When someone mentions Santa Clara County, it's nearly universally implied that they're referring to the region's northern communities, which serve as the core of Silicon Valley. These notable tech hubs, including Cupertino, Mountain View, and Palo Alto, generate most of the headlines for the Santa Clara Valley, with San Jose, the largest city in the county and 10th largest city in the nation, filling in the gaps.
Head south of San Jose and Silicon Valley, and you'll happen across what is arguably one of California's best-kept secrets — Santa Clara Valley’s southern region.
Equal parts charming and rustic, the area south of Silicon Valley is an absolute gem of a region. Most aptly described as a rural-suburban escape from the rigors of the high-pressure tech industry, the collection of communities provides residents a far more relaxed lifestyle than the urbanized locales to the north.
Six communities, in particular, have helped spur the South Region's status as one of California's most desirable places to live. Campbell, Los Gatos, and Almaden Valley are considered part of Silicon Valley's southern reach. The following three locales — Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy — are the southernmost communities in the Bay Area, each with its distinct lifestyle.
Read on to explore this picturesque, low-key counterpart to Silicon Valley and its six principal cities with a relocation guide to the South Bay and Santa Clara Valley.
Campbell
Photo courtesy of Campbell Smile
Incorporated in 1952, the city of Campbell sits at the heart of San Jose's western suburbs. Part of Silicon Valley's southern expanse, the region offers a glimpse of the treasures that await those who venture away from the bustle of Silicon Valley's more heavily-trafficked neighborhoods. There is a charming, small-town quality in Campbell, which is a common theme across most of the Santa Clara Valley.
Many people are drawn to Campbell's central location and non-traditional suburban neighborhoods. The architecture throughout the city is a mix of styles, including the eclectic Central Park district. You can find Colonial, Contemporary, Craftsman, Mediterranean, Ranch, and Tudor-inspired homes here.
Besides its attractive residential options, Campbell is a popular shopping destination. The city's two primary retail centers include Downtown Campbell, with over 100 shops and restaurants, and the open-air, 250,000-square-foot Pruneyard Shopping Center.
Campbell relocation stats:
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Population: 42,221
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Median household income: $124,525
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Schools: Campbell is served by the Campbell Union School and Campbell Union High School Districts
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Parks: 12 local parks, including the 32-acre John D. Morgan Park, and access to the nearly 12-mile long Los Gatos Creek Trail
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Distance to: San Jose - 7 miles; Palo Alto - 20 miles; San Francisco - 50 miles
Los Gatos
Though not always associated with Silicon Valley's central hub of communities, as the home of streaming giant Netflix, Los Gatos is a significant player in the tech industry. The city also boasts one of the Santa Clara Valley's most incredible settings. The area is tucked into the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and offers quick access to thousands of acres of open space and miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
Photo courtesy of Realtor.comLos Gatos is one of the most affluent areas in the Bay Area and features real estate befitting the distinction. Homes throughout the city are anything but modest. Two-plus acre lots are commonplace, featuring grand residences across many architectural styles. From historical Spanish Haciendas to Dutch Colonials, classic Victorians, and French Country estates, if there's a home style you love, you'll find it here.
Along with its popularity as an outdoor lover's dreamscape, Los Gatos is an acclaimed destination for food and wine connoisseurs. The upscale downtown shopping and dining district showcases the Michelin three-starred restaurant Manresa. Adding to the elegance are 12 wineries and vineyards within the city limits.
Los Gatos relocation stats:
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Population: 30,729
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Median household income: $155,863
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Schools: Los Gatos is served by the Los Gatos Union School District and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District
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Parks: 18 local parks and open spaces, two county parks totaling over 1,200 acres, extensive paved and unpaved bike paths
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Distance to: San Jose - 12 miles; Palo Alto - 23 miles; San Francisco - 53 miles
Almaden Valley
Photo courtesy of Neighborhoods.com
Known locally as Almaden, the Almaden Valley connects Santa Clara County's northern urban-suburban sprawl and its southern countryside valleys. Located 30 minutes southwest of San Jose, Almaden is in the shadow of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west. The rolling topography of the Santa Teresa Hills frames the valley's eastern border.
Though still considered a San Jose neighborhood, Almaden is the gateway into Santa Clara County's sweeping rural landscape. Much of the area's housing features large, single-family homes on generous-sized lots with tranquil views of the surrounding mountain ranges and hillsides.
The area's advantageous location provides residents with the best of both worlds in Santa Clara County. There's no shortage of big-city conveniences, and the city is home to many businesses that serve as an extension of Silicon Valley. With abundant outdoor recreational opportunities and a distinct, family-friendly vibe, Almaden is the perfect getaway spot — that doesn’t require getting too far away!
Almaden Valley relocation stats:
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Population: 55,187
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Median household income: $184,610
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Schools: Almaden Valley is served by the San José Unified School District, Campbell Union School District, and Los Gatos Union School District.
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Parks: 15 local parks totaling over 150 acres, the 4,163-acre Quicksilver County Park, and a trail system stretching over 75 miles, including direct access to the 550-mile long
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Bay Area Ridge Trail
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Distance to: San Jose - 12 miles; Palo Alto - 28 miles; San Francisco - 59 miles
Morgan Hill
Hop on the 101, head south from San Jose, and you'll encounter Santa Clara County's three most remote communities. First among them is the vibrant city of Morgan Hill. In some estimations, Morgan Hill represents the southernmost part of Silicon Valley.
Often recognized as one of the loftiest real estate markets in the U.S., the city restricts specific building types to ensure the area maintains its tranquil, rural aesthetics. Vineyards, parks, and open spaces are prominently featured.
Don't let the pastoral zoning management fool you. Morgan Hill is home to one of the most vibrant downtowns in the Santa Clara Valley. The area hosts popular dining and entertainment destinations with high-end restaurants and low-key eateries. Coupled with its natural surroundings and access to many outdoor pursuits, this affluent burg is one of the region's fastest-growing cities.
Morgan Hill relocation stats:
- Population: 44,686
- Median household income: $124,419
- Schools: Morgan Hill is served by the Morgan Hill Unified School District
- Parks: 29 local parks and recreational facilities totaling more than 125 acres, the 232-acre Chesbro Reservoir County Park, and the 4,275-acre Anderson Lake County Park
- Distance to: San Jose - 23 miles; Palo Alto - 43 miles; San Francisco - 71 miles
San Martin
For those seeking rustic opulence deep within the Santa Clara Valley, the search begins and ends with San Martin. San Martin is arguably the Bay Area's most idyllic locale, the smallest of the South Bay communities.
This tiny village sits between the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east. Vineyards, ranches, and majestic estates dot the landscape, and the serene 1,700-acre CordeValle luxury golf and wellness resort serves as the community's signature landmark.
Though the modern comforts of Morgan Hill (five miles to the north) and Gilroy (six miles to the south) are close by, San Martin is one of the few places in the region where one truly feels secluded. The fast-paced, big tech culture of Silicon Valley genuinely feels a world away. Fortunately for those commuters who call San Martin home, this charming enclave is still less than a 45-minute drive from the world's foremost innovation hub.
San Martin relocation stats:
- Population: 6,803
- Median household income: $116,172
- Schools: San Martin is served by the Morgan Hill Unified School District
- Parks: the 6,695-acre Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park sits adjacent to the community
- Distance to: San Jose - 26 miles; Palo Alto - 43 miles; San Francisco - 74 miles
Gilroy
Gilroy, the southernmost city in the celebrated Santa Clara Valley, is also the southernmost population center for the entire San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to San Jose, Gilroy is less than a 30-minute drive to the beach, Santa Cruz, Salinas, and Watsonville and 45 minutes to Carmel and Monterey.
Like other cities throughout the South Bay region, Gilroy hosts numerous vineyards and easy access to recreational parks, Coyote Lake and preserves. Unlike a few of its neighbors, luxury real estate is more accessible, with the city featuring a more traditional, family-friendly vibe. Gilroy offers plenty of stunning Santa Clara Valley estates the further you venture from the town center.
As the self-proclaimed Garlic Capital of the World, Gilroy's dining scene features a bevy of establishments that delightfully play up this moniker. The 150-plus stores at the Gilroy Premium Outlets are a popular draw for people across the region. For golf enthusiasts, it's worth noting that Gilroy is closer to the Monterey Peninsula and the Pebble Beach Golf Links than to Palo Alto or San Francisco.
Gilroy relocation stats:
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Population: 56,766
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Median household income: $101,616
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Schools: Gilroy is served by the Gilroy Unified School District
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Parks: 21 city parks and the 6,695-acre Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
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Distance to: San Jose - 30 miles; Palo Alto - 50 miles; San Francisco - 80 miles
Ready to make a move south from Silicon Valley and call a more pastoral countryside setting home? Are you seeking specialists to help in searching for the perfect plot of land or an established ranch or vineyard to purchase?
Contact Linda Pond today to start your South Bay home buying journey. From luxury homes for sale in Los Gatos and Almaden Valley to Morgan Hill and Gilroy real estate, allow Linda's 40 years of experience and expertise to be your guide to the luxury real estate market, country properties and ranches.
*Header photo courtesy of Morgan Hill
*Header photo courtesy of Morgan Hill
