Monta Loma: Mountain View’s Mid-Century Modern Gem

Monta Loma is a mid-century modern neighborhood in Mountain View, California that stands out in Silicon Valley real estate for its unique design heritage and vibrant community. Developed in the 1950s, Monta Loma is home to hundreds of Eichler and Eichler-inspired homes by builders Joseph Eichler, John Mackay, and Mardell. In this post, we’ll explore Monta Loma’s design roots, lifestyle appeal, current market trends, and how it compares to other Silicon Valley Eichler neighborhoods in Sunnyvale and Palo Alto. Whether you’re a mid-century modern enthusiast, a homebuyer eyeing Mountain View real estate, or a seller in the area, read on to learn why Monta Loma is a true hidden gem of mid-century modern homes in Silicon Valley.

Design Roots: Eichler & Mackay Heritage in Monta Loma

Monta Loma’s architectural pedigree dates back to the post-WWII housing boom, when Joseph Eichler and other developers transformed former orchard lands into modern tract homes en.wikipedia.org. Eichler’s Fairview tract in Monta Loma includes roughly 200 “Eichler beauties” built in the mid-1950s flrig.beesbuzz.biz – mostly three-bedroom, two-bath houses around 1,100 sq ft, exemplifying Eichler’s signature indoor-outdoor design. These homes were designed by Eichler’s architects (Anshen & Allen, and later Jones & Emmons) and feature open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling glass, post-and-beam construction, and seamless integration with nature.

Eichler wasn’t alone in Monta Loma. His contemporary John Mackay (of Mackay Homes) and the Mardell Building Company also built mid-century modern houses here en.wikipedia.org. In fact, Monta Loma is unusual for having three distinct mid-century builders working side by side. Eichler’s tract (called “Fairview”) offered classic Eichler designs with open beam plank ceilings and slab radiant heat floors. Mackay’s homes (many in the “Oakwood” section) were similar single-story modern ranches, some on slab and some on raised perimeter foundations, typically ~1,100–1,300 sq ft montaloma.org. The Mardell homes (“Mardell Manor” tract) were slightly later (built 1955–59) and also mid-century in style – to a casual observer they’re “indistinguishable from Eichlers and Mackays” montaloma.org. Mardell houses often have hardwood floors and painted panel ceilings, whereas Eichlers have exposed wood ceilings, giving aficionados a way to tell them apart montaloma.org.

Overall, the effect is a harmonious neighborhood of mid-century modern homes. As one write-up notes, Monta Loma is like a “7/8ths-scale” version of south Palo Alto’s Eichler tracts – similar post-and-beam architecture, just a bit smaller on average montaloma.org. The lot sizes tend to be cozy (around 5,000–6,500 sq ft) and many homes are ~1,100–1,300 sq ft originals (though some have been expanded). Indoor-outdoor living is a common theme: features like floor-to-ceiling glass walls, central courtyards or patios, and open carports or breezeways are prevalent, all intended to “bring the outdoors in”. Monta Loma’s mid-century homes typically have fewer interior walls, exposed beam ceilings, and ample glass – a design ethos that still feels “iconic, unique, and rich in history” today flrig.beesbuzz.biz.

Lifestyle and Community in Monta Loma

One of Monta Loma’s greatest strengths is its community feel. This is a neighborhood where residents take pride in where they live – quite literally wearing it on their sleeve (or head!). It’s said that locals have been spotted wearing caps embroidered with “Monta Loma,” and the community supports various hobby clubs like gardening, knitting, and biking to bring neighbors together. The Monta Loma Neighborhood Association (MLNA) is very active, hosting annual events like block parties, ice cream socials, holiday gatherings, and more boyengateam.com. Founded in the 1970s, the MLNA has even won awards for community building and keeps residents connected (including maintaining a CERT emergency response team) boyengateam.com. This tight-knit atmosphere is reminiscent of Palo Alto’s Greenmeadow (which has its own community association and events) and speaks to the friendly, engaged vibe in Monta Loma.

For families, schools and parks are a big part of the lifestyle. The neighborhood has its own elementary school, Monta Loma Elementary, right in the center – so kids often walk or bike to school. (Fun fact: a young Steve Jobs lived on Diablo Ave in Monta Loma and attended Monta Loma Elementary in the 1960s en.wikipedia.org!) Older students attend Crittenden Middle (also nearby) and then feed into Los Altos High School, one of the top-rated high schools in the area. Proximity to quality schools is a draw for buyers with children.

Monta Loma also boasts two local parks: Monta Loma Park, a spacious green space with a playground and open fields, and Thaddeus Park, a smaller tot-lot park perfect for young kids. These parks are social hubs where you’ll find neighbors chatting while kids play, much like the atmosphere in Sunnyvale’s Eichler tracts (where it’s common to see folks strolling with dogs and strollers in the evenings boyengateam.com). In terms of daily convenience, Monta Loma is reasonably walkable – there’s a neighborhood shopping strip with a grocery store and cafe nearby, and the larger San Antonio Center (with groceries, dining, and retail) is just a few minutes away. Many streets have sidewalks and see more bike traffic than car traffic, reinforcing the relaxed, community-oriented feel.

Another lifestyle perk is Monta Loma’s location in Mountain View. The neighborhood sits in the northeastern part of the city, bordered by San Antonio, Middlefield, Rengstorff, and Central Expressway en.wikipedia.org. This puts it conveniently close to major Silicon Valley job centers. In fact, Google’s newest campus (at the former Mayfield Mall site) is directly adjacent to Monta Loma’s border. Many Monta Loma residents enjoy a bike-able commute to Google and other tech campuses in Mountain View and Palo Alto. NASA Ames, LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Intuit campuses are also a short drive or cycle away. Despite this proximity to employment, Monta Loma remains tucked away from the hustle – its tree-lined streets and single-story profile make it feel like a tranquil suburb within the city.

In summary, living in Monta Loma offers a blend of mid-century charm and modern convenience: you get the camaraderie of an established community, the aesthetic of “California Modern” homes, plus easy access to parks, schools, and the heartbeat of Silicon Valley’s tech scene.

Market Insights: Home Values, Trends & Buyers in Monta Loma

For those interested in buying or selling in Monta Loma, it’s important to understand the current market dynamics. Monta Loma is part of the Mountain View real estate market, which has been very strong in recent years. However, Monta Loma’s niche of mid-century modern homes can have its own supply and demand factors – Eichler enthusiasts definitely keep an eye on this neighborhood.

Home values in Monta Loma currently sit in the upper tier for Mountain View, though still generally below the prices seen in Palo Alto Eichler tracts. As of early 2025, the median sale price in Monta Loma is around $1.9 million redfin.com. This represents a slight dip (around 9–10% lower) compared to the previous year’s prices redfin.com, reflecting some recent market cooling after the frenzied spikes of 2021–2022. Still, at nearly $2M, Monta Loma homes command a premium over many standard tract homes thanks to their location and architectural appeal. Price per square foot in Monta Loma is very high – recently over $2,000 per sq. ft. on average redfin.com – partly because the homes tend to be smaller mid-century models, and partly due to intense competition for limited inventory.

Indeed, inventory is usually tight. Monta Loma is a relatively small neighborhood (around 1,000 homes total), and not many homeowners choose to sell in any given year (many are long-term owners who cherish the community). In February 2025, for example, only 4 homes sold, versus 8 sales the previous February redfin.com. Over a full year, Monta Loma might see only a few dozen sales. Demand, however, is strong – Redfin classifies the Monta Loma housing market as “most competitive,” with homes selling in around 10–14 days on market on average redfin.com. It’s common to see multiple offers for a well-maintained Eichler or Mackay home in this area, especially if it’s been tastefully updated. Low interest rates (in prior years) and the continual influx of tech buyers have kept competition healthy.

In terms of buyer demographics, Monta Loma attracts a mix of house-hunters. A significant proportion are tech professionals and young families drawn by the convenient commute to Google and other employers. These buyers love that they can get a single-family home (often with a yard) close to work – something hard to find in denser areas. Many also appreciate the mid-century modern style; Eichler homes have almost a cult following, and it’s not unusual for Eichler aficionados to specifically target Monta Loma for its concentration of authentic 1950s modern architecture. At the same time, Monta Loma has some longtime residents – original owners from the 1950s or their families, as well as people who’ve lived here for decades. As these owners decide to downsize or move, it opens opportunities for new buyers to join the community. The result is a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds among residents. For example, just as in Sunnyvale’s Rancho Verde Eichler tract (where ages range from original owners in their 80s to young families with toddlers), boyengateam.com, Monta Loma has retirees, middle-aged professionals, and young kids all in one neighborhood. This diversity adds to the welcoming vibe.

Recent trends: The Mountain View market (and Bay Area in general) saw a rapid rise in prices through 2021 and early 2022, followed by a plateau or slight correction in late 2022–2023. Monta Loma was no exception – some Eichler homes here that might have sold around $1.7M in 2019 shot up to well over $2M at the peak. The slight year-over-year decline in median price redfin.com suggests prices have leveled off a bit, which can be healthy for the market. However, with only ~1 month of housing supply available in Monta Loma (inventory remains scarce) homes.com, home values are expected to stay resilient. Modernized Eichlers – those with upgraded kitchens, new roofs (very important for flat-roof Eichlers!), and expansions that add living space while respecting the architecture – tend to fetch the highest prices. It’s not unheard of for a beautifully remodeled, larger Monta Loma home to approach the mid-$2 millions. Meanwhile, more original-condition homes might be closer to the mid-$1 millions. Overall, for buyers, Monta Loma represents a chance to own a piece of mid-century modern Silicon Valley without the Palo Alto price tag; for sellers, it’s a market where unique design is a selling point that often commands enthusiastic response.

Comparing Monta Loma to Sunnyvale and Palo Alto Eichler Neighborhoods

How does Monta Loma stack up against other famed Eichler neighborhoods in Silicon Valley, such as Sunnyvale’s Fairbrae/Rancho Verde tracts or Palo Alto’s Greenmeadow and Los Arboles? Let’s break down the comparisons in terms of architecture, pricing, market activity, and community vibe:

• Architecture & Design: Monta Loma’s Eichlers are early- to mid-1950s models, typically modest in size (3BR/2BA, ~1100 sq ft) with either flat or low-pitched roofs and without the enclosed atriums that became Eichler’s hallmark in later years flrig.beesbuzz.biz. In contrast, Sunnyvale Eichler tracts like Fairbrae and Rancho Verde (built in the late 1950s and early 1960s) feature larger Eichler models, almost all 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, many with atriums or courtyards and some dramatic A-frame rooflines boyengateam.com. For example, Rancho Verde Eichlers often have the classic open-air atrium at the entrance and a mix of flat and peaked roofs, reflecting Eichler’s evolved designs by 1962 boyengateam.com. Palo Alto Eichler neighborhoods like Greenmeadow (circa 1954-1957) and Los Arboles (early 1960s) also generally have larger floor plans than Monta Loma – many Greenmeadow homes are 4BR and include atriums or attached garages, and Los Arboles models introduced some two-story Eichlers in later phases. Essentially, scale and features set these areas apart: Monta Loma homes feel more compact and cozy, whereas Sunnyvale and Palo Alto Eichlers can feel more expansive. That said, all share the quintessential mid-century modern elements (post-and-beam construction, glass walls, etc.), so any MCM lover will appreciate all of these neighborhoods. One unique aspect in Monta Loma is the presence of Mackay and Mardell homes intermingled, which adds slight variety (such as occasional brick accents or different ceiling finishes), whereas Sunnyvale and Palo Alto tracts are almost exclusively Eichler-built.

• Home Prices: There is a notable price gradient between these areas, largely due to location and school districts. Monta Loma’s median price is around $1.8–$2.0M as noted above redfin.com. Sunnyvale Eichlers tend to fetch a bit more on average. Recent listings in Sunnyvale’s Rancho Verde/Fairbrae have been in the $2.5M to $3M+ range (for example, one Eichler on Boise Court was listed around $3.5 million) eichlerforsale.com. Sunnyvale has a high concentration of Eichlers (over 1,100 Eichler homes spread across multiple tracts) and demand is strong, especially for homes in the best school zones. (Notably, part of the Fairbrae tract in Sunnyvale feeds into Cupertino schools like West Valley Elementary and Homestead High – very coveted, which boosts values.) Even in the parts with Sunnyvale schools, Eichler neighborhoods are popular and see high prices due to larger house sizes and proximity to Apple’s campus (Cupertino). Meanwhile, Palo Alto Eichlers are the most expensive of all. In Greenmeadow, the average sale price in the last year is about $3.2M, with many sales in the mid-$3M range homes.com, and it’s not uncommon for a nicely updated Eichler in Palo Alto to exceed $3.5M. Palo Alto’s prestige (top-ranked Palo Alto schools, and overall city cachet) commands a premium. For instance, homes in Greenmeadow have a median around $3.37M as of 2025 homes.com, roughly 70-80% higher than Monta Loma’s median. So, from a price standpoint: Monta Loma offers relative value – you can often get an Eichler-style home for significantly less than in Palo Alto, and somewhat less than in prime Sunnyvale Eichler tracts, while staying in Mountain View.

• Market Activity: All these neighborhoods tend to have low turnover, but Palo Alto Eichler tracts (being larger subdivisions) might see more annual sales simply due to scale. Greenmeadow, for example, had 29 sales in the past 12 months homes.com, whereas Monta Loma’s annual sales are typically lower. Monta Loma and Sunnyvale Eichler areas both see quick sales when a home does hit the market – often within a week or two, thanks to pent-up demand. In Palo Alto, even though prices are high, Eichlers still usually sell briskly (averaging ~19 days on market in Greenmeadow)homes.com, as the buyer pool for Palo Alto is very deep. One difference: competition in Monta Loma and Sunnyvale might involve a slightly broader mix of buyers – including those specifically seeking Eichler/MCM style and those just looking in the city in general – whereas in Palo Alto’s Eichler tracts, many buyers are intentionally seeking Palo Alto (for schools, etc.) and the Eichler style is a bonus. Also, remodel potential plays a role: some Palo Alto Eichlers get bought by people intending to carefully expand or even replace (though the city now has Eichler preservation guidelines), whereas in Monta Loma and Sunnyvale, outright teardowns are rarer due to more preservation-minded communities and, historically, single-story overlay zones or neighborhood pride that protects the character.

• Community Vibe: If you’re looking for a strong community vibe, all of these neighborhoods deliver, though in slightly different flavors. Monta Loma is known for its grassroots community spirit – the neighborhood association, casual clubs (garden club, etc.), and events create a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Neighbors know each other, original 1950s owners mingle with newcomers at block parties, and there’s a shared identity as “Monta Loma” residents. Sunnyvale Eichler tracts like Fairbrae and Rancho Verde also have friendly, social atmospheres. Rancho Verde, for instance, has been described as a “sociable neighborhood, with folks often chatting in the early evening while pushing strollers or walking dogs” boyengateam.com. Longtime residents (some original owners from the ’60s) foster a sense of continuity, and there’s an informal network of Eichler enthusiasts sharing tips on maintenance and restoration. Sunnyvale’s Fairbrae even has the Fairbrae Swim & Tennis Club right within the tract, which acts as a community gathering spot for families. This is similar to Palo Alto’s Greenmeadow, which is famous for its neighborhood association and community pool – they host holiday parades, BBQs, and have a tightly-knit feel that’s been going strong since the 1950s. Greenmeadow and nearby Palo Alto Eichler areas also benefit from active neighborhood leadership (they successfully lobbied for single-story zoning to preserve the Eichler look). Los Arboles in Palo Alto is a bit smaller than Greenmeadow but also has a cohesive feel on its tree-named streets, with an emphasis on preservation and community (many neighbors supported an Eichler Design Guidelines effort in the city.

  One way to think of it: Monta Loma and Greenmeadow are somewhat kindred spirits – both are mid-century enclaves with formal community groups and events (one in Mountain View, one in Palo Alto). Sunnyvale Eichler tracts are a collection of smaller neighborhoods, each with local camaraderie (and often email lists or Facebook groups for Eichler owners), but not a single unified association due to their geographic spread. If you move into any of these areas, expect to be welcomed by like-minded neighbors and likely invited to at least one neighborhood party a year!

Monta Loma: A Mid-Century Modern Haven in Silicon Valley

In the grand tour of Silicon Valley Eichler homes, Monta Loma holds a special place. It offers an appealing balance of location, community, and architecture. You get the Mountain View address (with all the benefits of that city’s services, parks, and central positioning), a commute-friendly spot near major tech hubs, and a charming neighborhood ambiance that feels tucked back in time to the 1950s. The mid-century modern homes themselves are the centerpiece – for many buyers, owning an Eichler or Mackay home in Monta Loma is a chance to live in a piece of design history, all while enjoying modern Silicon Valley living.

From an investment perspective, Monta Loma has shown steady growth and remains in demand. Its relative affordability compared to Palo Alto makes it attractive, yet its uniqueness propels strong competition for each listing. The buyer profile skews toward those who appreciate the style and community – which often translates into homeowners who lovingly maintain and upgrade their properties, further enhancing the neighborhood. For sellers, highlighting Monta Loma’s “lifestyle story” – the friendly block, the nearby parks and schools, the fact that you can bike to Google – is just as important as marketing the open-air atrium or new kitchen. Buyers are not just buying a home in Monta Loma; they’re joining a community and embracing an aesthetic.

In summary, Monta Loma is Mountain View’s mid-century modern gem – a neighborhood where Eichler and Mackay design roots run deep, where kids play in the streets and neighbors organize potlucks, where the convenience of Silicon Valley meets the cool of California Modern. If you’re hunting for mid-century modern homes in Mountain View, Monta Loma should top your list. And if you’re a homeowner here considering selling, rest assured you have something truly special – a home that’s part of local history and a community that many prospective buyers would love to call their own. Monta Loma real estate embodies more than just a house; it’s a lifestyle in a little corner of Silicon Valley that time lovingly preserved. Welcome home to Monta Loma!

Sources:

• Mountain View Eichler & Mackay home historyen.wikipedia.org flrig.beesbuzz.biz

• Monta Loma home styles and developer info montaloma.org

• Community and lifestyle details (parks, Google campus) boyengateam.com

• Monta Loma housing market stats redfin.com

• Sunnyvale Eichler neighborhood info boyengateam.com

• Example Sunnyvale Eichler pricing

• Palo Alto Eichler pricing and market info homes.com