Santa Clara

Santa Clara is a suburban haven in the South Bay

Santa Clara, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Silicon Valley,” is a sought-after suburb located between the tech hot spots of the South Bay and the urban environs of San Jose. This city of about 125,000, home to tech titan Intel since 1970, is one of the most attractive destinations for homebuyers looking to move to the employment-rich Bay Area. The city is split between a heavily residential south side populated by established homes on quiet streets and a buzzy north side that features modern amenities anchored by Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. In late 2023, city leaders approved a plan to revitalize the city’s downtown, which was never rebuilt after a failed attempt at “urban renewal” in the early 1960s. The plan calls for adding 1,000 new housing units and 700,000 square feet of commercial space.

Housing is anchored by established homes and includes contemporary townhouses and condos
The city’s real estate is a blend of established single-family homes and modern multi-family dwellings. The single-family housing consists primarily of traditional midcentury ranch-style homes on spacious lots featuring private driveways, attached garages and ample yard space. Similarly styled homes with second-floor additions stand out among a collection of contemporary custom homes that feature the Spanish Mediterranean architectural motif. Foursquare-style bungalows are among the smaller established homes that can be found. The city’s newest construction centers on stylized townhomes and upscale condominiums that offer an array of modern amenities. Prices range from the mid-$500,000s to more than $2 million. Home prices rose almost 9% in 2023, with an average home value of $1.5 million. In comparison, the average home price in neighboring San Jose is more than $1.9 million.