Welcome to Santa Clara County
Diverse communities and sprawling landscape with the urban heart of Silicon Valley.
Santa Clara County has grown into one of the most prestigious in Northern California over the last several decades. When the high tech boom that began in the 1980s evolved into what is now known as Silicon Valley, tech giants such as Apple Computers and Intel planted their headquarters in the area. Santa Clara County is sprawling with peaceful neighborhoods and tree-lined streets that have become highly appealing for an array of young, urban professionals working in the tech industry. With great weather and an actively growing art and cultural scene, Santa Clara County is also a highly desirable location to raise a family within a peaceful, safe environment. Adding to the county’s appeal, historic downtown San Jose serves as the vibrant urban heart of luxury real estate living in the South Bay.
Commutable access to downtown San Francisco and East Bay cities from anywhere in Santa Clara County is easy via freeway, Amtrak, and BART connections. It’s a region where one can live life separately from neighbors and outside of the bustle of downtown life, while at the same time connecting to a sense of community. Because of its expansive landscape, the county is filled with beautiful Ranch-style luxury homes. However, some areas of the county are a magnet for more diverse types of architecture—ranging from Colonial and Country English to Mid-Century Modern, Tudor, and Victorian-era style homes.
What to Love
• Safe and secure neighborhoods with access to nature
• Diverse suburban communities with access to an urban lifestyle
• Commercial appeal and prestige within the heart of Silicon Valley
• Ease of commutability to downtown San Francisco and the East Bay
People & Lifestyle
The rise of the tech industry in Santa Clara County has brought with it an influx of newly acquired affluence, spread amongst a diverse array of communities. Residents are relatively close-knit, and communities are kind, welcoming, and family-friendly. Silicon Valley provides abundant employment opportunities and patches of urban sprawl, and the area has become a beacon for younger professionals just starting families of their own.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Alexander’s Steakhouse is a posh dining spot that laces American steakhouse classics with hints of traditional Japanese cuisine influences. Since opening in Cupertino in 2005, Alexander’s has received numerous accolades for its flavorful menu interpretations, and it’s a local favorite of the South Bay dining scene. Along with their imported Wagyu beef, not to be missed at this spot is the restaurant’s signature cotton candy dessert—you’ll be glad you indulged.
The fun and flavor of a down-home backyard crab fest this side of the Mississippi can be found at San Jose’s The Boiling Crab. Whether shucking Louisiana crawfish or any of the restaurant’s array of Cajun-spiced seafood boils, a few things are certain when dining at The Boiling Crab—your hands will get messy, you’ll leave satisfied, and the experience is best enjoyed with friends.
Ramen Nagi’s flagship US location in Palo Alto sets this restaurant apart from the sphere of top-quality ramen shops available in the Bay Area with its authentic approach to preparation and a bold, innovative approach to flavor. Known for an interactive menu that allows guests to experiment freely with flavors and add personal touches to perfectly cooked, delicious noodle dishes, Ramen Nagi highlights creativity and exquisitely pushes the boundaries of ramen cuisine.
Din Tai Fung on Stevens Creek Boulevard is a world-renowned chain known for its elevated dim sum and Asian dishes served within a bustling, vibrant atmosphere. The menu is an ambitious, high-end selection of Taiwanese fare that has earned this reservation-only location its reputation as one of the best dim sum cuisine spots in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Things to Do
The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds is 167,000 square feet of roofed event space, along with 20 acres of lawn and paved outdoor space, that serves as home to an extensive events calendar throughout the year. While the weekend-long annual County Fair is held every summer, everything from trade shows and color runs to concerts and Cirque du Soleil touring companies can be found at the fairgrounds—making it one of the most versatile in the state.
The SAP Center at San Jose is an indoor arena located in San Jose, California and is home to the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks—for which the arena has earned the nickname “The Shark Tank.” In addition, the venue plays host to a line of international superstars ranging from Andrea Bocelli and Bon Jovi to Janet Jackson. SAP’s lineup also includes a bevy of family-friendly events ranging from Figure Skating Championships to the Jurassic World Live Tour.
Connecting people and nature since 1961, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a family-friendly, 16-acre amusement park and accredited zoo where conservation and sustainability are at the heart of every program, exhibit, and activity available for guests to enjoy. Along with rides and entertainment to enthrall children of all ages, Happy Hollow is also home to one of California’s oldest puppet theatres, bringing classic fairytales to life within a wondrous space.
Emma Prusch Farm Park is a 43.5-acre park featuring San Jose’s largest working barn. With acres of open space ideal for picnics, kite flying, outdoor games, and relaxing, the barn itself allows guests a close encounter with a wide range of farm animals—from sheep and pigs to rabbits and ducks. In homage to the valley’s agricultural past, the park features community gardens, demonstrations, and a rare-fruit orchard that is host to an annual Harvest Festival.
Schools
Santa Clara County is divided into 31 distinct school districts. Highlights include:
• Santa Clara University