Hidden Eichler Enclave in 95130: School Boundaries, Architecture, and Investment Potential

Discovering San Jose’s Hidden Eichler Enclave in Calabazas North

In the far corner of West San Jose’s Calabazas North area lies a mid-century modern secret known as the Fairhaven Eichler tract. This lesser-known neighborhood, set in ZIP code 95130 near the San Jose–Campbell border, is a tiny enclave of classic Eichler homes that even many locals drive past unaware. Developed in 1962–63 on what was once a plum orchard eichlernetwork.com, Fairhaven spans just three small streets – Mossbrook Avenue, Mossbrook Circle, and Student Lane – comprising only 57 homes in total. What it lacks in size or fame, however, it makes up for in architectural pedigree and a close-knit community spirit.

Location and Boundaries of the Fairhaven Tract

Geographically, Fairhaven occupies a wedge of West San Jose tucked against the Campbell city line. Its boundaries are informal, essentially defined by the extent of those three Eichler-lined streets. Entering the tract feels like stepping into a 1960s time capsule: low-slung modern homes with clean lines and glass walls sit under a canopy of mature trees. Major landmarks are conveniently close by – residents can walk to retail hubs like Westgate and El Paseo shopping centers and are only minutes from highways 17, 280, and 85 for easy commuting. The Los Ranchitos Cabana Club (a community swim club in adjacent Campbell) is a short stroll away, underscoring how this neighborhood straddles suburban city borders. In effect, Fairhaven is hidden in plain sight – technically San Jose, but nearly in Campbell, and often overshadowed by more celebrated Eichler enclaves elsewhere.

Despite its under-the-radar status, pinpointing Fairhaven is easy once you know where to look. The tract is nestled just southwest of Saratoga Avenue and Campbell Avenue, near Quito Road. It’s bounded by conventional ranch-style developments on most sides, making the cluster of Eichlers stand out like a modernist island amid a sea of traditional suburban homes. This contrast in architecture acts as a natural boundary: you’ll know you’ve arrived in Fairhaven when the brick facades and bay windows of typical 1950s houses give way to post-and-beam roofs, broad eaves, and paneled garage doors distinctive of Eichler design. In short, Fairhaven’s exact footprint may be small, but it’s unmistakably defined by the presence of Joseph Eichler’s visionary homes.

Architectural Integrity and Eichler Heritage

A classic Fairhaven Eichler home in West San Jose, showcasing hallmark mid-century features: low-pitched rooflines, exposed beams, globe entry lights, and an inviting integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.

The homes of Fairhaven proudly retain the architectural DNA of Joseph Eichler’s mid-century modern vision. Built in the early 1960s, these are later-period Eichlers designed by renowned architects A. Quincy Jones & Frederick Emmons and Claude Oakland, who gave the tract a mix of three distinct models (including two atrium layouts) eichlernetwork.com. As a result, most houses here are slightly larger and more refined than earlier Eichlers – averaging around 1,700 sq ft of living space – yet they still embody the classic Eichler look. Hallmark features include open post-and-beam construction, peaky low-sloping roofs with deep overhangs, and floor-to-ceiling glass that invites natural light and garden views into virtually every room. Many original details survive: in some homes you’ll find the original Philippine mahogany wall paneling, globe pendant lights, and even working in-floor radiant heating – all lovingly preserved by owners who value their home’s heritage. Each house also centers on an open-air atrium or courtyard, a signature Eichler element that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors and lends these homes a delightfully modern “California living” vibe.

Over the decades, homeowners in this tract have taken care to balance preservation with practicality. To the delight of Eichler purists, most façades remain intact – you won’t see second-story additions looming here, nor ornate remodels that erase the mid-century character. Instead, updates tend to be subtle and sympathetic: many houses now sport upgraded insulated roofs and double-pane glazing in place of the original single-pane glass for energy efficiency redfin.com. It’s common to see foam roofs (for better insulation) or discreet solar panels on these flat or gently sloped roofs, plus periodic refreshes of paint in era-appropriate palettes. Inside, remodeled kitchens and bathrooms incorporate modern conveniences while echoing the home’s original style – for example, flat-front cabinetry or period-inspired tile selections. These modifications ensure the homes remain comfortable for 21st-century living, but without sacrificing their Eichler soul. As one recent listing highlighted, Fairhaven owners often retain “classic Eichler features” like the open-beam ceilings and panoramic glass walls even as they update systems and finishes redfin.com. The result is a neighborhood that feels frozen in time at a glance, yet houses are quietly equipped with contemporary luxuries such as mini-split AC units and updated appliances behind those iconic facades redfin.com.

Community Spirit and Lifestyle Appeal

Resort-like living in Fairhaven: many homes feature private backyards with pools and patios, perfect for the indoor-outdoor lifestyle Eichler homes were designed to enable.

One of Fairhaven’s greatest assets is an old-fashioned neighborly camaraderie that complements its architectural appeal. Newcomers to this tiny Eichler enclave aren’t just welcomed – they’re adopted into a community of enthusiastic mid-century homeowners. The neighborhood has an active homeowners’ network (informal but tight-knit) that plans annual block parties, holiday gatherings, and even Eichler home tours for residents. It’s not unusual for a summer barbecue to spontaneously materialize in a neighbor’s carport, or for families to gather in the atrium of a home to celebrate a milestone. This communal atmosphere hearkens back to the tract’s origins when original owners bonded over their unique homes; remarkably, that spirit endures 60+ years later. In fact, long-time residents often pass their homes to new buyers who share a passion for Eichler architecture, effectively “curating” the community’s membership to keep the Eichler ethos alive. The result is a friendly, almost semi-private enclave where everyone knows the value of what they have and works together to preserve it – a trait more commonly associated with iconic Eichler tracts like Palo Alto’s Greenmeadow or San Mateo’s Highlands, but very much present here on a smaller scale.

Lifestyle in Fairhaven is deeply influenced by the design of the homes. These houses were built for indoor-outdoor living, and the community takes full advantage of that. Many properties boast lush backyards (some with mid-century era swimming pools, as pictured above) and vine-covered atrium patios that serve as outdoor living rooms. On any given evening, you might catch glimpses of life through the rear glass walls – families dining next to the glow of the fireplace, or kids playing in the atrium under the open sky, all in line of sight from the street thanks to Eichler’s trademark transparency. The neighborhood’s location also means residents enjoy suburban tranquility with urban conveniences close by. A quick walk brings you to grocery stores, cafes, and even a nearby community garden and park, yet inside Fairhaven’s loop of streets there’s little traffic and plenty of privacy. It’s this blend of mid-century charm and modern Silicon Valley living that gives Fairhaven its special, if understated, allure.

School Boundaries and Family Appeal

Another factor quietly boosting Fairhaven’s desirability is its assigned schools, which are considered solid and contribute to the tract’s family-friendly reputation. The neighborhood lies within the Moreland School District – a small, well-regarded district – meaning young children typically attend Latimer Elementary and Moreland Middle School. These schools offer a strong sense of community and above-average academic performance, often scoring well in local rankings (even if they don’t have the sky-high test scores of Palo Alto or Cupertino’s famous schools). For high school, teens here matriculate to Prospect High School (in the Campbell Union High School District). Prospect High, located a short drive away, provides a diverse curriculum and modernized campus that parents in the area appreciate.

While Fairhaven’s schools might not carry the same cachet as, say, Gunn High in Palo Alto or Lynbrook in West San Jose’s 95129 ZIP, they are good schools that help make the area attractive to young families. In real estate terms, this means Fairhaven strikes a compelling balance: you get the unique architecture and community vibe of an Eichler tract without paying the premium for a elite school district. Many buyers find this trade-off appealing – they can enter the Eichler home market at a relatively lower price point, then supplement with private enrichment or simply enjoy the neighborhood’s supportive environment for raising kids. The school boundaries also keep Fairhaven feeling a bit more low-key; there isn’t the frenzy of competition for housing purely for school scores that you see in some Cupertino school zones. Instead, families often choose this area because they love the homes and the community first and foremost, with the schools being a comfortable plus. In short, Moreland/Prospect provides a stable educational backdrop that enhances Fairhaven’s livability, rounding out its profile as an unpretentious yet desirable neighborhood for those who value design, community, and decent schools in equal measure.

Investment Potential vs. More Famous Eichler Neighborhoods

From an investment perspective, Fairhaven represents an intriguing opportunity when compared to its more famous Eichler cousins in Silicon Valley. Home prices in this West San Jose tract are generally more accessible than those in prestige Eichler neighborhoods like Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, or Willow Glen’s Fairglen – yet they share many of the same architectural charms. For example, while an updated Eichler in Palo Alto’s Greenmeadow or Los Arboles can easily command $3 to $4 million+ in today’s market, an Eichler in Fairhaven typically trades in the high-$1 million to mid-$2 million range. Recent sales back this up: a 4-bedroom Fairhaven Eichler sold in late 2023 for about $1.78 million redfin.com, and another nicely renovated one fetched roughly $2.15 million in mid-2024 redfin.com. Even the most highly upgraded, showcase-quality Eichler in this tract (with designer kitchen, solar, pool, etc.) topped out around the low-to-mid $2 millions at the peak of the market. By comparison, Eichlers in Palo Alto often exceed $3.5M, and the record sale in Willow Glen’s Fairglen tract recently hit around $2.6M for a expanded model. In Fairhaven, your dollar simply goes further – you get the same iconic post-and-beam architecture and indoor-outdoor lifestyle, often at a lower cost per square foot than in the Peninsula or even other parts of San Jose.

Importantly, the investment potential in Fairhaven remains strong. Eichler homes have a devoted buyer pool, and as mid-century design continues its resurgence in popularity, even the “secondary” Eichler neighborhoods are seeing heightened demand. Fairhaven is no exception: inventory here is chronically low, since only 57 homes exist and owners tend to hold onto them. It’s not uncommon to have zero active listings in the tract for months at a time, with perhaps only a few homes selling each year. This scarcity creates competition when a well-maintained Eichler does hit the market. Homes often receive multiple offers, especially if they boast preserved original details or tasteful upgrades. Over the past few years, Fairhaven Eichlers have appreciated steadily – values recovered quickly after the 2022 market cooldown, with sale prices in 2023–2024 rebounding to near record highs. The neighborhood’s relative obscurity actually works in investors’ favor: there is room for upside as more buyers “discover” Fairhaven. As nearby Eichler enclaves (like those in Fairglen, Willow Glen) gain historic recognition and publicity, spillover interest is likely to benefit Fairhaven. Savvy buyers realize they can secure a genuine Eichler here at a smaller premium, then enjoy solid long-term equity growth as mid-century modern homes remain in limited supply and high demand. In summary, Fairhaven may be unheralded, but it offers a compelling mix of architectural uniqueness and investment value that stands up well against its better-known counterparts.

Recent Market Trends and Pricing

Zooming in on the latest market trends, Fairhaven’s home prices have been on a general upward trajectory, mirroring the broader Silicon Valley housing market with some mid-pandemic turbulence. In 2021, at the height of the real estate boom, a beautifully remodeled Fairhaven Eichler with premium upgrades (showcased on Houzz and outfitted with a high-end kitchen, solar panels, and a pool) sold for around $2.3–$2.4 million – setting a high-water mark for the tract. Following the interest rate hikes, the market cooled slightly in 2022, and by late 2023 a few more original or less-updated Eichlers traded in the high $1 millions (e.g. ~$1.8M) redfin.com. However, any dip was short-lived. By mid-2024, buyer confidence had returned and prices ticked back up – as evidenced by the sale of a 1,785 sq ft Fairhaven home for $2.15M in June 2024 redfin.com. The median price in this tract now sits around the ~$2 million mark, depending on condition and size, which is noteworthy for a neighborhood that was long viewed as a budget-friendly Eichler option.

One reason values remain strong is the sheer lack of supply. At the time of writing, inventory is extremely limited – often zero homes are actively for sale in Fairhaven, and when one does appear, it tends to sell quickly. The average days on market here is often lower than San Jose’s overall average, thanks to that combination of Eichler cachet and the neighborhood’s convenient West Valley location. Demand comes not just from architectural enthusiasts, but also from tech professionals and families who appreciate the easy commute and the unique ambience. For context, broader West San Jose (95130/95129) real estate has been hot due to its proximity to Cupertino and Apple’s campus, and while Fairhaven’s prices trail slightly behind the absolute top Cupertino-school districts, they’ve been catching up. The current trend suggests a healthy, stable market: modest year-over-year appreciation, high sale-to-list price ratios (often over 100%), and a mix of end-user buyers and long-term investors snapping up any rare opportunities. Barring any major economic shifts, the outlook for Fairhaven Eichlers is continued gradual appreciation – they benefit from the general shortage of homes in Silicon Valley, plus the niche scarcity of Eichler properties. In essence, this hidden enclave has proven to be as resilient and rewarding an investment as it is a delightful place to live.

A Blend of Architectural Charm and Real Estate Savvy

Quietly nestled in West San Jose’s Calabazas North, the Fairhaven Eichler tract exemplifies a harmonious blend of mid-century architectural curiosity and savvy real estate value. Its exact location may be off the beaten path, and it lacks the name recognition of Greenmeadow or Fairglen, but that’s precisely what makes it special. Here, you’ll find authentic Eichler homes with their atriums and angular roofs intact, a community that cherishes its unique character, and a neighborhood experience that feels frozen in a kinder, gentler time – all within the context of Silicon Valley’s thriving metropolis. The architectural integrity of Fairhaven’s homes, many still boasting original features from the 1960s, satisfies the purist’s heart, while smart upgrades and strong market performance satisfy the investor’s mind. Families are drawn not only to the design pedigree but also to the decent schools and friendly vibe, creating a well-rounded desirability beyond mere aesthetics.

In the end, Fairhaven offers a lifestyle and investment proposition that’s increasingly hard to find: it’s an accessible entry point into the Eichler world, without compromising on the essential qualities that make Eichler neighborhoods so beloved. As more people seek out mid-century modern living, this once “obscure” pocket of West San Jose is poised to shine brighter. For those who value the convergence of history, design, and sound real estate fundamentals, the Fairhaven Eichler tract is truly a hidden gem worth uncovering.

Sources: Local Eichler community archives, San Jose planning documents, Moreland School District data, and recent real estate sales reports redfin.com. All information is current as of 2025 and reflects the latest market observations and historical research on the Fairhaven Eichler neighborhood.

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