Explore Santa Clara
Santa Clara, a bustling city located in the heart of Santa Clara County boasts a population of around 130,000 residents. Known for its significant role in the tech industry, the city is home to leading tech firms such as Intel, Nvidia, and Applied Materials. Families will find Santa Clara appealing due to its family-friendly neighborhoods, quality public and private schools and a variety of entertainment options. However, before diving into homeownership in this vibrant city, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of living in Santa Clara, according to the report of The Brasil.
Pros of Living in Santa Clara
Housing Diversity
One notable advantage of living in Santa Clara is the diversity of housing options. The city features homes from different eras, including grand estate-type mansions from the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as modern homes built in the last two decades. This variety offers potential homeowners a broad range of choices to fit different tastes and budgets.
Affordability Relative to Neighboring Cities
Compared to its western neighbors like Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and Mountain View, Santa Clara offers more affordable housing options. While areas like North Sunnyvale along Highway 101 may offer competitive prices, overall, Santa Clara provides better value for money.
Convenient Location
Santa Clara’s central location in Silicon Valley, coupled with good highway access, makes commuting more manageable. It straddles both Highway 101 and 280, which provide direct routes to Palo Alto and beyond. Additionally, the city has a train station and multiple train stops, offering a convenient alternative for those who prefer public transportation.
Proximity to Tech Jobs
Living in Santa Clara means being closer to major tech companies like Nvidia, Intel, and Applied Materials. This proximity can significantly reduce commute times for those working in these firms or nearby tech giants like Apple and LinkedIn.
Good School Proximity
While the Santa Clara Unified School District may not have the same high-performance reputation as the Palo Alto and Cupertino School Districts, it offers the advantage of schools being generally close to the homes within their enrollment boundaries. This means shorter commutes for parents and students.
Amenities and Shopping
Santa Clara offers a wide range of amenities including major retail outlets like Target and Costco numerous grocery stores, and a variety of ethnic supermarkets. The city also hosts part of Westfield Valley Fair, the largest retail mall in the area, and Santana Row is known for its trendy shopping and dining options.
Diverse Cuisine
Reflecting the Bay Area’s cultural melting pot and Santa Clara boasts an assortment of restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. Residents can enjoy everything from Italian and Mexican to Korean, Indian, and Middle Eastern delicacies.
Parks and Recreation
The city has nearly 40 parks including the expansive Central Park, home to the annual Art and Wine Festival. Santa Clara also offers community gardens, skate parks, sports parks, dog parks, lighted courts, and community pools ensuring ample recreational options for residents.
Libraries and Other Facilities
Santa Clara’s three state-of-the-art libraries provide numerous services to the community. Additionally, the city has its own power company, Silicon Valley Power which offers reliable and lower-cost electricity compared to PG&E.
Healthcare and Accessibility
Santa Clara is home to the Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center, one of the largest hospitals in the South Bay. The city’s proximity to San Jose International Airport, SFO, and Oakland International Airport makes travel convenient.
Entertainment and Events
Levi’s Stadium and Great America amusement park offer exciting entertainment options. The city also hosts various events throughout the year, including the Santa Clara Parade of Champions, Art and Wine Festival, and 4th of July celebrations.
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(photo: Redfin)
Cons of Living in Santa Clara
Predominance of Tract Homes
A significant portion of Santa Clara’s housing stock consists of post-war ranch-style homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. These homes may not appeal to those looking for newer or larger properties.
Real Estate Costs
Despite being more affordable than some neighboring cities and Santa Clara’s real estate remains expensive. This high cost can be a significant drawback for potential homeowners.
Inconsistent Urban Planning
The city’s development has led to a somewhat inconsistent urban landscape, with a mix of housing, commercial, and industrial properties in certain areas.
Limited New Single-Family Homes
New single-family homes are rare in Santa Clara, and finding large homes can be challenging. Most homes are around 1,200-1,400 square feet, with larger homes often being expansions.
Lack of a Traditional Downtown
Santa Clara lacks a traditional downtown area. The original downtown was destroyed during urban renewal in the 1960s, and the current downtown lacks the character and vibrancy one might expect.
Flood Zones and Limited Trails
Some areas of Santa Clara fall within FEMA-designated flood zones requiring residents to carry flood insurance. Additionally, the city has limited walking and biking trails with the San Tomas Creek Trail being one of the few options.
No Major Golf Courses
While the city does have a 9-hole golf course with a driving range and it lacks major golf courses which may be a downside for golf enthusiasts.
Santa Clara offers a vibrant diverse community with a range of amenities and conveniences. Its central location proximity to major tech employers,and family-friendly environment make it an attractive place to live. However, the high cost of real estate inconsistent urban planning, and lack of a traditional downtown are factors to consider. If you’re contemplating a move to Santa Clara or anywhere in Santa Clara County and it’s crucial to weigh these pros and cons to determine if it’s the right fit for you and your family.
