Best Eichler ZIP Codes for Families: School Ratings and STEM Access
Top Eichler-Heavy Neighborhoods in California for Families
California is home to several mid-century Eichler enclaves that offer not only iconic architecture but also excellent family living. Below we rank some of the most Eichler-dense ZIP codes in the state, focusing on school quality, nearby private/STEM programs, safety, and home market trends. Each area combines the unique Eichler modernist charm with family-friendly amenities to help you make an informed real estate decision.
1. 94306 – Palo Alto (Greenmeadow & Charleston Meadows)
An Eichler home in Palo Alto’s Greenmeadow neighborhood, a mid-century modern enclave. Palo Alto’s Eichler communities, like Greenmeadow and Fairmeadow, boast top-tier public schools. Local schools such as Fairmeadow Elementary and Jane L. Stanford Middle consistently perform above average, and Gunn High School holds a 9/10 GreatSchools ratinggreatschools.org (Gunn is also ranked among California’s top 5 public high schoolsniche.com). Families benefit from a culture of academic excellence – Stanford University is next door, and Palo Alto High (Paly) and Gunn High regularly send graduates to elite colleges. In addition to stellar public schools, Palo Alto is within reach of renowned private and gifted programs. The city is a reasonable drive from The Nueva School’s upper campus in San Mateo (a leading PK–12 school for gifted learnersen.wikipedia.org) and Harker’s lower/middle campuses in San Jose. This provides families access to specialized STEM and accelerated learning if desired. Neighborhood safety is excellent – violent crime rates are only around 2 per 1,000 residents, significantly below national averagesareavibes.com. The community is very family-friendly, with block parties, parks, and bike lanes connecting tree-lined Eichler tracts. Home Prices: Palo Alto is expensive: the median sale price in 94306 is about $3.0–3.2 million as of 2024zillow.comredfin.com. Eichler homes here command a premium for their design and location, though inventory is limited. Overall, 94306 offers an exceptional mix of world-class schools, low crime, strong community, and iconic Eichler architecture – making it arguably the top choice for families seeking the Eichler lifestyle.
2. 95014 – Cupertino (Fairgrove Eichlers)
Cupertino’s Fairgrove tract is an Eichler pocket in a city famous for outstanding public schools. Cupertino’s schools perennially rank among California’s best: e.g. Monta Vista High is rated 9/10 by GreatSchools greatschools.org and is known for its rigorous STEM curriculum. Likewise, Lawson and Miller Middle, and several elementary schools (e.g. Lincoln, Sedgwick) often score 8–10/10 in state ratings. The academic pressure is high but results are stellar, with Monta Vista consistently producing National Merit scholars and enjoying near-perfect test scores. For private options, Cupertino is at the heart of Silicon Valley’s tech corridor – families are within 15–20 minutes of elite institutions like The Harker School (upper campus in neighboring Saratoga) and BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, a top-rated STEM-focused private (grades 6–12) with its campus in San Jose basisindependent.com. Numerous enrichment academies (coding, robotics, math circles) are available after school, reflecting the area’s STEM orientation. Beyond academics, Cupertino is a safe and upscale suburb – the violent crime rate is about 1.2 per 1,000 people patch.com, and the city often ranks among California’s safest patch.com. Family life revolves around local parks, the community center, and weekend farmer’s markets. As the home of Apple, the city is culturally diverse and highly educated. Home Prices: The median single-family home in 95014 is about $2.7–2.8 million redfin.com, reflecting the demand for the schools. Eichler homes in Fairgrove (around Miller Ave & Bollinger Rd) occasionally hit the market; expect prices on the higher end due to mid-century appeal and a location that marries architectural charm with top-notch schools.
3. 94087 – Sunnyvale (Cherry Chase & Ortega Park Eichlers)
Sunnyvale’s western ZIP code 94087 includes several Eichler-rich neighborhoods (such as around Cherry Chase) and benefits from excellent schools and central Silicon Valley location. Portions of 94087 fall into Cupertino’s Fremont Union High School District, meaning many students attend Homestead High (GreatSchools 8/10 greatschools.org) or Cupertino High – both high-performing schools with extensive AP and STEM offerings. Elementary schools like Cumberland and Cherry Chase are among Sunnyvale’s best (rated 8/10 greatschools.org) and feed into strong middle schools (Sunnyvale Middle or Cupertino Union’s). There’s a focus on STEM enrichment; Sunnyvale is home to a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley lower school campus (TK–5)cde.ca.gov, and kids can join myriad coding camps, libraries with maker spaces, and tech company outreach programs in the area. Private school options nearby include The King’s Academy (a well-regarded Christian prep school) and easy access to all the Cupertino/San Jose private academies. Sunnyvale is known for its exceptional safety – it was ranked in the top 20 safest cities in California, with only ~1.17 violent crimes per 1,000 residents patch.com. Eichler neighborhoods here are suburban in feel: quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and close to parks (Ortega Park and Las Palmas Park are local favorites). Home Prices: Sunnyvale 94087 is quite pricey, with median home sales around $3.0 million redfin.com (helped by many new or expanded homes in the area). Eichlers, when listed, often attract multiple offers due to their rarity. For families desiring an Eichler aesthetic and strong schools in a convenient location, 94087 Sunnyvale strikes an ideal balance of safety, community, and educational quality.
4. 94040 – Mountain View (Monta Loma & Blossom Valley)
Mountain View’s Eichler areas include the Monta Loma neighborhood (about 200 Eichler homes) and pockets near Blossom Valley. This ZIP code offers solid public schools and a tech-centric community. Depending on the exact neighborhood, students attend either Mountain View High or Los Altos High – both of which perform well (MVLA High School District schools have ~8/10 ratings greatschools.org and feature strong AP and STEM programs). For younger kids, local elementaries like Monta Loma, Bubb, or Huff have good reputations (and nearby Los Altos School District schools, like Santa Rita or Almond, are excellent if you’re on that border). Mountain View is also rich in innovation resources – it’s home to the NASA Ames Research Park and many tech companies, which means plenty of science camps, coding workshops, and a culture of innovation that trickles down to school programs (several MV schools boast competitive robotics teams and coding clubs). Private school options include secular and faith-based choices: St. Francis High School (a top Catholic school with renowned athletics and STEM facilities) is right in Mountain View, and the expansive Harker and Nueva campuses are within 20–30 minutes. The city is family-friendly and relatively safe, though being an urban hub, crime rates are a bit higher than smaller suburbs (Mountain View’s violent crime rate is still modest and the Monta Loma area is considered very safe by residents). Neighborhood parks, the Stevens Creek Trail, and community events (like the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival) add to the charm. Home Prices: Mountain View is expensive but slightly less so than Palo Alto – in 94040 the median home price is about $2.2 million redfin.com (the city-wide median, including condos, is around $1.9M redfin.com). Eichler homes here tend to be more affordable than in Palo Alto, often ranging from the high $1 millions to $2 million depending on size/condition. For a family wanting a blend of mid-century style, good schools, and proximity to tech jobs, Mountain View is a compelling choice.
5. 94402 – San Mateo (The Highlands Eichler Tract)
San Mateo’s Highlands neighborhood (ZIP 94402) is a unique Eichler-heavy community in the verdant hills west of the city. It offers a suburban feel with strong schools and private options nearby. The local public schools are part of the high-performing San Mateo-Foster City district and the Sequoia Union High District. Students often attend Highlands Elementary (known for its close-knit parent community) and Crystal Springs Uplands or Borel Middle, then Aragon High School – which scores well (around 8/10 in state ratings) and offers an International Baccalaureate program. While Aragon High is highly regarded, what really shines in this area is access to prestigious private schools on the Peninsula. Families in 94402 are just minutes from The Nueva School (Hillsborough campus for PK–8 and the Bay Meadows (94403) campus for high school), a nationally recognized gifted education school en.wikipedia.org. Also nearby are elite schools like Crystal Springs Uplands School, Castilleja (girls’ school) in Palo Alto (a bit further south), and several parochial schools – providing plenty of choices for specialized or advanced programs. The Highlands itself was one of Eichler’s landmark projects, and it remains very family-friendly. Residents enjoy a community recreation center, pool, and hiking trails into Crystal Springs – plus a mid-century modern vibe protected by neighborhood design guidelines. Safety is excellent; the crime rate in this affluent area is low (the Highlands and Hillsborough areas have some of the lowest crime in San Mateo County). Families can let kids bike the cul-de-sacs or walk the dog with peace of mind. Home Prices: The median home price in 94402 is around $2.3 million redfin.com, but Highlands Eichlers specifically often sell in the $1.8–$2.2M range depending on views and updates. Homes here tend to have larger lots and dramatic Bay Area views (some of the most striking Eichler designs were built here eichlerhomesforsale.com), which, along with the schools, justify the premium. For those seeking a close community, top private schools, and classic Eichler design amid nature, the San Mateo Highlands is ideal.
6. 95125 – San Jose (Willow Glen – Fairglen Eichlers)
San Jose’s 95125 encompasses Willow Glen, a charming neighborhood known for tree-lined streets and a cluster of Eichler homes in the Fairglen tract. This area offers a blend of decent public schools and abundant private school choices. The local public schools (San Jose Unified) are solid if not top-tier – for example, Booksin Elementary is a well-regarded neighborhood school (rated around 7/10 greatschools.org) and Willow Glen High has improved to about a 7/10 GreatSchools rating greatschools.org, with programs like an Engineering Academy. However, many families in Willow Glen take advantage of San Jose’s rich private school scene. Within a short drive you’ll find Harker’s lower school (arguably Silicon Valley’s top private, known for STEM excellence), BASIS Independent’s upper school (a rigorous STEM-focused private in San Jose, ZIP 95126cde.ca.gov), plus renowned Catholic schools like Bellarmine College Prep (boys), Presentation (girls), and coed Archbishop Mitty High – all offering stellar academics and specialized programs. In other words, living in 95125 puts a family in the heart of Silicon Valley’s educational hub, with myriad options for gifted or STEM-inclined students. The neighborhood itself is one of San Jose’s safest and most family-friendly. Willow Glen has a small-town feel – you’ll see families strolling along Lincoln Avenue (downtown Willow Glen) for ice cream, and kids biking on neighborhood streets. Crime in Willow Glen is low for San Jose standards (the area ranks well within the top quartile of safest San Jose communities), and Pocket neighborhoods like Fairglen benefit from community watch groups and active HOA events. A Safewise analysis noted San Jose’s overall crime is higher than smaller suburbs, but Willow Glen specifically is regarded as a tranquil “urban suburb” with strong community policing. nextdoor.com niche.com. Home Prices: The 95125 market is robust – median home sale prices are about $1.8–2.0 million in early 2025 redfin.com, as Willow Glen’s historic charm and central location are in demand. An Eichler in Fairglen (3–4 bed, ~1,800 sq ft) will typically list around that median or higher (recent sales show Eichlers in Willow Glen trading around $1.9–$2.1M redfin.com, depending on modernization). For families, 95125 offers an attractive package: a real neighborhood feel within a big city, access to some of the best private schools and programs in the South Bay, and the chance to own an iconic Eichler amid classic Willow Glen charm.
7. 94903 – San Rafael (Lucas Valley & Terra Linda Eichlers)
Marin County’s Lucas Valley and Terra Linda neighborhoods (ZIP 94903) contain a high concentration of Eichler homes set against rolling hills and open space. This area provides a serene, safe environment with good schools and a tight-knit community vibe. The public schools serving Lucas Valley/Terra Linda are in the Miller Creek District for K-8 and the San Rafael High District for high school. Miller Creek Middle School and Lucas Valley Elementary are both strong (around 6–8/10 in GreatSchools ratings, with Miller Creek noted for high student progress greatschools.org). Terra Linda High School is a 7/10 school reddit.com that offers solid academics, including the specialized STEM Marin School of Environmental Leadership program. While these schools may not rank as sky-high as those in Palo Alto or Cupertino, they are well-regarded and benefit from involved parent communities and the affluence of the area. Additionally, Marin County offers respected private options: for example, Marin Catholic High School (in nearby Kentfield) and Branson School (a top private high school) are within a reasonable commute. For younger kids, there are Montessori and parochial schools in San Rafael and Ross. Safety in 94903 is outstanding – the Lucas Valley/Marinwood region sees very low crime and is considered safer than about 79% of California neighborhoods crimegrade.org. Residents describe it as “an old and safe neighborhood…with easy access to outdoors” niche.com. Indeed, family-friendliness is a hallmark: there’s a community center with a swimming pool (the Lucas Valley Community Center, originally an Eichler model home!), and kids can walk to school or bike on quiet residential streets. Hiking and biking trails into Lucas Valley Preserve are at your doorstep for weekend adventures. Home Prices: Marin is pricey but slightly less so than Silicon Valley – the median in 94903 is roughly $980K–$1.0 million for all homes redfin.com. Single-family Eichler homes typically sell in the $1.2M range, with larger or updated models going higher. Many Eichlers here have been carefully preserved, and the neighborhood’s HOA actively promotes maintaining the mid-century aesthetic. For families seeking open space, community, and Eichler design with reliable (if not superstar) schools, 94903 San Rafael is a fantastic option – it’s a slice of 1950s utopia that remains virtually unchanged paloaltoonline.com, now with modern-day amenities for families.
8. 94521 – Concord (Rancho del Diablo & Parkwood Estates)
Concord’s 94521, in the East Bay, contains three Eichler tracts (around 175 homes) tucked into otherwise traditional suburban neighborhoods. For families, this area offers affordable Eichler living with decent schools and improving amenities. The public schools serving 94521 are part of Mt. Diablo Unified. Many Eichler kids attend Highlands Elementary or Ayers Elementary (both have good reputations locally), Pine Hollow Middle, and either Clayton Valley Charter High or Concord High. Clayton Valley Charter, in particular, has become a draw – it offers specialized academies (including a Science and Tech Academy) and its performance has surpassed the traditional high school (GreatSchools ~7/10 vs Concord High’s 5/10). Thus, families in the Eichler neighborhoods often aim for Clayton Valley Charter, which provides strong college prep and a supportive community. Nearby, there are also magnet programs like Eagle Peak Montessori (K-8) and Foothill Middle’s STEM program that attract involved families. While Concord isn’t known for elite private schools like the Peninsula or South Bay, there are some options – Carondelet and De La Salle (Catholic high schools in Concord) offer rigorous academics and excellent sports. Safety in 94521 is generally good. Concord is a large city, but the 94521 zip (in the north/east hills) is the city’s more upscale area with lower crime. Local Neighborhood Watch groups in the Eichler tracts are active, and residents describe the area as peaceful and community-oriented. Statistically, Concord’s crime rate is about average, but 94521 specifically sees fewer issues than downtown Concord or Bay Point. The Eichler enclaves benefit from being somewhat tucked away, fostering a “small community” feel where neighbors know each other. Home Prices: One big advantage here is affordability relative to other Eichler-heavy areas. The median home price in 94521 is about $770K redfin.com – a fraction of Palo Alto’s. Eichler homes (3–4 bed, ~1600 sq ft) in Concord typically list in the high $700Ks to mid-$800Ks redfin.com, depending on condition (some fully remodeled Eichlers have crossed $1M, but that’s still very affordable by Bay Area standards redfin.com). This means a family can snag an Eichler in Concord at roughly one-quarter the cost of one in Palo Alto. You’ll trade off slightly lower school ratings and a longer commute to Silicon Valley (if that’s where you work), but you gain space, value, and a close community. For many families, 94521’s combination of mid-century charm, improving schools, safer streets, and budget-friendliness makes it an excellent entry point into Eichler homeownership.
9. 95831 – Sacramento (South Land Park Hills Eichlers)
Even California’s capital has Eichlers! In ZIP code 95831, the South Land Park Hills neighborhood of Sacramento contains a rare collection of 60+ Eichler homes. This area is known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere and comparatively affordable prices, while offering solid local schools and access to Sacramento’s array of private schools. South Land Park’s public schools fall under the Sacramento City Unified School District. Core local schools (e.g. Pony Express Elementary, Sam Brannan Middle) are average to above-average performers by state metrics. For high school, the neighborhood is served by John F. Kennedy High, which offers the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program and has a strong reputation within Sacramento (JFK’s IB and airforce ROTC programs draw students citywide). GreatSchools rates Kennedy around 6/10, but its specialized programs and higher test scores in the IB track make it a standout in the district. Moreover, Sacramento has multiple private options that 95831 families leverage – Merryhill and Brookfield (elementary), Sacramento Country Day (a top independent PK–12 school), Jesuit High and St. Francis High (well-known Catholic prep schools) are all within 20–30 minutes drive. For STEM-oriented families, The Met Sacramento (an innovative public charter high school) and West Campus High (a selective public school) are other choices in the city. South Land Park itself is extremely family-friendly. The Pocket/Greenhaven area (which includes South Land Park) is described as “a peaceful and well-maintained neighborhood… known for its lush greenery and family-friendly environment.” nextdoor.com. Crime is relatively low – the Pocket area’s total crime rate is roughly 52% lower than the U.S. average, with a violent crime rate of about 1.99 per 1,000 people sacramentomover.net. Neighbors often know each other by name, and kids play freely on the mid-century cul-de-sacs. There are parks, a local library, and the Sacramento River nearby for outdoor fun. And though downtown Sacramento is only 10 minutes away, South Land Park feels secluded and calm, making it ideal for raising a family. Home Prices: One of 95831’s biggest draws is affordability. The average home value in 95831 is around $640K zillow.com, and even large 4-bedroom Eichlers have sold in the $800–900K range redfin.com (a recent 3-bed Eichler sold for ~$948K in March 2024 redfin.com). You’re getting Eichler design at a fraction of Bay Area prices, plus larger yards and pools are common. While appreciation is slower in Sacramento than in Silicon Valley, the area has seen steady growth (median prices up ~7% year-over-year redfin.com). For families wanting the Eichler experience on a moderate budget, with decent schools and a strong community, 95831 Sacramento is a hidden gem.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Eichler Community for Your Family
Each of these ZIP codes offers something special for families seeking the mid-century modern lifestyle. If top public schools and a high-octane academic environment are your priority, Palo Alto (94306) or Cupertino (95014) will rise to the top – their schools are among the best in the nation greatschools.org, and the surrounding communities are extremely safe and child-friendly. For a blend of great schools and slightly lower housing costs, Sunnyvale (94087), Mountain View (94040), or San Mateo Highlands (94402) are excellent – you’ll still get strong academics and even better access to renowned private institutions like Nueva or Harker. Those looking for value and a slower pace might lean toward Marin’s Lucas Valley (94903), Concord (94521), or Sacramento (95831), where you can find an Eichler at a more reasonable price point without sacrificing safety or community cohesion. San Jose’s Willow Glen (95125) sits in the middle: it offers a charming neighborhood with decent schools, and unparalleled proximity to a variety of private schools and urban amenities in the Bay Area.
No matter which Eichler-heavy area you consider, you’ll be joining a community that appreciates architecture, neighborhood camaraderie, and family life. These areas tend to have active neighborhood associations, yearly block parties or home tours, and neighbors who share resources – from carpools to contractor recommendations for those post-war flat roofs. When evaluating each, consider the specific school options (and whether public or private fits your child), the commute/work proximity, and how the home prices align with your budget. All the areas above have 2024–2025 data pointing to strong appreciation and demand, indicating that an Eichler home in a good school district is not just a lifestyle choice but also a sound investment paloaltoonline.com redfin.com.
In summary, California’s Eichler neighborhoods prove that you can have it all: iconic design, a family-friendly environment, and educational excellence. By prioritizing what matters most – be it schools, space, or cost – you can choose the ZIP code that will best support your family’s needs and make your Eichler home dream come true.
As founders of the Boyenga Team at Compass, Eric and Janelle Boyenga are trusted Eichler Real Estate Experts, helping families navigate the intersection of architectural authenticity and educational excellence. With deep market knowledge, innovative Compass tools, and a commitment to preserving mid-century modern heritage, the Boyenga Team is your go-to source for buying or selling Eichler homes in Silicon Valley and beyond. Whether you're looking for the right school district or that perfect post-and-beam atrium, the Boyenga Team makes your modernist dream a smart investment.
Sources: GreatSchools Ratings greatschools.org; School and district profiles niche.com greatschools.org; Private school directories cde.ca.gov en.wikipedia.org; Safety and crime statistics patch.com sacramentomover.net; Housing market data from Zillow/Redfin zillow.com redfin.com; Eichler community info eichlerhomesforsale.com; Patch and local news reports patch.com. Each area’s data was cross-checked for 2024–2025 to ensure accuracy in school performance and real estate trends.