Gate so beloved by its residents. Families with children also take advantage of the excellent area schools, with parents making time in their busy schedules to have an active involvement in their children’s education.

Garden Gate inhabitants enjoy frequenting Homestead Square, a shopping center with Safeway, Rite Aid, and Michaels, while Oaks Shopping Center, located in the southwestern part of the neighborhood, includes a discount movie theater, a dance studio, and several eateries. Along the west side of N. Stelling road lies the residential and community portion of this neighborhood, which includes Garden Gate Elementary, Quinlan Community Center, a sports center, a senior center, and beautiful Memorial Park.

With some of the best schools in the state, most Garden Gate residents understand the importance of education. The parents in this community take on a role in their children’s classrooms, whether by filing homework or monitoring the students’ work.

The residents of Garden Gate have formed a strong sense of community. There’s a level of comfort and safety that allows the inhabitants to stroll about the streets at all hours. This high-level of safety and assurance is due to the “Safe Routes to School Federal Grant,” which constructed new sidewalks and filed in gaps in existing sidewalks. The project also included new handicap ramps and an upgrade of existing ones.

A sense of community is strong in Garden Gate, where residents and visitors stroll around during all hours of the day. Importance is placed on the pedestrian experience in the vicinity of Garden Gate Elementary School as Cupertino City Council used a “Safe Routes to School Federal Grant” for constructing new sidewalks and filing in gaps in existing sidewalks. The project also included the construction of new handicap ramps and the upgrade of existing ones.

Most of the residences in Garden Gate feature well-built Ranch-style homes that have been gradually replaced by new construction. Regardless of old or new homes, most offer views of pleasant lawns, while shaded areas and the new sidewalks provide an optimal place to take a stroll.

Boundaries: 

• Homestead Road on the north
• North De Anza Boulevard on the east
• Stevens Creek Boulevard on the south
• Highway 85 on the west

Library: 

• Cupertino Main Library- 21251 Stevens Creek Boulevard Cupertino, CA 95014

Parks: 

• Cupertino Memorial Park- 10185 North Stelling Road Cupertino, CA 95014

 Public Schools: 

• Garden Gate Elementary School (K-5)- 10500 Ann Arbor Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014
• Lawson Middle School (6-8)- 10401 Vista Drive Cupertino, CA 95014
• Monta Vista High School (9-12)- 21840 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014

With a blend of apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and single-family homes, the neighborhood of Homestead Villa offers flexible living in a choice location. Lot sizes for the single-family homes range from 7,500 square feet to over a generous 10,000 square feet, prime for expansion.

The variety of condominiums and apartments in Homestead Villa provide an abundance of options for those wishing to downsize or enjoy the benefits of urban life. The Woodspring complex offers 2 bedroom, 2 bath units with over 1,200 square feet, and 3 bedroom, 2 bath units with over 1,500 square feet. The nearby Glen Oaks Park Villas was built in the 1970s and is made up of 72 homes with 2 and 3 bedroom units. This complex is comprised of an outstanding community, including young families, professionals, and emerging retirees. For residents who are looking for a more modestly-sized home, Springwood Apartment Homes offers 1 bed, 1 bath units as well as 1 bed, 1 bath units with a den, and 2 bedroom, 2 bath units.

Recreation and shopping reside nearby, at the intersection of Foothill Expressway and Homestead Road. Foothill and Homestead Crossings are two bustling shopping strips which boast grocery stores, coffee shops, and eateries. A bike lane near Foothill Boulevard beckons avid cyclists with a bike lane that extends from Stevens Creek Canyon in the south all the way to Stanford in the north. For more outdoor recreation, residents enjoy frequenting the outdoor sports facilities at Homestead High School, which are open to the public after hours. The facilities include a turf track area for running and playing soccer or baseball.

Generally, homes in Homestead Villa are relatively less expensive than others in Cupertino, due in part to a section of the neighborhood which lies in the Flood Zone. However, the affordability in conjunction with the close proximity to excellent Cupertino schools gives Homestead Villa a high desirability factor.

Boundaries: 

• Homestead Road on the north
• Highway 85 on the east
• Interstate 280 on the south
• Foothill Expressway on the west

Library: 

• Cupertino Main Library- 10800 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

Parks: 

• Rancho San Antonio County Park- 22500 Cristo Rey Drive Cupertino, CA 95014

 Public Schools: 

• Montclaire Elementary School (K-5)- 1160 St. Joseph Avenue Los Altos, CA 94024
• West Valley Elementary School (K-5)- 1635 Belleville Way Sunnyvale, CA 94087
• Cupertino Middle School (6-8)- 1650 South Bernardo Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94087
• Homestead High School (9-12) 21370 Homestead Road Cupertino, CA 95014

Encompassing the Heart of the City in central Cupertino is the Jollyman/Faria neighborhood. It resides within the boundaries of Stevens Creek Boulevard to the north, North De Anza Boulevard to the east, Highway 85 which intersects Stevens Creek Boulevard on the northwest, and De Anza Boulevard on the southeast, roughly forming a right triangle.

The Jollyman/Faria neighborhood provides an abundance of recreational as well as educational opportunities. Though not strictly a neighborhood school, Faria Elementary, a “school of choice,” is one of the four alternative programs in the district, and serves the entire Cupertino Union School District. This neighborhood is also within close proximity of De Anza College, lauded as one of the best community colleges in the state. De Anza College features several cultural centers including the California History Center, Euphrat Museum of Art, Fujitsu Planetarium, and Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies.

Residents of Jollyman/Faria enjoy being near shopping and recreation at Cupertino Crossroad Shopping Center- a plaza located on the northeastern part of the neighborhood, which offers a variety of restaurants and shops, including stores like TJ Maxx and HomeGoods. A short drive away is the De Anza Shopping Center, which boasts bakeries, a bank, a yoga studio, a spa, and an up-and-coming Asian supermarket.

For outdoor recreation, residents enjoy frequenting Laurelhurst Recreation Cabana Club, a private, family-friendly pool facility, tucked away from traffic noise along S. De Anza Boulevard. Jollyman Park also lies nearby and forms one of the centerpieces of the neighborhood. Reaching a spacious 11.5 acres, this incredible urban park offers ball fields, a playground, shaded picnic areas, and abundant space for residents who love outdoor exercise.

The homes in Jollyman/Faria range from contemporary to ranch-style homes, the majority of which were kept in original condition. Other homes have been torn down and rebuilt into Mediterranean-style residences. In addition, Jollyman/Faria boasts an excellent location near the entrance of Highway 85, making it ideal for commuters to the Peninsula and featuring great access to nearby living amenities.

Boundaries: 

• Stevens Creek Boulevard on the north
• South DeAnza Boulevard on the east
• Highway 85 on the southwest

Library: 

• Cupertino Main Library- 10800 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

Parks: 

• Jollyman Park- 1000 South Stelling Road Cupertino, CA 95014

Public Schools: 

• Lincoln Elementary School (K-5)- 21710 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014
• Lawson Middle School (6-8)- 10401 Vista Drive Cupertino, CA 95014
• Kennedy Middle School (6-8)- 821 Bubb Road Cupertino, CA 95014
• Monta Vista High School (9-12)- 21840 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014

The peaceful tree-lined streets of Lynbrook showcase a harmonious blend of single-family, ranch-style homes, as well as townhomes and condominiums, while older homes are gradually being replaced with new construction. The residents not only enjoy easy access to shopping and outdoor recreation, but also commuting routes and some of the top schools in California.

Perhaps one of the most desirable places to live in Lynbrook is Regency Park, which boasts gorgeous townhomes with meticulously-kept landscaping and a sparkling pool. The residents in this complex can still send their children to excellent schools while paying a relatively low price for a home in this area.

Residents will often frequent Calabazas Park for outdoor recreation. Multiple outdoor zones play host to everything from early morning tai-chi classes to tennis matches, pick-up basketball games, and popular playgrounds that keep the park bustling. After a day filled with activity, children can enjoy the quiet comfort of the Calabazas Library, just across the street from the park. Unique to the area is a nearby BMX park, which brings visitors from all over Northern California, while close-by Murdock Park accommodates guests and residents alike with playgrounds, picnic tables, BBQ pits, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

The Orchard Farm Center, which includes Safeway, Rite Aid, eateries, shops, and the Chinese Performing Arts Center is conveniently located in Lynbrook, while a recycling center in the Safeway parking lot promotes green living in the community.

Boundaries: 

• Bollinger Road on the north
• Lawrence Expressway on the east
• Prospect Avenue on the south
• De Anza Boulevard on the west

Library: 

• Calabazas Library- 1230 South Blaney Avenue San Jose, CA 95129

Parks: 

• Calabazas Park- 1201 South Blaney Avenue San Jose, CA 95129
• Murdock Park- Wunderlich Drive and Castle Glen Avenue San Jose, CA 95129
• Rainbow Park- 6155 Rainbow Drive San Jose, CA 95129

 Public Schools: 

• Dilworth Elementary School (K-5)- 1101 Strayer Drive San Jose, CA 95129
• John Muir Elementary School (K-5)- 6560 Hanover Drive San Jose, CA 95129
• Meyerholtz Elementary School (K-5)- 6990 Melvin Drive San Jose, CA 95129
• Joaquin Miller Middle School (6-8)- 6151 Rainbow Drive San Jose, CA 95129
• Lynbrook High School (9-12)- 1280 Johnson Avenue San Jose, CA 95129

With stunning hillside views, proximity to some of the state’s top schools, and a myriad of spots for outdoor recreation, Monta Vista (meaning “mountain view” in Portuguese), is one of Cupertino’s most highly sought-after neighborhoods. Originally hosting orchards and vineyards, in the 1940s, Monta Vista became the first housing tract in the Cupertino area. The neighborhood attributes its popularity to its desirable location, low crime rates, and high-performing schools.

Among close proximity to top schools, Monta Vista also hosts an abundance of outdoor recreation. Fremont Older Open Space Preserve provides trails for hiking or mountain bike rides, while Hoover Park remains one of Cupertino’s great attractions with a five-acre lot which comprises two soccer fields, a sports court, and a play area for younger children. Another outdoor gathering area is Blackberry Farm, which grants space for bocce ball, volleyball, and horseshoes, and also provides a nine-hole golf course. There are also two swimming pools with water slides, a lush lawn, and several group picnic areas with barbecue pits.

For residents with equestrian hobbies, McClellan Ranch offers 23 preserved acres of space for attractions like an original ranch house, a working milk-and-livestock barn, and a nature preserve. This ranch also draws birdwatchers from all over the area, as the home of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society. Monta Vista residents may also choose to take a break from civilization and unwind at the Deep Cliff Golf Course or Linda Vista Park, where deer are occasionally spotted relaxing on the mountainside.

Inspiration Heights, a smaller community within Monta Vista, lends beautiful views of the city to its residents. Homes in this community come in a variety of architectural designs, and residents may attend schools in one of the best districts in the country.

Boundaries: 

• Stevens Creek Boulevard on the north
• Highway 85 on the east
• Prospect Road on the south
• Permanente Drive and Stevens Creek Canyon Road on the west

Library: 

• Cupertino Main Library- 10800 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

Parks: 

• Blackberry Farm- 21979 San Fernando Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014
• Hoover Park- Leeds Avenue and Primrose Way Cupertino, CA 95014
• McClellan Ranch Park- 22221 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014
• Monta Vista Park- 22601 Voss Ave Cupertino, CA 95014
• Three Oaks Park- Candlelight Way and Shadowhill Lane Cupertino, CA 95014

Public Schools: 

• Lincoln Elementary School (K-5)- 21710 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014
• Regnart Elementary School (K-5)- 1170 Yorkshire Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014
• Stevens Creek Elementary School (K-5)- 10300 Ainsworth Drive Cupertino, CA 95014
• Kennedy Middle School (6-8)- 821 Bubb Road Cupertino, CA 95014
• Monta Vista High School (9-12)- 21840 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014

Though one of Cupertino’s newest neighborhoods, with developments rising as recently as 1999 to 2002, Oak Valley is also one of the most rural. Aptly named “Heaven on Earth,” stunning views of Rancho San Antonio County Park, along with gorgeously kept landscaping provide a scenic, almost idyllic feel to Oak Valley. The little weekday traffic this neighborhood sees encourages the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Though it feels removed from the bustle of urban life, Oak Valley still boasts close proximity to shopping centers, schools, and local businesses, giving the neighborhood that highly-desired sense of a small town community, with residents occasionally coming together for fun gatherings and events.

Boundaries: 

• Interstate 280 on the north
• Foothill Boulevard on the east
• Stevens Creek Boulevard on the south
• Black Oak Way on the west

Library: 

• Cupertino Main Library- 10800 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

Parks: 

• Rancho San Antonio County Park- 22500 Cristo Rey Drive Los Altos, CA 95014

Public Schools: 

• Stevens Creek Elementary School (K-5)- 10300 Ainsworth Drive Cupertino, CA 95014
• Kennedy Middle School (6-8)- 821 Bubb Road Cupertino, CA 95014
• Monta Vista High School (9-12)- 21840 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014

What was once a cherry orchard became, by the 1950s, a neighborhood of low-cost, single-story ranch-style residences. As the neighborhood grew and the tech industry grew around it, Rancho Rinconada found itself becoming more and more gentrified, with newer, bigger constructions taking the place of those single-story Ranches.

Fairgrove, a community within Rancho Rinconada, saw its true development in the 1960s, when Eichler became the dominant style of new constructions. Today, Fairgrove hosts around 220 Eichler homes, tucked along the corners of Miller Avenue and Bollinger Road. The residents of Fairgrove have worked tirelessly to preserve the style of their neighborhood among the avid growth and development throughout the rest of Cupertino. Though within close proximity of busier streets, Fairgrove enjoys a serene, peaceful atmosphere.

Long-time residents of Fairgrove work to preserve their neighborhood amongst growth and development. Residents joined together and requested a citywide architectural survey, and as a result, the city confirmed that Fairgrove, with its unique Eichler homes, must be preserved.

Boundaries: 

• Stevens Creek Boulevard on the north
• Lawrence Expressway on the east
• Bollinger Road on the south
• Miller Avenue on the west

Library: 

• Cupertino Main Library- 10800 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

Parks: 

• Creekside Park- 10445 Miller Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014

Public Schools: 

• Sedgwick Elementary School (K-5)- 19200 Phil Lane Cupertino, CA 95014
• Hyde Middle School (6-8)- 19325 Bollinger Road Cupertino, CA 95014
• Cupertino High School (9-12)- 10100 Finch Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014