Milpitas, California
A CITY GUIDE
Overview & History
Milpitas, located in the northeastern corner of Santa Clara County, is a dynamic and growing city that plays an integral role in Silicon Valley. With a population of about 80,000, it is known for its diverse community, proximity to major tech hubs, and access to excellent amenities. The city’s name comes from the Spanish word for “little cornfields,” reflecting its agricultural past. Originally a ranching community, Milpitas transformed in the mid-20th century as tech companies began establishing roots in the surrounding area, leading to rapid growth and urban development.
Today, Milpitas offers a balance of suburban living, a strong industrial base, and a growing retail and business district. Its convenient location, bordering San Jose and Fremont and with easy access to major highways and public transit, makes it a desirable place for families and professionals working in Silicon Valley.
Role in Tech
Milpitas is closely connected to Silicon Valley’s tech ecosystem, with several major technology and semiconductor companies calling the city home. Notable employers include KLA Corporation, a major player in semiconductor manufacturing, Western Digital, and Cisco Systems, which has facilities in the city. Its industrial zones also support a variety of tech-related industries, from manufacturing to logistics.
Additionally, Milpitas’ proximity to major tech centers like North San Jose and Fremont makes it a convenient location for professionals who work at companies like Tesla, Apple, and Google, while offering relatively more affordable housing options compared to its southern neighbors.
Neighborhoods
Milpitas offers a range of neighborhoods, from established communities with mid-century homes to newer developments featuring modern amenities. Here are some of the city’s notable areas:
Hillcrest
One of Milpitas’ more affluent neighborhoods, Hillcrest features large homes and offers scenic views of the surrounding hills. Many homes in this area are custom-built, with expansive lots, making it attractive to families seeking more space. It's also near several hiking trails and parks.
Sunnyhills
This historic neighborhood was one of the first residential communities in Milpitas and features a mix of single-family homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. Sunnyhills has a suburban feel and is known for its community spirit and proximity to schools and parks.
Pines
Located near the city's center, the Pines neighborhood offers a mix of older ranch-style homes and newer developments. It’s a family-friendly area with easy access to shopping, schools, and transportation hubs.
Creekside
Creekside is a newer development featuring contemporary homes, townhouses, and condos. This neighborhood is ideal for young professionals and families looking for modern living spaces with access to community amenities such as parks, pools, and fitness centers.
Midtown
This growing district is transforming into a vibrant urban center with mixed-use developments, apartments, and condos. Midtown offers close proximity to shopping centers like the Great Mall and easy access to public transportation, including the BART station.
Schools
Milpitas is served by the Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD), which has a strong reputation for academic performance and community involvement. Many families choose to live in Milpitas due to the quality of the schools, making it a family-friendly city with a focus on education.
Top Elementary Schools
Schools like Curtner Elementary, Marshall Pomeroy Elementary, and John Sinnott Elementary are known for their high academic standards and active parent-teacher organizations.
Middle Schools
Thomas Russell Middle School and Rancho Milpitas Middle School offer robust academic programs and extracurricular activities, preparing students for high school.
High Schools
Milpitas High School is the city’s primary high school and is well-regarded for its comprehensive academic offerings, including strong STEM programs, as well as its athletic and arts programs.
Milpitas is also home to several private schools and alternative education programs, offering a variety of options for families seeking different educational paths.
Downtown Scene
Milpitas does not have a traditional downtown like nearby cities, but it has a growing retail and commercial district anchored by The Great Mall, one of the largest outlet shopping centers in Northern California. While the city’s downtown is still developing, there are several areas where residents can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment:
Key downtown attractions include:
- The Great Mall: This massive outlet mall offers over 200 stores, including popular retail brands, restaurants, and a movie theater. It’s a major shopping destination for both Milpitas residents and visitors from around the Bay Area.
- Main Street: Though small, Milpitas’ Main Street area offers local businesses, restaurants, and services. Plans for redevelopment aim to expand this area with more mixed-use developments and community spaces in the coming years.
- Midtown and Transit Area: With the development of BART and increased public transit access, Midtown is expected to evolve into a more urbanized center, offering new housing options, shops, restaurants, and business opportunities.
Parks & Recreation
Milpitas has several parks, recreational facilities, and hiking trails that offer residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
– Ed R. Levin County Park: Located in the hills above Milpitas, this expansive park offers hiking, picnicking, and hang-gliding opportunities. It’s known for its scenic vistas, fishing ponds, and miles of trails, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
– Cardoza Park: This large community park features sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground. It’s a popular spot for families and local sports leagues.
– Alviso Marina County Park: Just a short drive from Milpitas, this park offers access to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking.
– Milpitas Sports Center: The city’s primary recreational facility offers a swimming pool, fitness center, and sports courts. It’s a popular place for fitness classes, swimming lessons, and community events.
Real Estate Market
Milpitas’ real estate market is closely tied to Silicon Valley, making it a competitive and increasingly desirable place to live. While it tends to be more affordable than nearby cities like Cupertino and Palo Alto, prices have risen as more tech workers and families look for homes with easier access to work and amenities.
The median home price in Milpitas is around $1.3 million, with homes in the hilltop neighborhoods like Hillcrest commanding higher prices. Newer developments, especially in Midtown and Creekside, offer modern townhomes and condos, which tend to attract younger professionals and first-time homebuyers.
Renters will also find a range of options, from luxury apartments near the Great Mall and BART station to more traditional single-family homes in older neighborhoods. The city’s ongoing development of new housing projects ensures that there is a steady stream of properties coming onto the market.
Conclusion
Milpitas is a growing and diverse city that offers a blend of suburban tranquility, strong schools, and proximity to Silicon Valley’s tech centers. With its excellent public transit connections, including BART, and easy access to major highways, it’s a prime location for professionals commuting to work in nearby cities. The city’s mix of established neighborhoods and new developments, along with ongoing investments in retail, recreation, and infrastructure, makes it an attractive option for families and tech workers alike.
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