Google by Day, Mid-Mod by Night: Eichlers in the 94043 Zone
Eichler Living in 94043: Monta Loma vs. The Crossings
Mountain View’s 94043 zip code is home to a unique blend of past and future. By day, residents here are minutes from tech campuses like Google; by night, many return to classic mid-century modern homes straight out of the 1950s. Nowhere is this contrast sharper than between the Monta Loma neighborhood – filled with Joseph Eichler’s post-and-beam modernist homes – and newer infill developments like The Crossings, a higher-density townhome community. In this post, we’ll explore the architectural and lifestyle appeal of Monta Loma’s Eichlers, compare them with the contemporary townhouses at The Crossings, and see how both offer perks of Silicon Valley living (short commutes, strong community) in very different housing styles.
Monta Loma’s Mid-Century Modern Eichlers
Tucked into north Mountain View, Monta Loma is a mid-century gem defined by its abundance of Eichler and Eichler-style homes. Built in the mid-1950s, over 200 Eichler houses were constructed here (the “Fairview” tract) alongside similarly styled homes by builders Mackay and Mardellen.wikipedia.org. These are typically one-story post-and-beam houses with clean lines and open layouts, designed by renowned modernist architects like Jones & Emmons. Hallmarks of Monta Loma homes include slightly pitched roofs, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, exposed ceiling beams, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Many feature enclosed front patios or atriums and vertical board siding – classic California modern elements pioneered by Eichler. Nearly all original models were modest 3-bedroom, 2-bath layouts around ~1,100 sq ft montaloma.org, making efficient use of space with an emphasis on bringing the outdoors in (large windows, skylights, and sliding glass opening to private courtyards)en.wikipedia.org.
Despite their age, Monta Loma’s Eichlers “wear their age well.” Many have been updated over time, yet the neighborhood’s overall 1950s character remains intactesquirepropertymanagementgroup.com. Original details like Philippine mahogany wall paneling, concrete slab floors with radiant heat, and open-air atrium foyers are treasured by enthusiasts. Residents appreciate that these homes feel airy and modern even today, with fewer interior walls and abundant natural light esquirepropertymanagementgroup.com. The houses are often set back further on their lots than in newer subdivisions, creating broad front yards where kids play and neighbors chat esquirepropertymanagementgroup.com. This fosters a relaxed, close-knit community vibe – think evening strolls past retro ranch façades, impromptu chats over Eichler fences, and a strong neighborhood identity. Monta Loma’s community even sells caps emblazoned with the neighborhood name and hosts clubs for gardening, knitting, biking, and more (a tradition harkening back to 1950s hobby clubs when the homes were new)eichlernetwork.com. Residents are proud of the area’s mid-century heritage and have an active neighborhood association focused on preserving its historic character – from architectural aesthetics down to the stately old trees lining the streetsesquirepropertymanagementgroup.com.
Lifestyle Appeal: Living in a Monta Loma Eichler means embracing a quintessential mid-mod lifestyle. Interiors boast an open-plan flow that’s perfect for modern living and entertaining, even if the square footage is modest. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels invite in California sunshine and views of your yard’s foliage. Many homes center around an atrium or back patio, effectively extending the living space outdoors – ideal for BBQs or relaxing under the stars. The single-story layout appeals to young families and older residents alike (no stairs!) and creates a horizontal streetscape with broad rooflines and mid-century charm at every turn. Neighbors in Monta Loma tend to be long-term residents; once people move in, they often stay for decades esquirepropertymanagementgroup.com. The result is a tight community fabric with annual block parties, summer ice cream socials, and even a babysitting co-op for local parents esquirepropertymanagementgroup.com. Two local parks (Monta Loma Park and the toddler-friendly Thaddeus Park) are within walking distance for most homes. In short, Monta Loma offers a slice of classic suburban life – friendly, leafy, and nostalgically modern – right in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Importantly, Monta Loma marries this 1950s ambience with 21st-century convenience. The neighborhood sits in the 94043 zone, just a 10-minute bike ride from Google’s main campus and even adjacent to a newer Google office complex on the former Mayfield Mall site. This means Eichler owners can literally work at Google by day and come home to an Eichler by night – the inspiration for our title. Commuting to other tech firms is easy too: LinkedIn, Microsoft, and NASA Ames are just a few miles away in Mountain View and Sunnyvale. Despite this proximity to jobs and Hwy 101, Monta Loma remains tucked away, insulated by its boundaries (San Antonio, Rengstorff, Middlefield, and Central Expressway) montaloma.org. The area is quieter and more residential than many might expect so close to major employers. And while it’s not directly in a downtown, Monta Loma isn’t isolated – the shopping and dining hub of San Antonio Center is just across San Antonio Road, and Castro Street’s lively downtown is a short drive or bike ride away. This balance of mid-century residential tranquility and access to urban amenities makes Monta Loma exceptionally appealing.
The Crossings: New Urban Townhomes in Mountain View
In contrast to Monta Loma’s low-slung mid-century homes, The Crossings represents Mountain View’s leap into new urbanist development. Located about 3 miles south of Monta Loma (near the San Antonio Caltrain Station), The Crossings is a 1990s-built neighborhood that transformed a failing 1960s shopping mall into a vibrant mix of townhouses, condos, and cottages epa.govepa.gov. Construction began in 1994 on an 18-acre site (formerly the Old Mill shopping center), and by the late ‘90s a total of 540 housing units stood where an auto-oriented mall once did mv-voice.commv-voice.com. This project garnered national attention for its smart growth design – it won an Outstanding Planning Award from the American Planning Association in 2002 for exemplifying transit-friendly infill mv-voice.commv-voice.com.
Neighborhood Design: The Crossings was deliberately planned for compact, walkable living. With about 30 homes per acre (versus the 7–10 units/acre typical in Mountain View’s suburban areas)epa.gov, it feels denser and more urban than Monta Loma. The residences range from single-family bungalows and small cottages to attached townhouses and condominium apartments epa.gov. Streets are narrow and tree-lined, and instead of big private yards, the community features several pocket parks and green belts interspersed among the homes mv-voice.com. In fact, Crossings residents have three little parks – essentially landscaped commons with lawns, a gazebo, and a playground – where kids play and neighbors gather with their dogs mv-voice.com. Front porches and stoops are closer to the sidewalk, fostering interaction. All of the homes are within a five-minute walk of the on-site retail area (which includes a few shops and a daycare center) and the Caltrain station at San Antonio epa.govepa.gov. This transit orientation was the guiding principle: leave the car at home. Commuters can hop on the train to employers up and down the Peninsula, or catch a bus connecting from the station epa.gov. Likewise, grocery runs don’t require a drive – a full Safeway and Trader Joe’s are just across the street, and other big-box stores and restaurants in the San Antonio Center are a 5–10 minute walk away mv-voice.com. For those used to suburban sprawl, The Crossings demonstrates how density done right can make daily life more convenient and community-oriented.
epa.gov Architecturally, The Crossings’ homes are contemporary 1990s style – a world apart from Eichlers. You’ll see two- and three-story Mediterranean and Craftsman-influenced façades, attached garages tucked along rear alleys, and front doors opening to compact streets or courtyards. Interiors tend to be vertical and space-efficient: multilevel floor plans (often with a bonus loft or office), modern kitchens, and open-concept living/dining areas, but without the dramatic glass walls or exposed beams of an Eichler. What The Crossings may lack in mid-century mojo, it makes up in modern comforts – things like air conditioning, double-pane windows, and more bathrooms and storage than a 1950s home typically provides. And while lot sizes are small, residents enjoy shared green spaces and low-maintenance lifestyles (HOAs handle exterior upkeep and landscaping). Yards, if present, are petite patios or decks, but that trade-off is intentional to prioritize communal parks and higher density.
Community Life: Despite the more packed-in layout, The Crossings fosters a friendly, close-knit community much like Monta Loma – just organized differently. Here, homeowner associations (there are separate HOAs for the condos, townhomes, and single-family sections) coordinate regular neighborhood events and even monthly meetings mv-voice.commv-voice.com. Neighbors hold coordinated garage sales, watch each other’s homes via Neighborhood Watch, and generally create a “just ask next door for some sugar” atmosphere mv-voice.commv-voice.com. Young children play together on the green strips and ride scooters along the safe, private streets mv-voice.com. Many residents are young professionals and tech workers – often middle to upper-middle class couples or families attracted by the convenience and top-rated schools mv-voice.com. The diversity is notable too, with people from various backgrounds living in close proximity. In short, The Crossings offers a modern Silicon Valley suburbia: you sacrifice a bit of personal space, but you gain walkability, community, and an easy lifestyle where everything from your morning train to your evening groceries is a short stroll away.
Eichler vs. Townhome: Layout, Density & Amenities Compared
Living in a classic Monta Loma Eichler home versus a newer Crossings townhome can be very different experiences. Here’s a quick comparison of key differences and appeals:
🏠 Architecture & Layout: Eichler homes are single-story, mid-century modern houses with open floorplans and walls of glass – ideal for indoor-outdoor living and mid-mod aesthetics en.wikipedia.org. They often include atriums or courtyards and feature iconic post-and-beam construction with exposed wood ceilings. Crossings homes, by contrast, are predominantly two- or three-story townhouses (plus some cottages/condos) with more traditional layouts. Bedrooms are usually upstairs, and while they have modern open kitchens, they lack the atrium design and dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass that define Eichlers. Townhomes offer a more vertical living experience – great for separating living and sleeping areas, but some buyers find the multi-level stairs less convenient than Eichlers’ one-level living.
🌳 Lot Size & Density: In Monta Loma, Eichler homes sit on parcels around 5,000–6,500 sq ft esquirepropertymanagementgroup.com, with private front and back yards (and room for additions or gardens). The neighborhood density is classic suburban (~7 units/acre), so the feel is spacious and green. At The Crossings, the density is roughly 30 units/acreepa.gov – homes cluster closer together, and private outdoor space is limited to small patios or balconies. However, Crossings residents benefit from shared parks and open spaces to make up for smaller yardsmv-voice.com. In essence, Monta Loma offers personal space and mid-century privacy, while The Crossings emphasizes community space and walkability over big yards.
🚗 Amenities & Walkability: The Crossings shines for those who value walking to amenities. With a Walk Score boosted by the adjacent shopping center and transit station, daily needs can be met without a carmv-voice.comepa.gov. There’s even an on-site daycare and a few shops within the developmentepa.gov. Plus, Caltrain access makes trips to Palo Alto, San Francisco, or other job centers straightforward. Monta Loma is more car-dependent; while it’s a short bike or drive to stores, it doesn’t have retail within the tract (though a small strip mall and Monta Loma Elementary are at its edge). That said, Monta Loma has a tranquil residential feel – no thru-traffic from shoppers or commuters – and enjoys nearby parks. Both neighborhoods are fairly bike-friendly and are within a 5-10 minute drive of downtown Mountain View and other hotspots.
🏫 Schools: Families often consider school districts a major factor. Monta Loma is served by the Mountain View–Whisman School District for K-8 (Monta Loma Elementary and Crittenden Middle), and then Mountain View–Los Altos Union High District for high school (the neighborhood is zoned to Los Altos High School). The local elementary has improved in recent years, though historically it wasn’t as high-scoring as some neighboring districts. The Crossings has a draw for families: it falls within the Los Altos School District for elementary and middle school – specifically Covington Elementary and Egan Junior High – which are among the top-rated public schools in the regionmv-voice.com. High school for Crossings is also Los Altos High. This school zoning can make The Crossings especially attractive to young families, as it offers an affordable (relative to Los Altos) entry point to excellent schools. Monta Loma’s schools are strong too (and diverse, with a tight parent community), but for buyers laser-focused on school rankings, The Crossings often has the edge at the elementary level.
💰 Pricing & Market Trends: Both neighborhoods command premium prices, but Eichler homes and townhomes appeal to slightly different budgets. As of 2025, single-family homes in Monta Loma have a median listing price around $2.2M realtor.com, reflecting their land value and Silicon Valley demand. Eichlers in pristine condition or expanded/remodeled can go higher, whereas original-condition homes might be a bit less – though competition from enthusiasts often keeps prices high. The Crossings units vary by type: smaller condos might be in the $700K–$1M range, townhomes often around $1.3M–$1.6M, and the largest 4-bedroom detached homes reaching ~$2M+. The median sale price in The Crossings hovers around $2.0M (with the mix of units) redfin.com, roughly on par with Monta Loma, though price per square foot tends to be lower than Eichlers redfin.com. Eichler homes, being older and smaller, actually often have a higher $/sqft (over $2,000 per sq. ft. on average) redfin.com due to the premium on their design and lot. In recent years both areas have seen strong appreciation thanks to location and demand. Monta Loma’s values have climbed as mid-century modern design surged in popularity and as buyers recognize the convenience of 94043. The Crossings has also appreciated, particularly as tech employment grew, though its newer construction means fewer surprises for buyers (Eichlers might need costly maintenance like roof work or restoring original features). Both markets cooled slightly in the past year with broader market trends, but Monta Loma still saw a ~7% year-over-year increase in listing prices as of April 2025 realtor.com, and The Crossings only a minor dip (~1–2% down) in median sale price redfin.com. Long term, the outlook for both is strong – proximity to jobs and limited housing supply in Mountain View support solid appreciation.
Close to Google: Location Perks for Both Neighborhoods
One common advantage of both Monta Loma and The Crossings is their unbeatable location for Silicon Valley professionals. Living in either neighborhood means Google by day, mid-mod (or modern) by night – the Googleplex and dozens of tech companies are practically next-door. Monta Loma, as noted, is extremely close to Google’s main campus: just ~3 miles, easily bikable or a 5-10 minute drive down Shoreline Blvd or via cycle routes. In fact, Google has expanded right to Monta Loma’s border; the neighborhood is adjacent to a new Google campus on the old mall site at its western edge. For residents, this translates to minimal commute stress – you could be coding at Google in the afternoon and then sipping lemonade in your Eichler atrium by early evening. The Crossings is a bit further south but still within Mountain View, roughly 4–5 miles from Google HQ. Many Crossings residents take advantage of Caltrain or company shuttles – a quick Caltrain ride north to downtown Mountain View puts you near Google’s shuttle stops, or one can bike directly up the Stevens Creek Trail to North Bayshore. Moreover, The Crossings is even closer to other tech hubs: it’s on the border of Palo Alto and Los Altos, making commutes to Stanford, Facebook (Meta), Tesla, or downtown Palo Alto very feasible. It’s also a short train ride or drive to Sunnyvale and Santa Clara offices.
Aside from work, both neighborhoods benefit from excellent Peninsula connectivity. Being in the north of Mountain View, they have easy access to Highway 101 and 85 for north-south travel and to Central Expressway for local connectivity. For those who work in San Francisco or San Jose, the Caltrain station near The Crossings is a big plus (Monta Loma residents are about a mile or so from the same station, not too far to bike). And when it’s time for leisure, having both San Francisco and the South Bay within reach is a luxury – you can catch a Giants game in the city or a concert in San Jose without too much hassle.
Despite urban proximity, the daily life in Monta Loma and The Crossings can feel tucked away from the hustle. Monta Loma’s winding streets and The Crossings’ courtyards provide a refuge to come home to. Imagine finishing a late night at the office or a coding sprint, and coming home: if it’s Monta Loma, maybe you light up the Eichler’s fireplace and enjoy the open-plan space under exposed beams; if it’s The Crossings, maybe you relax on your townhome’s balcony or stroll to the gazebo with a neighbor. The point is, both neighborhoods let residents unwind at home while still being at the epicenter of the tech world. This combination of convenience and comfort is a huge draw for buyers.
Buyer Profiles and Housing Dynamics
Who chooses a vintage Eichler in Monta Loma versus a modern townhome in The Crossings? Often, these two neighborhoods appeal to slightly different buyer profiles, though with overlap among tech employees and young families.
Eichler Buyers: Many Monta Loma homebuyers are architecture lovers or mid-century aficionados who specifically seek an Eichler or mid-century modern house. They appreciate the design pedigree and are often willing to invest in restoring or preserving original features (or at least not tearing the house down). Some are older residents downsizing from larger Bay Area homes into a single-story gem; others are young professionals (yes, even Google engineers!) who love the retro-cool vibe and sense of community. Eichler buyers tend to value character over size – trading off square footage for style and a yard. They also need to be comfortable with an older home’s quirks: flat or low-pitch roofs that need maintenance, older electrical/plumbing (unless updated), and living in close harmony with large panes of 60+ year-old glass. Increasingly, young families have discovered Monta Loma as well – they get a detached home with a yard (often for the price of a townhouse in nearby Palo Alto) and benefit from the neighborhood’s family-friendly activities and parks. These families might renovate the interior for modern comfort but usually respect the mid-century aesthetic (knowing Eichler resale values stay higher when the architecture isn’t compromised). Monta Loma also sees long-time owners aging in place, giving the community a nice mix of generations.
Townhome/Condo Buyers: The Crossings attracts a lot of first-time homebuyers and young families who are priced out of single-family homes in Mountain View or Los Altos but still want a spacious home and good schools. A 3-bedroom townhome with an attached garage at The Crossings can be a more affordable alternative to a 1950s fixer-upper elsewhere. These buyers love the move-in-ready aspect (most Crossings homes are newer and many have been updated with modern finishes) and the low maintenance lifestyle. Tech professionals in their late 20s to 40s find The Crossings ideal – you can hop on Caltrain or drive to Google/Apple, and on weekends walk to Starbucks and groceries without ever needing to start the car. Many have young kids, drawn by the Los Altos school district and the built-in playmates in the neighborhood. Some older couples and downsizers also live in The Crossings, enjoying the convenience and perhaps traveling often (the lock-and-leave nature of a townhome with HOA care). Investors sometimes purchase here too, as the proximity to jobs means strong rental demand (though HOAs often have rental caps). Overall, Crossings buyers prioritize convenience, schools, and a sense of community, and they’re willing to live more closely with neighbors to get it.
Turnover and Competition: Monta Loma’s market can be tight – since many residents “tend to stay” long-termesquirepropertymanagementgroup.com, few Eichlers come up for sale at a time. When they do, there is often intense competition, including from developers or flippers eyeing the lots. However, Monta Loma’s active community and unofficial preservation ethos mean outright teardowns are rarer; buyers often opt to renovate within the home’s footprint or add a tasteful addition in back if needed. The Crossings, on the other hand, being a planned development, has a steadier turnover of units (people move in and out as their families grow or jobs change). The HOAs keep the neighborhood look consistent, so buyers know what they’re getting – there’s less worry about your neighbor suddenly remodeling into a McMansion (an impossibility in The Crossings, but a concern Eichler owners have if a mid-mod home were replaced with a two-story house next door). Both areas generally hold value well. Monta Loma’s appreciation has been driven by its location and rarity – it’s a finite historic-style enclave amid a sea of newer development. The Crossings’ appreciation is fueled by demand for transit-friendly housing and the perennial desirability of Los Altos schools plus Mountain View address.
Preservation and Future Outlook
One interesting aspect of Monta Loma is the preservation efforts surrounding its mid-century homes. While Monta Loma is not a formally designated historic district, the neighborhood association and many residents take pride in maintaining the original Eichler/Mackay aesthetic. There’s a gentle community pressure to avoid disharmonious remodels – for example, adding a faux-Tuscan façade on an Eichler would likely earn some frowns (and potentially hurt resale value, as mid-century purists might shy away)eichlerhomesforsale.com. In fact, real estate experts note that in Eichler neighborhoods, remodels work best when they respect the mid-century style, and overbuilding (like adding a huge second story) can be a “value-killer” for an Eichler home eichlerhomesforsale.com. Monta Loma’s streetscape today looks remarkably similar to the 1950s vision: low profiles, integrated carports or garages, and consistent setbacks. The City of Mountain View has also been updating its historic preservation policies, and homes from the 1950s are now old enough to be evaluated for historic significance mountainview.gov. While it’s unclear if Monta Loma’s Eichlers will gain official historic status, the city’s Historic Context Statement (as of 2024) does recognize Monta Loma as a significant mid-century development. This could pave the way for future incentives to preserve these homes.
Zoning-wise, Monta Loma is zoned for single-family houses (R1), which shields it from dense redevelopment. Recent California laws like SB9 (allowing duplexes on single-family lots) are on the books, but given Monta Loma’s strong community voice and the value of each parcel, we haven’t seen much lot-splitting or new duplex construction there yet – it’s mostly remained single-family in form. The neighborhood did successfully advocate for preserving its large heritage trees and parks, as noted by their association’s work with the cityesquirepropertymanagementgroup.com. So, the mid-mod lifestyle in Monta Loma seems secure for the foreseeable future.
The Crossings, being a relatively new planned community, has a different outlook. Its HOAs and design guidelines inherently preserve the look and feel – one can’t significantly alter the exterior of a Crossings home without approval, ensuring the cohesive style remains. As it ages (now around 30 years old), maintenance of shared infrastructure will be key, but the HOAs have reserves for things like private road upkeep, roof replacements for condos, etc. There was a concern back in 2011 that the adjacent San Antonio Caltrain station might close due to budget cuts mv-voice.com, which would have impacted The Crossings’ transit-oriented appeal. Thankfully, that station remains open and has actually grown busier with Caltrain’s upgrades, so The Crossings continues to enjoy the rail link (and likely will even more after Caltrain’s forthcoming electrification). If anything, The Crossings might see more development around it – the entire San Antonio area has been adding new apartments, offices, and retail. Those new projects (like the nearby San Antonio Phase II development with a theater and more shops) only enhance the walkability for Crossings residents. The risk of over-development is something to watch (traffic and parking are already tight in the area mv-voice.com), but Mountain View’s planning awards for The Crossings suggest the city remains proud of this neighborhood as a model for smart growth.
In summary, both Monta Loma and The Crossings seem well-positioned moving forward: one safeguarded by community passion for mid-century heritage, the other by structured planning and continued demand for transit-friendly housing. Each offers a distinct way to enjoy the Silicon Valley lifestyle:
If you dream of a Mad Men-era modern home with glass walls and a backyard where you can host retro cocktail parties – and still be 5 minutes from Google – Monta Loma might be your paradise. You’ll join a community of neighbors who bond over architecture, annual picnics, and pride in a truly historic neighborhood eichlernetwork.com.
If instead you want the convenience of a townhome where you can walk your kids to the park, stroll to dinner, ride the train to work, and send your kids to top schools – all in a safe, well-kept environment – then The Crossings could be your ideal spot. It’s Silicon Valley suburbia reimagined for the modern era, where community is engineered by design (and you might even give up one of your cars because you just don’t need it as much).
Mountain View’s 94043 zone proves you really can have the best of both worlds. Whether in an Eichler or a townhome, you can live close to cutting-edge companies by day and come home to a close-knit neighborhood at night. Mid-century modern or New Urbanist modern – the choice depends on your taste, but either way you’ll be joining a community that values what makes Mountain View special: innovation and a high quality of life. In a region racing toward the future, Monta Loma and The Crossings show the enduring appeal of thoughtful neighborhood design, old and new. mv-voice.com