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Community information
The cities and towns that I serve are listed below. If you would like to find out about the latest homes that have become available in these communities, please contact me at (888) 330-0474 or you can setup a Private Search!
Click on underlined cities to view a description of the city.
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 More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information
Aromas, is in the Watsonville area. It is located in the Monterey Bay area within California's Pajaro Valley, about 95 miles south of San Francisco. Watsonville is a part of Santa Cruz County and a rich agricultural community that is famous for its strawberries, applies and cut flowers. It is also a very ethnically diverse and young community with a population that is over 60% Hispanic and almost 32% under the age of 18. It is the 21st largest Hispanic market in the United States.Agriculture and food processing are major employers within Watsonville and the surrounding areas. In keeping with recent trends, however, other opportunities have opened up in the area including light industry, manufacturing, tourism and service oriented businesses. Children in Watsonville are educated within the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, which includes 16 elementary schools, three junior high schools, two high schools and one continuation high school. For higher education, residents can attend community college at Cabrillo in Aptos, or its outreach center in Watsonville. They can also take advantage of classes at the nearby University of California in Santa Cruz. Located right on the Central California coast, Watsonville is near many of the state's most beautiful beaches. Swimming, surfing and camping are all popular pastimes in Watsonville. Watsonville is also home to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, which is the host of several major events throughout the year including an annual Burrito Bash and Cinco de Mayo celebration. In addition, the annual West Coast Antique Fly-in and Air show takes place at the Watsonville Airport. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information
Boulder Creek is the largest of several small towns located along Highway 9. This road, which was once the main artery from Santa Clara Valley to Santa Cruz, is an old stagecoach road that runs through the redwoods. The San Lorenzo River runs through this area and tumbles down 2000 or so feet from its headwaters at the top of the Santa Cruz Mountains to Santa Cruz where it joins Monterey Bay. Called the San Lorenzo Valley for this river, this area is an easy day trip from anywhere in the San Jose region. It is just 90 minutes south of San Francisco and Oakland, 40 minutes from Stanford or San Jose, and a half hour or less from major employers in Silicon Valley such as Netscape, Yahoo, Apple, Adobe, and Sun Microsystems.Boulder Creek is in a virtual rain forest. The area receives an annual rainfall of more than 70 inches. As a result, the vegetation is lush and the forest is green and beautiful. Boulder Creek and the surrounding area has a wide variety of housing from which to choose. You can find everything from old homes and cabins to small newer houses tract designs and large modern custom homes. Whether you are seeking hilltop privacy, quiet forest surroundings or a log cabin, you can find it here. Children in the area attend school in the San Lorenzo Unified School District. Scores in standardized testing run between the 70th and the 90th percentile. Parents are very supportive of the schools and the programs reflect the strong interest that is such a part of this area. Recreation is easily found in the Boulder Creek area. Cowell Redwoods and Big Basin State parks are very close and offer campgrounds, trails and river swimming. There is one golf course in the region and several small parks and schools offer playing fields for softball, soccer and other sports. Downtown Santa Cruz and the university are also close, offering restaurants, cultural events and more. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information
Almost surrounded by San Jose, Campbell is located close to Silicon Valley Industries and is home to many high tech firms. At one time famous for its prunes, Campbell celebrates its heritage with an annual Prune Festival and has named one of its major shopping malls "The Prune Yard."One of Santa Clara County's older suburbs, Campbell has many long-time residents who know each other. A town prides itself on being sophisticated yet retaining a small-town atmosphere. Schools rank well above the 50th percentile with some in the 90s. Community support is strong with at least two bonds having been passed in recent years for improvements. Crime rates are low to average. A more or less middle-class town, Campbell's homes are mostly three bedroom. There are many restaurants and plenty of shopping. The downtown has been nicely upgraded and includes many small shops and coffee houses. 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 a local creek, which will take you into Los Gatos. Balmy Santa Clara Valley with average temperatures add to the enjoyment with winter lows around 50° and summer averages around 80°. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information
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 More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information
Carmel appears to many as a sleepy little town hidden along California's central coast. However, it is far from that! When one gets behind the scenes, one finds a buzzing cosmopolitan community with a vast selection of things to do. Life can be very full here. This page is dedicated to alerting you to a few of the many choices available in this "big small town."There are many different neighborhoods in the greater Carmel "area of influence." The most famous of these is Carmel By The Sea, the one-square-mile incorporated city area, where its 5700 residents take great pride in the "village" quality of their town. It boasts the fact that there is no mail delivery, no street lights outside the shopping district, streets are likely to be built around trees and have no curbs or sidewalks. The village has only about 2,700 households, 60% of which are owners occupying their own homes. The average age of Carmelites within the village is around 54 years and the median household income is said to be just over $70,000. The greater Carmel area of influence is another matter. It includes all of Carmel outside the city limits, north to Carmel Woods, across Highway 1 to the east, and south to include the Meadows on the other side of the Carmel River. Here the average age is said to drop to around 50 years and the median income increases to over $90,000. A big draw to many greater Carmel residents is the opportunity to own a home situated on a hillside, with a view of either the mountains or the ocean, and to have some open space surrounding them. Yet they are within a few minutes drive of all the same shops, galleries and restaurants, which are the pride of the village people. Just a few miles south of Carmel on Highway One is the beautiful South Coast area, which includes the Highlands--often referred to as the Carmel Riviera. Here is where the mountains meet the sea in some of the most picturesque landscapes imaginable. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Monterey Peninsula Park Information
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 More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information
In April's 1999, Readers Digest poll ranked Salinas in the top 25 cities for the best place to raise a family. Entrepreneur Magazine, regarded as small business authority, ranked Salinas among the top ten cities for small businesses opportunities. The City of Salinas anchors the northern part of the Salinas Valley and is the Monterey County seat. The city stands in its historic rural setting, poised to capitalize on the opportunities of the future. With a population exceeding 130,000 there is constant pressure to grow. Old town Salinas continues is the heart and soul of this thriving community. Splendid examples of Victorian and later era architecture create a pleasurable atmosphere for visitors, professionals, specialty shops, restaurants and community events. The new National Steinbeck Center, a 40,000 square-foot facility in the heart of old town, pays tribute to the Salinas-bred Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck and attracts hundreds of visitors each day. The Salinas City Hall and the Monterey County Administrative Offices, both within walking distance of old town attract an array of business and support services. The nearby nexus of interstate highways plus the Monterey-Salinas Transit system and the future inter model transit center offer convenient access to and from old town setting the stage for a surge of visitors to old town. The Greater Salinas Valley is home to a $2 billion agricultural industry. Rich soil and a superb climate provide the foundation for the success of a variety of crops that feed the world. The huge labor force generated by the agricultural industry has brought on a surge of affordable housing, enticing more and more people to the area. Our County also boasts a $1.8 billion tourism industry, as thousands of visitors come to the area each year, exploring the beauty of the valley and nearby Monterey Peninsula. With tremendous social, economic, and geographic diversity, the region promises a bright future for a variety of business interests. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Monterey Peninsula Park Information
Felton is one of the small towns located along Highway 9 Santa Cruz County. This road, which was once the main artery from Santa Clara Valley to Santa Cruz, is an old stagecoach road that runs through the redwoods. The San Lorenzo River runs through this area and tumbles down 2000 or so feet from its headwaters at the top of the Santa Cruz Mountains to Santa Cruz where it joins Monterey Bay. Called the San Lorenzo Valley for this river, this area is an easy day trip from anywhere in the San Jose region. It is just 90 minutes south of San Francisco and Oakland, 40 minutes from Stanford or San Jose, and a half hour or less from major employers in Silicon Valley such as Netscape, Yahoo, Apple, Adobe, and Sun Microsystems. Felton is in a virtual rain forest. The area receives an annual rainfall of more than 70 inches. As a result, the vegetation is lush and the forest is green and beautiful. Felton and the surrounding area have a wide variety of housing from which to choose. You can find everything from old homes and cabins to small newer houses tract designs and large modern custom homes. Whether you are seeking hilltop privacy, quiet forest surroundings or a log cabin, you can find it here. Children in the area attend school in the San Lorenzo Unified School District. Scores in standardized testing run between the 70th and the 90th percentile. Parents are very supportive of the schools and the programs reflect the strong interest that is such a part of this area. Recreation is easily found in the area. Cowell Redwoods and Big Basin State parks are very close and offer campgrounds, trails and river swimming. There is one golf course in the region and several small parks and schools offer playing fields for softball, soccer and other sports. Downtown Santa Cruz and the university are also close, offering restaurants, cultural events and more. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School information Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information
The City of Hollister is the largest city in San Benito County, with 59% of the population, and is the County Seat. The City was incorporated on March 26, 1872 and was named after Colonel W. W. Hollister, who drove a flock of sheep across the continent to the San Justo Ranch, on which the community was founded. The population as of January 1, 1999 was 28,394.The moderate climate of the City of Hollister is provided by cool ocean air, which enters the County from the west, through the Chittenden Pass. This has the effect of providing warm, but not hot, summer and mild winter temperatures. San Benito County is situated in the Central Coast region of the state, between the Gavilan Range of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range. The City of Hollister lies in the County's northern portion, and is located about 100 miles southeast of San Francisco, 40 miles east of Monterey and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. Historically, agriculture and associated businesses have been the primary economic activities in the City. The City has become a popular relocation spot for many urban Californians looking for a simpler, more meaningful way of life. The influx of new business and residential development blends with the century-old charm of Hollister's downtown. The Main Street revitalization program has focused efforts to preserve downtown's historically significant architecture and encourage new economic ventures. Hollister is seeking clean, compatible industries to enrich the economic climate, while preserving the high quality of life enjoyed by Hollister residents. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Parks and Recreation Information Click Here For Historical Landmarks in San Benito County
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 More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information
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 More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
In one sense, like Carmel, there are two Monterey's. Residents refer to Old Monterey and New Monterey. Old Monterey is the area, which boasts a history dating back to the founding of the city by the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola in 1770. It is home to all the grand historical buildings, as well as some of the oldest homes on the Central Coast. It is indeed an historic community with its downtown district, several large hotels, the Monterey Conference Center, and famous Fisherman's Wharf. New Monterey stretches from the Presidio of Monterey (which houses the Defense Language Institute) to the Pacific Grove City limit, and includes historic Cannery Row. New Monterey grew into being as the home of the many cannery workers that lived and worked here-the Spanish, Portuguese and Italian immigrants who developed the once-prosperous fishing industry. With its population of about 33,000, Monterey boasts nearly 13,000 households and an average income of over $66,000. The average age of its residents is around 35 years. Nearly 3,000 of the households claim to have lived in their present homes for more than 11 years. There are no new housing subdivisions in the city of Monterey, so home sales are almost solely previously owned properties. Since more than 8.000 of these homes range from 30 to over 100 years old, they often have a special character and charm. Most of them have been upgraded over the years retaining much of their original style. Newer homes can be found in greater Monterey, located in unincorporated areas adjacent to the city. One of these areas is spread along the Monterey-Salinas corridor (Highway 68) from Bay Ridge to San Benancio Canyon. Here one can find a mix of country living and hill top views. Sunshine is a regular feature here just about any time of year. It's particularly well suited for Salinas's commuters who want to live the Monterey Peninsula lifestyle. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Monterey Peninsula Park 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 Morgan Hill Community Information Click Here For More Gilroy Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information
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 More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
The Cambrian neighborhood is about four square miles nestled in a quiet West San Jose location. Known for its wonderful family neighborhoods, excellent schools, convenient commute and easy shopping, Cambrian has long been a desirable address. Located in one of Money Magazine's top ten most livable US cities, Cambrian has a very low crime rate and many high-ranking schools. Students in the Cambrian area attend the Cambrian School District, which holds very high academic standards. Students average in the top quartile on both the reading and mathematics sections in standardized testing and the school receives grants to support effective, progressive instructional strategies in literacy such as the Noyce Grant Program. Close to downtown San Jose, yet far enough to escape the "big city" feel, Cambrian can enjoy San Jose's professional hockey team, a symphony, art, culture, and recreation, whole also taking advantage of its own neighborly atmosphere and convenient shopping. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
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. Ted Robinson designed the championship 18 hole, park 72 golf course. 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. Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Parks Information
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
Offering friendly neighbors, a quiet life style and convenient access to shopping, transportation and recreational areas, Blossom Valley is perfect for those seeking a calm atmosphere in close proximity to everything.Located in the southern end of San Jose, the Blossom Valley area is made up of mostly family-style homes clustered in neighborhoods where you will find the familiar sights of kids on bikes and parents talking to each other in their yards. This is an area to which families seem to gravitate. The schools are strongly supported by parents and children score well on standardized testing. The popular Oakridge Mall anchors an area full of quality shopping in the Blossom Valley area. Here you will find major department stores as well as smaller specialty stores. There are many top-rated restaurants in the area, supplying residents with a wide choice of dining possibilities, from casual to elegant. Recreational opportunities also abound and include golfing, swimming, hiking, movie theaters and even a small water park with miniature golf. Highways 101, 85, 87 and 280 are close by with light rail offering quick and easy access to downtown and nearby businesses. Click Here For More Community Information ClickHhere For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
When discovered by pioneers, this area was a forest of impenetrable, giant willows and wild blackberries. Once cleared, it exposed the richest soil in Santa Clara valley, producing the finest fruits, berries and vegetables. Now, it is one of San Jose's most popular established neighborhoods. Located south and slightly west of downtown San Jose, historical Willow Glen is bounded by the Guadalupe River, Los Gatos Creek, and Coe and Curtner Avenues. "Downtown Willow Glen" is on Lincoln Avenue where you will find quality shopping and upscale dining. Quaint and handsome, Willow Glen has many trees and gardens that surround beautifully maintained homes-many of which were custom-built in the 1930s and retain their old world characteristics. It has been said that Willow Glen has some of the finest old homes in San Jose. Very community oriented, Willow Glen has parks that offer basketball, handball, tennis, soccer, volleyball courts, exercise courses, athletic fields and picnic areas. Los Gatos Creek has recently been renovated by the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association and now provides a lovely trail for biking, running or walking. During the summer, residents can take advantage of free basketball, volleyball, table tennis, weigh training and recreational swimming offered through the local gym and pool. Easily accessible to downtown San Jose by side streets, residents also have access to a Caltrain station and can quickly get to Highways 17 and 280. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
San Juan Bautista is located in the San Benito Valley on Highway 156, 3 miles east of Highway 101 and 7 miles west of Hollister. It is a mission town, which was founded in 1797 and incorporated as a city in 1869. Rich in history, San Juan Bautista is devoted to its mission and makes a point of not doing anything to upstage it. There are very few tourist attractions in the town and development is kept to a minimum. As a result, this beautiful town has a lot of country atmosphere and has as its highlight, the largest mission in California. Mission San Juan Bautista is also one of the few California missions that has been saved almost completely intact. Many of the homes in San Juan Bautista are beautiful, old residences. Some of the buildings around the mission are more than 100 years old. Many of these have been remodeled into stores with modern wiring, but you will still find some historic residences. People tend to move into this town and stay so it has a definite hometown feel. If you like shopping for antiques or arts and crafts, San Juan Bautista is your kind of town. There are lots of shops to explore. You'll also find several good restaurants as well as five parks, including a state historic park that surrounds the mission. In a day trip, you can drive to the world famous Pinnacles National Monument or to Fremont Peak State Park, where an astronomical observatory is open to the public. There is also a new golf course is just a few miles from the heart of the city. San Juan Bautista also offers unique cultural experiences through the "Living History" events held each month and the famous theatrical presentations by El Teatro Campesino. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For school information in San Benito County Click Here For Historical Landmarks in San Benito County
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information
Pretty and prestigious Saratoga is home to many of Silicon Valley's judges, doctors, middle and upper managers. Nestled against the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Saratoga has a charming old town and a mineral springs in the hills. It is just a short drive to many major employers such as Apple Computer, Intel and Silicon Graphics. Those commuting from Saratoga can take the new Highway 85 that ties into the Santa Clara County freeway network. Saratoga is served by six school districts and all scores run in the 80th and 90th percentiles. In the 1996 math SAT, Saratoga High scored fourth highest in California. Education is strongly supported by the community. Higher education opportunities also exist in the form of West Valley Community College and nearby DeAnza Junior College as well as San Jose State University. Saratoga is a wonderful town for recreation with nine parks and a community theater as well as regular concerts at the local Mountain Winery. There is a multitude of first-class restaurants, as well as beautiful and historic Villa Montalvo, which is the site of many cultural events. Saratoga works to preserve its beauty and is a slow-growth oriented city of predominantly three, four and five bedroom homes. Opulent custom homes can be found in the hills. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For Santa Clara County School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
Located east of Santa Cruz and north of Highway 1 within Santa Cruz County, Soquel is an unincorporated community that stretches from De Laveaga Park to Cabrillo College. This town was founded in 1852 when it began as a general store and post office. For a long time, Soquel served the area's farmers and travelers who happened to be passing through. As time went on, however, people began to notice the area's desirability and began making their homes here. The town now supports a population of approximately 9,100. For a small town, Soquel supports excellent shopping. There are many small shops along Soquel Drive and a cluster of merchants are grouped in a Quonset hut, call the Trader's Emporium. You'll also find more than twenty quality restaurants. For bigger items and more variety, residents can also drive to nearby Capitola and Santa Cruz. Culture is also abundant here as Soquel supports the Santa Cruz Ballet Theater as well as the many events that come from Cabrillo College. There are several vineyards in town, including the renowned Bargetto Winery. For recreation, residents need look no farther than their own backyards. Fishing, hiking biking and aquatic sports are all available to Soquel residents. There are 10 parks in and near Soquel as well as a variety of public beaches. Students are educated by the Soquel Elementary Districts and they attend Soquel High School. They score quite well in standardized testing with averages running in the 60th and 70th percentile. Soquel High School has been named a California Distinguished School. Whether you're seeking an older home with character and history or a newer home, you'll find that and more in convenient and beautiful Soquel. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Clara County Family Parks Information
Watsonville is located in the Monterey Bay area within California's Pajaro Valley, about 95 miles south of San Francisco. Watsonville is a part of Santa Cruz County and a rich agricultural community that is famous for its strawberries, applies and cut flowers. It is also a very ethnically diverse and young community with a population that is over 60% Hispanic and almost 32% under the age of 18. It is the 21st largest Hispanic market in the United States. Agriculture and food processing are major employers within Watsonville and the surrounding areas. In keeping with recent trends, however, other opportunities have opened up in the area including light industry, manufacturing, tourism and service oriented businesses. Children in Watsonville are educated within the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, which includes 16 elementary schools, three junior high schools, two high schools and one continuation high school. For higher education, residents can attend community college at Cabrillo in Aptos, or its outreach center in Watsonville. They can also take advantage of classes at the nearby University of California in Santa Cruz. Located right on the Central California coast, Watsonville is near many of the state's most beautiful beaches. Swimming, surfing and camping are all popular pastimes in Watsonville. Watsonville is also home to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, which is the host of several major events throughout the year including an annual Burrito Bash and Cinco de Mayo celebration. In addition, the annual West Coast Antique Fly-in and Air show takes place at the Watsonville Airport. Click Here For More Community information Click Here For School Information Click Here For Santa Cruz Beaches & Park Information
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. Click Here For More Community Information Click Here For School Information Click Here For San Mateo County Park Information
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