Cupertino

This versatile neighborhood is in the northeast part of town, bordering Sunnyvale to the north and West San Jose to the east. Homes in City Center run the gamut from townhomes to new tract homes to venerable ranch homes built more than 50 years ago. 

There is a great deal of development here as older homes are replaced by new constructions. Unlike the Rancho Rinconada neighborhood, which features an obvious size variation between existing Eichlers and newly built trophy homes, new zoning regulations require that new constructions in City Center must be relative in size to the older homes of the neighborhood. 

For valuation purposes, the neighborhood divides into four quadrants. The 2014 median prices for these four areas vary in relation to whether the homes are assigned to Cupertino High School or Monta Vista High School. Single-family homes in the northwestern quadrant are within the realm of Monta Vista High School and have a median price of $1,725,000, while condos and townhomes in that area hold a median price of $815,000. Single-family homes located within the northeastern, southeastern, and southwestern quadrants are in the domain of Cupertino High School and have median home prices of $1,430,000, $1,515,000, and $1,545,000, respectively. Similarly, condos and townhomes located within these quadrants possess median prices of $845,000, $925,000, and $819,000, respectively.

Always a constant leader in proactive urban planning, Cupertino is delineating its commercial corridor with plans for a prospective Heart of the City, which includes a portion of the City Center neighborhood. This development’s goal is to create a greater sense of space, 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. 

Residents may also enjoy Cupertino Square (formerly Vallco Fashion Park Mall), which houses restaurants, specialty shops, a movie theater, a bowling alley, and the Bay Club Fitness Center. This area was recently sold, and plans have been arranged for its redevelopment into offices, hotel space, and mixed-used housing.

Boundaries: 

Homestead Road on the north

Wolfe Road on the east

Bollinger Road on the south

North De Anza Boulevard on the west

Median Home Price: 

$1,574,906 (2014, Single Family Home)

$820,000    (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Number of Homes Sold: 

41 (2014, Single Family Residential)

45 (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Library: 

Cupertino Main Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino

Parks: 

• Portal Park, 10225 North Portal Avenue, Cupertino
• Wilson Park, 10298 South Portal Avenue, Cupertino

Public Schools: 

• Collins Elementary (K-5), 10300 Blaney Avenue, Cupertino (API 993)
• Eaton Elementary (K-5), 20220 Suisun Drive, Cupertino (API 969)
• Lawson Middle School (6-8), 10401 Vista Drive, Cupertino (API 979)
• Cupertino High School (9-12), 10100 Finch Avenue, Cupertino (API 906)
• Fremont High School (9-12), 1279 Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (API 767)

The Creston neighborhood sits at the edge of Cupertino and borders Los Altos to the north. This neighborhood is comprised of some homes with Cupertino addresses and some 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. 

Creston borders Highway 280 and busy Foothill Boulevard, yet background traffic noise remains at a faint hum throughout the neighborhood. Running alongside Stevens Creek, Creston Drive wraps around most of the perimeter of the neighborhood and spawns several cul-de-sacs. Here, single-family homes appear by Foothill Boulevard, where a green signboard greets residents and visitors to this quaint neighborhood. From that entrance, a gradual incline lined with homes leads into a valley occupied by more residences. 

Since children may enjoy many activities here at Stevens Creek Elementary, high-tech employees tend to favor this neighborhood. Nearby Varian Park, which provides tennis courts, walking trails, and a couple of playgrounds, exhibits a beauty that draws visitors from as far as Sunnyvale.

Residents love Creston because of its well-maintained landscape and peaceful ambience. Streets here are wide and well-paved with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and minimal traffic, forming the ideal location for families with children. In addition, Creston is a convenient location for mid-Peninsula commuters as it is just minutes away from Interstate 280. With the assistance of these factors, here median home prices have increased 59% in the last five years. 

Boundaries: 

Interstate 280 on the north

Creston Drive on the east

Stevens Creek Boulevard on the south

North Foothill Boulevard on the west

Median Home Price: 

$2,100,000 (2014, Single Family Home)

Number of Homes Sold: 

9 (2014, Single Family Residential)    

Library: 

Cupertino Main Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino

Parks: 

• Varian Park, 10170 Amelia Court, Cupertino

Public Schools: 

• Stevens Creek Elementary (K-5), 10300 Ainsworth Drive, Cupertino (API 972)
• Kennedy Middle School (6-8), 821 Bubb Road, Cupertino (API 987)
• Monta Vista High School (9-12), 21840 McClellan Road, Cupertino (API 956)

Bike paths, walking trails, nearby shopping districts, and major commute corridors make the centrally located neighborhood of Garden Gate both easily accessible and highly desirable. The area is especially coveted by families who value education, as many residents make time to be actively involved in the premier area schools.

Garden Gate is bordered on the east by N. De Anza Boulevard, right across from the Apple campus. In the northeastern quadrant of this neighborhood is Homestead Square, a retail center that houses Safeway, Rite Aid, and Michaels. On the corner of N. De Anza Blvd. south of Highway 280 is Oak Park, a new condo development overlooking the freeway, and between N. De Anza Blvd. and N. Stelling Road is an array of apartments, condos and townhome complexes. On the west side of N. Stelling Road is the residential and community portion of Garden Gate, which includes Garden Gate Elementary, Quinlan Community Center, a sports center, a senior center, and beautiful Memorial Park. The southwestern quadrant of this neighborhood holds the Oaks Shopping Center, which includes a discount movie theater, a dance studio, and several eateries.

Most Garden Gate residents share at least one commonality: the importance of education. Residents here send their children to some of the best schools in the state, and parents make time to actively involve themselves in school functions. It is common to see parents assisting teachers in the classroom by filing homework or monitoring the students’ work.

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. 

This neighborhood features well-built ranch-style homes that are gradually being replaced by new, tastefully designed residences. Some streets here offer shaded areas, and homes on the north side of the community center lend pleasant lawn views. In addition, residents can walk to just about anywhere in this neighborhood.

Boundaries: 

Homestead Road on the north

North DeAnza Boulevard on the east

Stevens Creek Boulevard on the south

Highway 85 on the west

Median Home Price: 

$1,700,000 (2014, Single Family Residential)

$810,000    (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Number of Homes Sold: 

23 (2014, Single Family Home)

13 (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Library: 

Cupertino Main Library, 21251 Stevens Creek BLVD, Cupertino

Parks: 

• Cupertino Memorial Park, 10185 North Stelling Road, Cupertino

Public Schools: 

• Garden Gate Elementary School (K-5), (API 979)
• Lawson Middle School (6-8), (API 979)
• Monta Vista High School (9-12), (API 956)

Bordering Los Altos to the north, Homestead Villa sits on the northwest part of Cupertino. This neighborhood presents a blend of apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and single-family homes, including a handful of recently built Craftsman-style homes. Lot sizes for single-family homes range from 7,500 to over 10,000 sq. ft. To give an idea of the value in this area, in August 2014 a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home of 1,983 sq. ft. sold for $1,455,000.

Woodspring, a local condominium complex, offers 2-bedroom, 2-bath units with 1,249 sq. ft. and 3-bedroom, 2-bath units with 1,520 sq. ft. Nearby Glen Oaks Park Villas is a complex of 72 homes, built in the 1970s with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units in a nice community of young families, young professionals, and emerging retirees. In addition, Springwood Apartment Homes offers 1-bedroom, 1-bath units for up to $2,385 per month, 1-bedroom, 1-bath units with 1 den for up to $2,735 per month, and 2-bedroom, 2-bath units for up to $3,010 per month.

At the intersection of Foothill Expressway and Homestead Road are Foothill and Homestead Crossings. These two busy shopping strips include grocery stores, coffee shops, and eateries. Nearby Foothill Boulevard is biker-friendly and features a bike lane that extends from Stevens Creek Canyon in the south all the way to Stanford in the north. 

In general, homes here are relatively less expensive than others in Cupertino, and since Stevens Creek intersects this area, part of this neighborhood lies in the Flood Zone. Due to its proximity to the highway, this neighborhood experiences some background traffic noise, making these homes quite affordable considering their location within the prestigious Cupertino school area. However, this neighborhood has low turnover, so opportunities to buy rarely present themselves.

Although there are not any parks in this neighborhood, Homestead High School has great outdoor sports facilities which are open to the public after-hours, including a new turf track area for running and playing soccer or baseball. 

Boundaries: 

Homestead Road on the north

Highway 85 on the east

Interstate 280 on the south

Foothill Expressway on the west

Median Home Price: 

$1,455,000 (2014, Single Family Residential)

$775,000    (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Number of Homes Sold: 

5 (2014, Single Family Residential)

3 (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Library: 

Cupertino Main Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino

Parks: 

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

Public Schools: 

• Montclaire Elementary (K-5), 1160 St. Joseph Avenue, Los Altos (API 969)
• West Valley Elementary School (K-5), 1635 Belleville Way, Sunnyvale (API 956)
• Cupertino Middle School (6-8), 1650 South Bernardo Avenue, Sunnyvale (API 934)
• Homestead High School (9-12), 21370 Homestead Road, Cupertino (API 873)

Strategically placed Jollyman/Faria encompasses part of the Heart of the City in central Cupertino. It lies 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, forming a neighborhood shaped in a right angle.

This neighborhood offers a variety of both educational and recreational opportunities. Faria Elementary, a “school of choice,” is one of the four alternative programs in the district. Though it is not a neighborhood school, it serves the entire Cupertino Union School District. De Anza College features several cultural centers including the California History Center, Euphrat Museum of Art, Fujitsu Planetarium, and Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies. Located on the northeastern part of the neighborhood, Cupertino Crossroads Shopping Center houses a plaza full of shops and restaurants, including TJ Maxx/HomeGoods, a yoga studio, and coffee shops. On the far southeastern tip of the neighborhood is the De Anza Shopping Center with bakeries, a bank, a yoga studio, a spa, and an up-and-coming Asian supermarket. 

This neighborhood is also a great shortcut to De Anza College and other nearby schools. Although this aspect contributes to nearby commuter traffic, apartments that were placed behind the retail stores on S. De Anza Boulevard inadvertently reduce the noise to the residential area. Tucked away is the Laurelhurst Recreation Cabana Club, a private, family-friendly pool facility. With two main entrances, Jollyman Park forms one of the centerpieces of this neighborhood and is accessible from Stelling Road on one side and DeFoe Drive and Jollyman Drive on the other. This 11.5-acre urban park offers ball fields, a playground, shaded picnic tables, and plenty of room for residents who enjoy outdoor exercise.

In this neighborhood one will find both contemporary and ranch-styled homes. The majority of homes were kept in original condition, but some have been torn down and rebuilt into Mediterranean-styled 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

Median Home Price: 

$1,684,444 (2014, Single Family Residential)

$831,500    (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Number of Homes Sold: 

30 (2014, Single Family Residential)

2   (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Library: 

Cupertino Main Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino

Parks: 

• Jollyman Park, 1000 South Stelling Road, Cupertino

Public Schools: 

• Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (K-5), 21710 McClellan Road, Cupertino (API 981)
• Lawson Middle School (6-8), 10401 Vista Drive, Cupertino (API 979)
• Kennedy Middle School (6-8), 821 Bubb Road, Cupertino (API 987)
• Monta Vista High School (9-12), 21840 McClellan Road, Cupertino (API 956)

Besides enjoying wonderful proximity to shopping and places of leisure, residents in the neighborhood of Lynbrook also benefit from short commutes to work, and their children have access to top California schools. Lynbrook’s tree-lined streets are peaceful and feature a blend of single-family ranch-style homes, townhomes, and condominiums. Here, older homes, many of which have been around for over 50 years, are gradually being replaced by new constructions.

Buyers in Lynbrook are hard-pressed to find a home listed on the market for over a week. For example, after a December 2013 broker tour, a fixer-upper home was immediately sold, even before the home’s open house scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Prospective buyers favor Lynbrook’s Regency Park, which touts beautiful townhomes with great landscaping and a sparkling pool. Residents in this complex can send their children to top schools while paying home prices that are relatively low for the area. 

An outdoor zone with almost never-ending activity, Calabazas Park hosts early-morning tai chi classes, 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. Nearby is a BMX Park, which is unique to Lynbrook and brings visitors from all over Northern California. In addition, close-by Murdock Park is full of playgrounds, picnic tables, BBQ pits, tennis courts, and basketball courts. 

Conveniently located in this neighborhood is the Orchard Farm Center, which includes Safeway, Rite Aid, eateries, shops, and the Chinese Performing Arts Center. There is also a recycling center in the Safeway parking lot where residents may take empty cans and bottles to be recycled for money.

Boundaries: 

Bollinger Road on the north

Lawrence Expressway on the east

Prospect Avenue on the south

De Anza Boulevard on the west

Median Home Price: 

$1,535,000 (2014, Single Family Residential)

$947,500    (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Number of Homes Sold: 

90   (2014, Single Family Residential)

26   (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Library: 

Calabazas Library, 1230 South Blaney Avenue, San Jose

Parks: 

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

Public Schools: 

• Dilworth Elementary School (K-5), 1101 Strayer Drive, San Jose (API 992)
• John Muir Elementary School (K-5), 6560 Hanover Drive, San Jose (API 945)
• Meyerholtz Elementary School (K-5), 6990 Melvin Drive, San Jose (API 982)
• Joaquin Miller Middle School (6-8), 6151 Rainbow Drive, San Jose (API 983)
• Lynbrook High School (9-12), 1280 Johnson Avenue, San Jose (API 942)

Monta Vista, meaning “mountain view” in Portuguese, is a highly sought-after, upper-income residential neighborhood. Orchards and vineyards previously covered the neighborhood’s expanse but, after 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. After all, Monta Vista High School is acclaimed for ranking in the top one percent of high schools in the United States.

For residents who enjoy being outdoors, Monta Vista has a plethora of possibilities. Enjoy hiking trips or mountain bike rides at Fremont Older Open Space, or visit Hoover Park, one of Cupertino’s great attractions, and peruse the large five-acre lot. This park offers two soccer fields, a sports court, and a play area for young children, and the large lawn is perfect for relaxing or hosting family outings. Another highlight of the neighborhood includes Blackberry Farm, which facilitates games like bocce ball, volleyball, and horseshoes, and also provides a nine-hole golf course. There are also two swimming pools with waterslides, a lush lawn, and several group picnic areas with barbecue pits. 

McClellan Ranch, a 23-acre preserve and former horse ranch, allows residents to enjoy attractions like the original ranch house, a working milk-and-livestock barn, and a nature preserve. As home of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, this ranch draws birdwatchers from near and far, contributing to its reputation as a famous birdwatching hotspot. 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

Median Home Price: 

$1,790,000 (2014, Single Family Residential)

$1,085,000 (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Number of Homes Sold: 

103 (2014, Single Family Residential)

19   (2014, Townhouse/Condo)    

Library: 

Cupertino Main Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino

Parks: 

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

Public Schools: 

• Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (K-5), 21710 McClellan Road, Cupertino (API 981)
• William Regnart Elementary (K-5), 1170 Yorkshire Drive, Cupertino (API 976)
• Stevens Creek Elementary (K-5), 10300 Ainsworth Drive, Cupertino (API 972)
• Kennedy Middle School (6-8), 821 Bubb Road, Cupertino (API 987)
• Monta Vista High School (9-12), 21840 McClellan Road, Cupertino (API 956)

Said to resemble “Heaven on Earth,” residents love Oak Valley for its meticulously manicured landscaping and views of Rancho San Antonio County Park. The peaceful surroundings and beautiful homes are some of the many reasons why residents, once moved in, would never want to leave.

With new home developments from 1999 to 2002, this is one of the newest neighborhoods in Cupertino. Generally, Oak Valley experience little traffic during the weekdays. However, more traffic can be found on weekends from visitors who drive through Cristo Rey Drive to make their way to Rancho San Antonio County Park.

Oak Valley has a rustic, countryside feel, yet is still close enough to civilization for basic every day needs. Homes generally sit on larger sized lots, around a quarter to half acre. Residents of Oak Valley pride themselves on the small town community feeling and occasionally come together for fun gatherings and events.

Boundaries: 

Highway 280 on the north

Foothill Boulevard on the east

Stevens Creek Boulevard on the south

Black Oak Way on the west

Median Home Price: 

$2,052,500 (2014, Single Family Home)

$1,031,000 (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Number of Homes Sold: 

10 (2014, Single Family Residential)

13 (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Library: 

Cupertino Main Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino

Parks: 

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

Public Schools: 

• Stevens Creek Elementary School (K-5), 10300 Ainsworth Drive, Cupertino (API 972)
• Kennedy Middle School (6-8), 821 Bubb Road, Cupertino (API 987)
• Monta Vista High School (9-12), 21840 McClellan Road, Cupertino (API 956)

Rancho Rinconada is a beautiful neighborhood, filled with Eichler style homes. In particular, Fairgrove, a community within Rancho Rinconada, is an enclave of 220 Eichler homes built in the early 1960s.  Walking into Fairgrove is like taking a journey into classic Cupertino. Though tucked in the corner of two busy streets, Miller Avenue and Bollinger Road, Fairgrove is surprisingly quiet and serene. 

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

Median Home Price: 

$1,300,000 (2014, Single Family Residential)

$918,000    (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Number of Homes Sold: 

53 (2014, Single Family Residential)

1   (2014, Townhouse/Condo)

Library: 

Cupertino Main Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino

Parks: 

• Creekside Park, 10445 Miller Avenue, Cupertino

Public Schools: 

• Sedgwick Elementary School (K-5), 19200 Phil Lane, Cupertino (API 933)
• Hyde Middle School (6-8), 19325 Bollinger Road, Cupertino (API 908)
• Cupertino High School (9-12), 10100 Finch Avenue, Cupertino (API 906)